HE broke his neck ejecting from one of the world's most famous aircraft. But Duncan Simpson OBE can't help revealing his admiration for the Harrier jump jet, which he tested for several years.

The 75-year-old was reunited with the revolutionary aircraft at RAF Fairford during a preview event for this year's Royal International Air Tattoo.

As chief test pilot for Hawker, he flew some of the aviation industry's most popular jets, including the Hawk and Hunter.

And he admits the Harrier holds both happy and painful memories. He said: "During one flight we had a complete engine stoppage. As I ejected, the canopy didn't break-up completely and I broke my neck on the way out. I was fixed in hospital."

Despite his horrific injury, Mr Simpson, who now lives in Guildford, Surrey, says flying the Harrier - which is renowned for its vertical take off and landing capability - was "a great challenge."

He joined the RAF in 1949 and, after cutting his teeth flying Meteor F8s he went on to aircraft including the Sabre, Venom and Swift.

By 1962, he was at the forefront of aviation development, flying the P1127 Kestrel - a Harrier prototype.

In relation to this year's RIAT, Mr Simpson, who is an honorary vice president of the event, said: "It's a great event. There's tremendous enthusiasm. I'm looking forward to the whole thing."

RIAT, which is being held on July 19 and 20, will give visitors the opportunity to tour through different periods in the history of flight.

Re-enactment groups will help create an atmosphere of nostalgia, while in the skies, aircraft ranging from the ever-popular Spitfire to the Eurofighter Typhoon will thrill the crowds.

RIAT aircraft co-ordinator, Squadron Leader Nigel Crier, said: "We've had an excellent response. I've formed a lot of good relationships with museums, staff and within the RAF as well."

He said at least 30 of the aircraft, which are no longer able to fly, are being transported by road to line-up on the static displays.