Mike Stones

Group editor Corporate Jet Investor, Helicopter Investor, & Superyacht Investor. Private passions remain: food, farming, & flying old aircraft.

[Mike Stones @MikeJStones]

I am made up (as we say in the North) to be shortlisted in the Aerospace Media Awards. This is in the Best Business Aviation category for my article on NetJets - the world’s biggest bizjet operator. Three colleagues also shortlisted. (There’s no I in team - but there is a me).

[Mike Stones @MikeJStones]

Big thanks to Adam Twidell of @4AIR and @Aerobility for my first flight in the Velis Electro Pipistrel at @BBSAirport. Power costs were £1.50 for 45 mins flight. To misquote one review of an early Bruce Springsteen gig: “I have seen the future of aviation - and it’s electric.”

[Mike Stones @MikeJStones]

“When the north wind doth blow [a lot, as this April]” … the best place for @TigerClubUK’s Piper Super Cubs, Rollason Druine D.31 Turbulents and other club aircraft @DamynsHall airfield, is snuggled up in the Tiger Club hangar. (A southerly in shot but didn’t fit the quote).

[Ron Eisele @ron_eisele]

My home movie of Tiger Club's flying display, Fairoaks aerodrome Chobham in 1971. Spitfire MH434 is flown by the legendary Ray Hanna.

[Mike Stones @MikeJStones]

Europe is “dangerously unprepared” for airborne wild firefighting missions, warns a new report commissioned by #Avincisglobal. It urges the EU to speed up procurement, ease red tape linked to pilot licensing and invest more to meet the growing threat.

https://t.co/v1TjOM1duk

[Mike Stones @MikeJStones]

Sisters together: Two tail draggers pictured at @DamynsHall this misty morning. Sporting the yellow livery is @TigerClubUK’s gorgeous Super Cub G-LCUB. Under her wing is an equally historic Cessna 120. (Whisper it softly: but the only thing better than a Cub is … another Cub).

[Mike Stones @MikeJStones]

Beyond excited to visit #Verticon2026 - the world’s largest vertical lift show. With 15k visitors (allegedly - didn’t meet them all), all rotary lift is here. From Eve’s eVTOL, to the latest from Airbus, Bell, Leonardo, Robinson and more, it’s all here. Special shout for the Huey

[Mike Stones @MikeJStones]

Lots of shiny new GRP/fibreglass boats to beguile buyers at the #RYA Dinghy Show in Farnborough this weekend. But search carefully along the rows and you can find these beauties - wooden wonders designed in a gentler age. This is a National 12, first launched in 1936.

[Mike Stones @MikeJStones]

Last flight of 2025 this morning @DamynsHall Airfield. The @TigerClubUK’s Super Cub GSWAY showed me a good time in leaden Essex skies. Landings - like #bluesguitar - always get better with practice. (Although headwinds on the runway don’t seem to improve my six-string action).

[Mike Stones @MikeJStones]

At last, the recognition so long and cruelly denied. Another contender, to honour the ancestors, might be Gulf of Doggerland.

[Mike Stones @MikeJStones]

@Janusxuk Oh, at last, the recognition so long denied. Or perhaps, in memory of our ancestors, Gulf of Doggerland.

[Mike Stones @MikeJStones]

First flight of the year in @TigerClubUK’s Super Cub G-LCUB + sunny sky + dry(ish) runway at @DamynsHall Airfield = Deep joy.

[Mike Stones @MikeJStones]

No flying fun this freezing, foggy morn at @DamynsHall in Essex. This chilly Piper Arrow braves the sub zero temps but the @TigerClubUK’s Super Cubs are tucked up in the hangar. Dreaming of sunny summer days and “landings as soft as the morning dew kissing the face of a rose.”

[Mike Stones @MikeJStones]

He was the sound track of so many Sunday afternoons (made sunny, whatever the weather, by that unforgettable voice and big heart). RIP, Johnnie & thank you for recalling the glorious ‘70s. Ps. Still think Ruby Tuesday is a brilliant - despite your bad experience at Glastonbury.

[BBC News (UK) @BBCNews]

BBC Radio 2 DJ Johnnie Walker dies aged 79, two months after retiring from his 58-year career because of ill health
https://t.co/GYIKUU7sKS

[Mike Stones @MikeJStones]

So, let’s be very honest here, who doesn’t enjoy a good long howl on New Year’s Eve? (I’m sure our girls will tell me Dry January can’t come too soon. And also, probably that the spaniel comes out of this a lot better than I do). Meanwhile, Happy New Year (and pass the gin).

[Mike Stones @MikeJStones]

Reposez en paix, Jean.

[Ron Eisele @ron_eisele]

7 December 1936. Death of Jean Mermoz (b.9 December 1901). French raid aviator, disappeared with the Latécoère 300 Croix du Sud (Southern Cross) in the south atlantic.

[No Farmers, No Food @NoFarmsNoFoods]

“Farmers are at breaking point. How Labour’s tax raid is fuelling a mental health crisis. Lofty rules, wet weather and now the Chancellor’s tax raid – the fate of family farms and the wellbeing of a community hangs in the balance.”

[Emerald Media @EmeraldMedia]

Thank you for including @BBGA1 stance with this spot on commentary. What was announced on Wednesday isn’t the full story for business jets in the 🇬🇧 !