10 Questions
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?
52 years old. Self-employed dentist. Been hang-gliding all over the world until 2010 when I decided due to old age (!) I should start microlighting. Got my pilots licence 18 months ago just to Air Race. Currently thoroughly enjoying my first year of Air-racing.
Post script
Not quite answering the question but this happened to me recently. After 32 years of hang-gliding I realised I wasn’t flying enough to be safe and current so I decided to have a last flight. We went to Lanzarote and flew the volcano’s for a week. On the last day I knew this was my last flight ever after some of the best times and adventures in my life. When I landed I unclipped for the last time and was incredibly sad. I gave away my glider and all my equipment to a friend who lives out there but kept my trusty lucky karabiner which was all that fastened me to the glider. I can see it on my bookshelf as I write this.
Post script
Not quite answering the question but this happened to me recently. After 32 years of hang-gliding I realised I wasn’t flying enough to be safe and current so I decided to have a last flight. We went to Lanzarote and flew the volcano’s for a week. On the last day I knew this was my last flight ever after some of the best times and adventures in my life. When I landed I unclipped for the last time and was incredibly sad. I gave away my glider and all my equipment to a friend who lives out there but kept my trusty lucky karabiner which was all that fastened me to the glider. I can see it on my bookshelf as I write this.
How many hours do you have under your belt, starting from when?
32 years of hang-gliding, 370 hours of microlights since 2010. 150 hours powered flying in the last 18 months.
I'm sorry. You fly a what? Is this your dream aeroplane, and if not what is?
Vans RV8 yes it is a dream and still excites me everytime I open the hangar doors.
If your aircraft could fly forever, to what destination would you like to fly?
Just France - it has everything from mountains to flat areas and lots of greenery. Closely followed by Canada.
What one aviation regulation would you change or introduce?
Compulsory GPS 96% of pilots who infringe have not got a GPS.
Do you have an aviation idol? Who is it?
Any of the women in World War 2 who delivered aircraft from factories to the airfields. Some of them flew so many different types. Respect
What’s the next thing you’d like to achieve in your flying career?
Gliding probably motorgliding.
If not flying, then what?
Burnley Football Club huge supporter.
Spitfire, Hurricane or Typhoon?
Don't ask silly questions Spitfire of course what else?
Do you have a favourite piece of aviation kit or software?
SkyDemon
Is the departure of Jeremy Clarkson from our screens really such a loss?
Couldn’t care less but his books are laugh out loud funny.
