Worksop: Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson forced to divert plane after ‘potentially low fuel’

The 57-year-old swooped in to RAF Halton, Buckinghamshire, in his Fokker Triplane, to the surprise of the personnel at the base.

The rocker, who is an experienced pilot with around 7,000 flying hours under his belt, was applauded for his quick-thinking and judgement.

Squadron leader Gary Coleman, officer commanding operations squadron at RAF Halton, said: “We applaud Bruce Dickinson’s decision to divert to RAF Halton rather than press to his destination with potentially low fuel.

“To see such a well-regarded pilot, and world-renowned rock singer, make this decision is great for our student pilots to see.

“It makes them realise that anyone can find themselves low on fuel due to unforeseen circumstances and that the right decision is to divert.

“He really does have a magnificent Fokker Triplane, so it was a pleasure to provide it with a home for a few nights until we sent him on his way.”

Dickinson, who is most famous for hits including Number of The Beast, Trooper and Run To The Hills, was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year after two tumours were found at the back of his tongue. He recently told the BBC that his voice was fine, although he said it will take some time to ‘heal up’.