10 Questions - Roderick Morton

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:

Roderick Morton, Race 20

A min-biography if you'd be so kind?

Scottish economic refugee, former City lawyer, currently battling mid life crisis, husband to a beautiful wife and part time dragon, father to a full time job (but just one smile makes it all worthwhile), keen skier and musician

How many hours do you have under your belt, starting from when?

1300 since October 2002

I'm sorry. You fly a what? Is this your dream aeroplane, and if not what is?

Lake Buccaneer amphibian. It is the baby brother of my dream aeroplane. A turbine Grumman Albatross, kitted out like a yacht inside. Just right for a round the world adventure. 

If your aircraft could fly forever, to what destination would you like to fly?

Tonga. We went there on honeymoon and I'd love to go back in a seaplane. Via Muskoka, Canada. And the Idaho backcountry.  And the San Juans. And Tahiti. And...

What one aviation regulation would you change or introduce?

Introduce a right of navigation for seaplanes on all suitable bodies of inland water in UK and Europe.

Do you have an aviation idol? Who is it?

Captain James Bigglesworth

What’s the next thing you’d like to achieve in your flying career?

Get Julia airborne

If not flying, then what?

Submarine captain. Too much Red October.  "Give me a ping Vas(h)ily. One ping only." 

Spitfire, Hurricane or Typhoon?

Hurricane. Can't stand flashy.

Do you have a favourite piece of aviation kit or software?

My depth meter.

What is your scariest flying moment so far?

Over the Alps. Ice on the engine air inlet and wing ice. Frozen pitot so no ASI. Nose up, unable to maintain altitude.  Mushy controls as the stall approached. In solid IMC.