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).
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.”
“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).
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
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).
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
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.
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).
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.”
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.
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).
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.
“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.”