John (Lofty) Thomas

John “Lofty” Thomas, a celebrated figure in the skydiving community, began his skydiving journey in 1967 after witnessing a display by the Red Devils Freefall Team at Windsor. His first jump was at Thruxton, and he quickly became enamored with the sport. Leveraging his skills as a coach fitter with the Bristol Aeroplane Company, Thomas built his own parachuting equipment, which soon garnered attention for its quality and reliability. This led to the establishment of Thomas Sports Equipment in 1971, a company that would have a significant impact on parachuting gear design and safety.

Thomas’s innovative spirit led him to develop the bag deployment system alongside Ronnie O’Brien, a mechanism still in use today. His dedication to improving parachuting equipment earned him recognition and respect within the skydiving community. He was a test jumper for Irvin Parachute Company from 1969 to 1972 and attained the FAA Master Rigger’s License in Norwood, Boston, USA. Thomas also held a BPA Advanced Rigger Examiner License, recognized by the CAA.

Lofty’s passion for skydiving was matched by his commitment to the British Parachute Association (BPA), where he served for approximately 25 years, including roles as vice chairman and chairman. He represented Britain as Head of Delegation at numerous World Championships, often at his own expense. His travels took him to competitions in Czechoslovakia, France, Yugoslavia, Turkey, Australia, and back to France, demonstrating his dedication to the sport and his country.

Thomas’s skydiving career was marked by many personal achievements. He completed 1,604 jumps, with only four reserve rides, and participated in his highest jump from a C130 tailgate at 17,000 feet with the Royal Green Jackets. In recognition of his contributions to the sport, he received the silver medal from the Royal Aero Club in 2001 and a Sport England Award for his 30 years with the BPA.

Lofty also made his mark in the film industry, working on movies such as “The Eagle Has Landed” and “Hanover Street,” where he provided parachuting equipment, advice, and even performed as a stuntman. His stories of the early days of skydiving, jumping rounds with little control, and his involvement with Grindale Parachute Club were legendary among his peers.

Thomas continued to influence the sport even after his retirement, spending weekends at the drop zone in Bridlington, offering advice and sharing his experiences with students, experienced jumpers, and families alike. He made his final jump on August 7, 2011, on his 80th birthday, surrounded by his sons and grandson, landing safely to the applause of onlookers who may not have fully grasped his contributions to skydiving.

Lofty Thomas’s legacy is one of innovation, dedication, and passion for the sport of skydiving. His influence is felt not only in the equipment used by skydivers around the world but also in the lives he touched through his mentorship and camaraderie. His family, friends, and the skydiving community remember him fondly as a man who lived life to its fullest, always willing to share his knowledge and love for the sport.