10 Questions - Hamish Mitchell
In '10 Questions, we ask our pilots a few questions that they might not ordinarily get asked so we're able to learn a little more about them and their love (if thay have it) for flying. On this occasion, it's:
A min-biography if you'd be so kind?
Got the aviation bug as an 8 year old, sitting in a Hunter cockpit. Eyesight prevented me flying fastjets, so joined RAF for 6years as an Air Traffic Controller, working at Waddington and Prestwick ACC. Got civil licences in 1991 and was an ATCO at Glasgow International - since 2000 work as an airways and high level controller at Scottish ACC Prestwick. Did PPL in summer of 99, got the float bug and bought into DRAM in 2004. Now sole owner and CRI since 2008. Live in Ayr with 2 cats and a large library of aviation books.
How many hours do you have under your belt, starting from when?
Started in 1999, now got 1600, of which 1000 is on floats.
I'm sorry. You fly a what? Is this your dream aeroplane, and if not what is?
I am sentimentally attached to Wee Dram, a Reims Rocket Amphibian, so wouldn't dare to be unfaithful or dream of selling her :) For me the adventure flying, landing on remote lochs and locations is the real attraction. If I could go a wee bit farther and a wee bit faster with a bit more luggage that would be nice, but would probably involve a Cessna 206 Amphibian and double my budget!!
If your aircraft could fly forever, to what destination would you like to fly?
New Zealand
What one aviation regulation would you change or introduce?
Renationalise Air Traffic Control
Do you have an aviation idol? Who is it?
Antoine St Exupery. His descriptions and tales of flight are exceptional.
What’s the next thing you’d like to achieve in your flying career?
Perhaps expand my adventure flying business into aeros and off-piste....and then after the lottery win, setup a decent museum/restaurant/GA hub in Scotland..
If not flying, then what?
Dreaming about next flying adventure ......and drinking tea.
Spitfire, Hurricane or Typhoon?
Spit
Do you have a favourite piece of aviation kit or software?
Tough call between Skydemon and GoPro camera.....
What was your worst flying experience/flight?
Getting the leans whilst IMC climbing out of Le Touquet.