He later applied for pilot training, was accepted and became a Sergeant-Pilot.
On 3 July 1940, flying a Spitfire of No 616 Squadron, he shared in destroying a Do 17 and on 1 September he probably destroyed a Bf 109 and damaged another. Percy Burnard joined No 74 Squadron on 27 October 1940. Surprised by Bf 109s over Dover on 1 November, his aircraft was damaged, but he got back safely. Shortly after, he moved to No 85 Squadron.
Commissioned in March 1941, Burnard became an instructor. He served in India and was released from the RAF in 1947 as a Squadron Leader. He trained as a teacher and worked in the East Riding of Yorkshire, becoming deputy head teacher at Hilderthorpe Junior School.
He died on 27 April in Newtonmore in the Scottish Highlands, having lived at Laggan in retirement. He was buried in Laggan churchyard.
