AVIATION expert Sean Maffett has lived in the quaint and quiet village of Bourton-on-the-Water for 28 years.

But with his extensive and profound knowledge of all things aviation, the 74-year-old broadcaster is often called to appear on the news at a moment's notice.

Mr Maffett has worked in broadcasting for more than three decades and was senior commentator at RAF Fairford’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) for 28 years. He is called to appear on various media outlets around 70 times a year thanks to his wealth of experience.

Most recently the grandfather-of-four was required to speak around 45 times, to different TV stations and radio shows, in just one week after the fatal Germanwings collision in March.

He is the first person the media turn to when they need an expert on aeroplanes - and with more than 30 years broadcasting experience, they also receive a quality speaker to explain things in simple terms to a radio or TV audience.

"I've been in aviation all my life," said Mr Maffett. "I was in the Royal Air Force for 20 years and my family were in aviation. I love anything to do with it.

"The media don't cover aviation by and large unless there is a smoking whole in the ground," he added. "The majority of the time I'm being interviewed after a lot of people have died which is sad. I very rarely get to talk about good news.

"As soon as the Germanwings plane went down I knew I was going to be called so I started working on it.

"They usually want me to speculate what caused the crash. As long as it's absolutely clear that I'm speculating then I'll do it."

Mr Maffett, who earlier this year won a prestigious award in recognition of his contribution to the air show industry, has appeared on BBC News, the Jeremy Vine Show, BBC Five Live and more.

Despite usually having to report on tragic aviation events, Mr Maffett added that one of the highlight's of his career was when he was flying a Second World War Lancaster Bomber above Buckingham Palace, broadcasting down to BBC One.

"It doesn't get better than that," he said. The grandfather has also flown with the Red Arrows.

Mr Maffett lives in Bourton with his wife Kathleen Cronin.

He has three children and four grandchildren.