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2007 Awards Night!
On Thursday 21st February, we held our annual awards night for those who achieved during 2007. Those who successfully completed first solos, PPL issue, IMC, Night and Aerobatic ratings were all presented with awards for their achievements. Louise and Paul would like to extend their thanks for everyone who attented and also congratulate everyone who won awards.
Alice Horwood and Jeremy Bristoe Both Go Solo!
Two in a day! Following a run of fair weather and little wind, Alice and Jeremy both completed their first solos in a gorgeous evening sky on Monday 11th February. Alice and Jeremy's triumphant grins can be admired on the gallery page. Well done to you both!
PFT Awards Night!
Don't forget, our annual awards night is being held at the Jolly Boatman pub in Thrupp on Thursday 21st February at 7 pm. This event is to celebrate and congratulate those who have achieved during the 2007 flying season, as well as a great opportunity to eat and drink with some like-minded aviators! Tickets are £6 per person inclusive of food - and husbands, wives, partners and children are all welcome. If you wish to book your place, get in touch!
Roger Powling Goes Solo!
Taking full advantage of the first clear day of the new year, Roger found himself in the unusual position of not having to battle with 25 knot crosswinds and completed his first solo on 16th January! Roger's huge grin can be observed on the gallery page. Well done Roger!
Simon Johnson Goes Solo!
The first one of 2008! Simon Johnson successfully completed his first solo on 6th January! Living it with him was Simon's wife Linda, who followed him around the circuit armed with her camcorder. Check out Simon and Linda getting emotional on the gallery page. Well done Simon!
Arun Shyam Goes Solo!
Congratulations to Arun Shyam, who completed his first solo on 24th November. Arun was happier than ever after he landed - see Arun, we TOLD you flying was better than playing golf! Check out Arun's photo on the gallery page. Well done Arun!
Gordon Rae Goes Solo!
After a couple of weeks of intensive flying, Gordon Rae managed to successfully complete his first solo on the 26th September. Even Louise's amateurish fumblings with the camera failed to prevent Gordon's huge grin from being captured on the gallery page. Nice one Gordon!
Julian Morris Goes Solo!
In hot pursuit of Hugo, Julian Morris managed to complete his first solo on the 13th September. Whilst Hugo managed to go solo first, I think Julian's rather huge grin takes the prize as the biggest of the year. Evidence can be seen on the gallery page. Well done Julian!
Hugo Richardson Goes Solo!
Three cheers for Hugo Richardson who went first solo on 4th September. Hugo's rather impressive landing was closely followed by an even more impressive grin which can be seen in all it's glory on the gallery page. Well done Hugo!
Robert Dyer Goes Solo!
Well done to Robert Dyer who completed his first solo on 25th August. Unlike most students who taxy by with intense concentration on their faces, Rob was waving and grinning before he'd left the ground! Talk about confidence! Rob's face actually looked more serious when he'd arrived back on the ground, as you'll spot on the gallery page. Well done Rob!
Roger Linnell Goes Solo!
On 3rd August, Roger Linnell successfully completed his first solo. Roger can be seen completing his shut down checks on the gallery page. Well done Roger!
Mark Coates-Smith and Michael Page Go Solo!
Two in a day! On a 31st July, Mark Coates-Smith and Michael finally had a break with the weather and both found their way around the circuit successfully completing their first solos. A couple of huge smiles can be spotted on the gallery page. Well done chaps!
Chris Rusk Goes Solo!
On 10th July, Chris Rusk successfully completed his first solo. Despite managing to land a PA28 all on his own, Chris can be seen losing a fight with his high-vis jacket shortly after his solo on the gallery page. Well done Chris!
Michael Arnold Goes Solo!
Congratulations to Michael Arnold who made it four first solos in five days on 7th June. Michael can be seen enthusiastically shaking John's hand on the gallery page. Well done Michael!
Gabriel and Francis Both Go Solo!
Congratulations to Gabriel Ochai and Francis Edosa who both went first solo on 6th June. Both Francis and Gabriel can be seen smiling away on our gallery page. Well done chaps!
Another Richard Goes Solo!
And congratulations goes to Richard Hall who on 3rd June became our second Richard to successfully complete his first solo within two weeks! Richard can be seen climbing out of the aircraft on our gallery page. Well done Richard!
Richard Goes Solo!
Congratulations to Richard Dene who successfully completed his first solo on 23rd May! Richard's enthusiasm can be seen in all it's glory on our gallery page. Well done Richard!
Chris Goes Solo!
And in hot pursuit is Chris, who follows Stephen in completing his first solo on 22nd April! Check out the smile on his face on our gallery page. Well done Chris!
Stephen Goes Solo!
Congratulations to Stephen Webb who successfully completed his first solo on 10th April! Stephen can be seen pretending to do shut down checks instead of smiling at the camera on the gallery page. Well done Stephen!
2007 Fly Out Destinations
We are pleased to announce dates and destinations for the 2007 fly outs. Check them out on our events page.
For those who haven't participated before, a flyout is organised by PFT. We select various destinations both in UK and abroad. The idea is that each aircraft carries at least 2 PPLs and one of you fly's one way and the other fly's the return. We mix and match experience so if you are a newly certified PPL then we put you with someone who has more experience. The benefits are that not only do you get to fly further and only pay for your leg but you also get to become more experienced as you learn from other Pilots.
The Flyout is usually a whole day, so we depart between 9am and 10am, obviously with staggered departures and then we wait for everyone to arrive at the destination. We may then get to go exploring the local area, have lunch, visit museums, it all depends on the location and then we fly home at the end of the day, hopefully having enjoyed ourselves and achieved some good flying.
A flyout is open to PPLS, student and passengers. If you are a PPL holder then you get to fly one leg, if you are a student then you can fly as long as we can get an Instructor and if you are a passenger then you can come along in the back of an aircraft and you only have to pay between £40 and £70 depending on the duration, this contributes to the Pilots fuel bill.
If you want to register your interest, please let us know.
2006 Awards Night!
On Thursday 15th February, we held our annual awards night for those who achieved during 2006. Those who successfully completed first solos, PPL issue, IMC, Night and Aerobatic ratings were all presented with awards for their achievements. Louise and Paul would like to extend their thanks for everyone who attented and also congratulate everyone who won awards.
Louise and Richard are Flight Instructors!
Paul would like to congratulate Louise and Richard for completing their flight instructors ratings. Following several years of hard work, they are now fully qualified and ready for action! Well done to you both.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to everyone from Paul, Louise and all staff at Pilot Flight Training. Let's hope 2007 gives us many fine flying days.
New Newsletter Online!
The December 2006 Pilot Flight Training newsletter is available for download on our newsletters page in PDF format.
Roch Goes First Solo
They're coming thick and fast now! Congratulations to Roch Trinque who successfully completed his first solo on 2nd November! Roch is looking cool in his sunglasses on the gallery page.
Louise and Richard pass their ATPL ground exams
Paul would like congratulate Louise and Richard White (Dicky) in successfully passing the 14 ATPL ground exams. Next target is the flight instructors course!
Danail Goes First Solo
Yet another first solo! Congratulations to Danail Obreschow who successfully completed his first solo on 19th November! Danail's smiling face can be seen on the gallery page.
Open Day Raffle Results!
We have finally closed the raffle from the open day, and we are pleased to announce we managed to raise £1200 for Flying Scholarships For The Disabled!
Prize winners are below - congratulations to everybody who won, and thanks for all the people who donated their time, money and fuel and making it a great day.
- Josh Scott (Pink 242) wins a Pilot Magazine Subscription
- David McCreary (Yellow 601) wins a Flyer Magazine Subscription
- Lucy Moore (Yellow 692) wins a 30 minute PFT Trial Lesson
- Andy King (Yellow 668) wins a PFT Aerobatic Lesson
- Ian Coutts (Pink 384) wins a 20 minute flight with Polly Vacher
- Sue Reeves (Yellow 651) wins an AFE Flight Bag
- Rob Foster (Yellow 644) wins a Today’s Pilot bag, shirt and cap
- Pete Williams (pink 388) wins a Today’s Pilot bag, shirt and cap
- Colin Baxter (Yellow 573) wins some aviator sunglasses
- Graham Clarkson (Pink 396) wins some aviation books
- Adrian Boorman (Yellow 620) wins some AFE pilot supplies
Jay Goes First Solo
Closely following Ian, Jay Hollingum completed his first solo on 21st October! Check out his photo on the gallery page.
Ian Goes First Solo
Congratulations to Ian Williams who successfully completed his first solo on 10th October! Check out his photo on the gallery page.
Pilot Flight Training Open Day and BBQ 2006!
Sunday 6th August saw our annual open day and what a day it was. Despite all the forecasts that we had seen suggesting it could be a wash out, the sun shone for us and the rain stayed away.
We would like to start by thanking all those of you who helped to make the day a successful event, the people who helped setup before and on the day, and those who gave up their time to cook for the rest of us! A special thank you must go to the people who gave their resources, their aircraft and their own money to provide wonderful pleasure trips in order to raise funds for charity.
Including all donations for flights, raffle and individual donations, initial counts show we have managed to raise an outstanding figure of over £1000 for Flying Scholarships For The Disabled. We are still selling tickets for the raffle, so we hope this figure will become a little larger! The raffle will be drawn next week - we will of course post the results to the website.
We do hope that everyone who attended enjoyed themselves and thought it was a worthwhile day. We always hope to see more of you next year! Check out the photos from the day on the gallery page.
More First Solos
Congratulations to Ioannis Giannakopoulos, Phil Garner, Roland Hoogendam, Ben Bailey and Daniel Williams, all of whom successfully completed their first solos! Check out their beaming faces in our gallery page.
Pilot Flight Training Newsletter Released!
The latest Pilot Flight Training newsletter is available for download on our newsletters page in PDF format.
Fly Outs announced!
Following a slow start to the year with some pretty appalling weather, We're happy to announce some fly outs planned for 2006, two of which involve crossing the channel. Anyone wishing to take part should get in touch - don't worry if you haven't had a cross channel checkout yet, we'll make sure you're flying with someone who has! For dates, check out the events page.
First Solos
Congratulations to Tom Ligertwood and Joe Robinson, both who achieved their first solos! Check out their smiling faces in our gallery page.
Awards Night 2006
Thank you to everybody who attended our annual awards night at the Jolly Boatman in Thrupp on Thursday 9th February. Once again, we congratulate everybody who achieved licences, first solos or ratings and who received an award.
Ged Richmond (First solo)
Guy Stockley (First solo and PPL)
Mark Cooper (PPL)
Richard Mallows (PPL)
Steve Bridgewater (NPPL)
Steve McKenna (PPL)
Tom Saunders (For when a PA28 just isn't fast enough)
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to everybody from Louise, Paul and all the staff at Pilot Flight Training. Following on from a sucessful 2005, we'd like to take the opportunity to invite everybody to the annual awards night. On Thursday 9th February, we'll be at the Jolly Boatman at Thrupp from 7 pm onwards for a buffet and to congratulate all those who achieved something during 2005. Everybody gaining their first solo, rating or licence issue will receive an award for their success. Everybody is welcome, tickets costing £5 for the evening and are available now from PFT.
Join us for a Christmas Drink!
Seasons greetings to everybody from Louise, Paul and all the staff at Pilot Flight Training. We'd like to invite all members, students and their families to PFT for a drink on Monday 19th December at 4 pm to celebrate Xmas and a successful 2005. We'll have wine, beer and soft drinks as well as nibbles for you!
December 2005 Newsletter Online
I'm sure you'll received our latest newsletter in the post, but if not - check out the latest newsletter from PFT. Download your copy here.
Gary Newsham Goes First Solo!
Congratulations to Gary Newsham who also went first solo on 23rd October 2005 - Check out his (and Ian's!) smiling faces on the First Solo photo page. Well done Gary!
Clive Mundy Goes First Solo!
Special congratulations for Clive Mundy who successfully completed his first solo on 2nd October 2005 - Check out the huge smile on the First Solo photo page. Well done Clive!
Haverfordwest Fly Out
Despite some low cloud threatening the route over the Brecon Beacons, the trip to Haverfordwest was given the green light! Captains Paul Carr, André Roberts and Andreas Schillinger in the 172, Richard White in the TB10 and Andy Hodge in his Cherokee Six all braved the showers and the building cloud to carry themselves and their passengers across South Wales in search of "Pembrokeshire's finest all-day breakfast" at Haverfordwest. Sadly, the conditions became IMC before Louise and Andrew made it across the mountains in Echo-Echo, so they diverted to Warwickshire's finest all-day breakfast at - you guessed it - Wellesbourne! Checkout the photos in the gallery.
Dunkeswell Fly Out
As the PFT Open Day conflicted with a planned flyout to Dunkeswell, we decided to hold an impromptu trip to the West Country on Friday 15th July. Fred Matubia, Eric Salhotra (and Eric's parents-in-law), Angela Hodgson, Chris Wilkinson, Louise and the flyout king himself, Andy Hodge set off for sunny Devon. Dunkeswell is a very popular destination with a fantastic restaurant serving a particularly tasty fry up. Checkout the photos in the gallery.
Navigation Competition!!
Congratulations to Richard Mallows who successfully matched photos to places on our navigation competition. Richard wins an aviation goodie bag! 37 people entered, and only 9 were correct (and Paul thought the competition was too easy!).
Raffle Results!!
We are pleased to announce the winners of the Pilot Flight Training Open Day raffle. We didn't quite manage to beat the £715 we raised last year, we were juts £15 shy of that total raising £700 for Flying Scholarships For The Disabled.
Ian Twells - Yellow 480 - Wins a 20 Minute Ride in a Cessna 150
Michael - Yellow 526 - Wins a Today's Pilot Bag and T-Shirt
David Gunn - Yellow 540 - Wins a subscription to Pilot Magazine
Sally Andrews - Yellow 495 - Wins a subscription to Today's Pilot Magazine
Andreas Schillinger - Yellow 406 - Wins a subscription to Flyer Magazine
Guy Roberts - Yellow 463 - Wins a 30 Minute Trial Lesson at Pilot Flight Training
Andy Hodge - Yellow 472 - Wins an AFE Flight Bag loaded with aviation goodies
Ged Richmond - Yellow 498 - Wins an AFE Kneeboard and Pilot's Log
Angie Lloyd - Yellow 475 - Wins an AFE VFR Flight Guide and Binder
Anne Dee - Yellow 432 - Wins a 20 Minute Ride in a helicopter
Jonathan Lace - Yellow 424 - Wins an AFE Spiral Bound VFR Flight Guide
Richard White - Yellow 419 - Wins a trip in the Flying Fox helicopter
Gary Hill - Pink 334 - Wins two aviation books from AFE
Mrs Law - Pink 308 - Wins a 20 Minute Ride in a Cessna 150
David Thomas - Pink 323 - Wins a trip with Polly Vacher in her Piper Dakota
Once again, many thanks to those who donated prizes for the raffle, and congratulations to the winners.
26th June - PFT Open Day and BBQ
After a slightly grey start, the weather improved specatularly just in time as the annual Pilot Flight Training Open Day and BBQ got into full swing. Like last year - and courtesy of some very generous donations from members, suppliers and friends - we also held a raffle and trial lessons to raise money for our chosen charity - Flying Scholarships For The Disabled.
This year we were also particularly honoured to have the legendarily lovely Polly Vacher and her round the world Piper Dakota attending. Check out Polly's website here.
Polly Vacher arrives
Polly Vacher chats with other visitors
We were very pleased to have two special visitors who couldn't make it last year: Jim Kershaw, who operates a lovely Tiger Moth, graciously donated his time and his aircraft by doing flights all day with the proceeds going to charity. Also, Neil McCarthy who remained weathered in all day at Newcastle last year, arrived in his Jet Provost and also did flights for PFT members.
Jim Kershaw gets the Tiger started for another charity flight
Neil McCarthy takes another Pilot Flight Training Member flying
Another friend of Pilot Flight Training - Rob Rowe from Popham - kindly agreed to visit on very short notice in a wonderful rumbling Yak 52 (G-YAKX) and also did a few trips during the day.
Rob Rowe visits Pilot Flight Training in his Yak 52
Once again, Steve Bridgewater (our good friend from Today's Pilot magazine) arranged some interesting visiting aircraft. You may remember Jamie Chalkley from last year with the Piper Cub - this year, Jamie brought a gorgeous Bulldog with him from Shoreham.
Steve also invited Tony Sheridan - who's stunning Cessna 150 was proudly displayed, Carol Atkins who brought in a lovely Chipmunk, and Chris Finnigan (Chief Executive of the British Microlight Aircraft Association) who popped in on his way back from the Isle Of Wight in his SkyRanger.
Jamie Chalkley departs in his Bulldog
Tony Sheridan's gorgeous Cessna C150
Carol Atkins gets her Chipmunk started
Louise and Paul wish to extend thanks to all those who donated time, money and prizes to charity:
Jim Kershaw, Neil McCarthy, Rob Rowe, Jamie Chalkley, Carol Atkins, Chris Finnigan, Tony Sheridan and of course, Polly Vacher for bringing in their aircraft.
A HUGE thank you to Jim Kershaw for kindly doing flights in the Tiger Moth all day for charity.
Polly Vacher and Tony Sheridan for spontaneously donating a flight in their aircraft as raffle prizes.
AFE, Today's Pilot Magazine, Flyer Magazine, Pilot Magazine, Fox FM, Oxford Air Services joining Pilot Flight Training in donating prizes for the raffle
All in all, a wonderful day was had by all - we were extremely fortunate with the weather unlike last year, and we were particularly lucky with the turn out. Several of our visitors have already expressed an interest in returning next year, so we're looking forward to another successful day in 2006!
We'd like to thank everybody who helped out on the day, especially Andy Hodge who kindly loaned his picnic tables and chairs, Geoff and Geoff who both dutifully manned the BBQ, Anne who ran about all day sourcing more food, Angie who collared practically everybody to sell raffle tickets (the raffle will be drawn at the end of the week) and of course Steve for arranging several of the visiting aircraft and for lending us the Today's Pilot tent!
As always, we'd also like to show our appreciation to the airport staff: Ali and Greg from Air Traffic for accomodating our visiting aircraft with their usual professionalism, and the Fire Crew and Operations for organising the fuel throughout the day.
For further photos from the day, check out the gallery page.
New TB10 for the fleet
We are extremely pleased to announce the addition of G-PCAT to the fleet. G-PCAT is a Socata TB10, which is a vary capable touring aircraft with a variable pitch prop and useful load carrying. G-PCAT is fully airways equipped with twin colour GPS units and an autopilot. Check out the fleet page for further information.
James Robert Langley Johnson - Born 27th April 2005
We are very pleased to annouce that Caroline has given birth to baby James on the morning of 27th April. Both Mum and baby are doing very well and Caroline has promised to visit with James as soon as she is able. We wish Caroline, baby James and new Dad Andy all the best!
 
Change Of Opening Hours
Now daylight permits, we are pleased to announce that from Tuesday 3rd May, we will be open until 8 pm Monday to Friday. Evening slots are available at 16:30-18:00, and from 18:00 until the airport closes at 20:00. These slots are available for both dual instruction and solo hire.
April 2005 Newsletter
The new Pilot Flight Training newsletter is now available. Check our the newsletter page where you can download it in PDF format.
Old Sarum Flyout
Yet again, the weather prevented our planned flyout to Old Sarum. Low cloud and little visibility was to blame on this occasion. Still, we're hopeful that the weather will improve now Spring is upon us and we'll have a successful flyout for a change!
Caroline
Some of you may have already noticed that Caroline is no longer working during the week - this is because she's now on maternity leave. Stay tuned for news when the baby arrives!
Today's Pilot Magazine
Pilot Flight Training have hooked up with Today's Pilot magazine to give our members special pricing on the magazine. The latest issue is available priced only £3.00 - that's a whole 40p cheaper than your local newsagent! Collect your copy when you next fly.
Change of opening hours
As soon as daylight allows, we plan on opening until 8 pm during the week. As the airport is licensed during these hours, we can accomodate students who wish to fly when they've finished work. Of course, anybody wishing to solo hire are also welcome!
Bembridge Flyout Report
Well, as is almost tradition for PFT flyouts, the weather put pay to our planned trip to Bembridge. This time, high winds at the coast were not favourable for the runway directions at Bembridge. So, our intrepid aviators decided to go to Swansea instead. Captains Giddings, Birks, White and Bridgewater set off on what appeared to be a beautiful morning only to find a wall of cloud blocking their passage at the Welsh border. A hasty diversion to the ever popular destination of Kemble was initiated, so instead of Welsh Cakes, the pilots found themselves enjoying some food at the AV8 restaurant. Let's hope the flyout to Old Sarum next month goes a little more to plan!
 
Bembridge Flyout Reminder
Just a gentle reminder that we plan on visiting the Isle Of Wight on Sunday 27th February - several of you have already indicated your interest. If you haven't, and you wish to attend, please either email or call Louise or Paul and let us know. Places will be limited and of course, the fly outs are subject to weather!
Pilot Flight Training Awards Night
The inaugural Pilot Flight Training Awards Night was held last night at the Jolly Boatman pub in Thrupp. Staff, students, members, partners and friends attended and enjoyed the buffet and supported those who achieved their PPL, a rating or a first solo during 2004. Those successful students were presented with awards for their hard work throughout the year. These included personalised high-vis jackets, mugs and Piper Cherokee trophies. We also had a mini-raffle and enjoyed tales and stories from our special guest speaker David "Rats" Ratcliffe. For those who didn't know, Rats flies commercially for Virgin and also has the pleasure of flying Spitfires and Harvards in his spare time!
The lucky winners of the raffle prizes were Angela Hodgson, who won a checkout in the aircraft of her choice and Andy Hodge, who won some goodies including a subscription courtesy of Today's Pilot magazine. Louise's parents, Geoff and Susan, were also presented gifts for their continued help and support, and Caroline and Andy were also given a baby basket for the imminent addition to their family! Following on from his recent promotion, Ian Day was also presented with a personalised high-vis jacket with "Chief Flying Instructor" proudly emblazoned on the chest! Well done to all.
Louise and Paul would like to thank everybody who attended, we were very pleased to see everybody enjoying themselves and meeting some of the other members. Special congratulations to those students who received awards for their efforts during 2004, we look forward to seeing those current students receiving their awards next year. Of course, we are hugely grateful and would like to extend our thanks to Rats for his time and his stories, and Steve at Today's Pilot for the raffle prize.
 
 
Open Day and BBQ Date Confirmed
We are pleased to announce that the 2005 Pilot Flight Training Open Day will be held on Sunday June 26th. Just like last year, we will have a BBQ and several interesting visting aircraft. Unlike last year, we hope the weather cooperates! As this date clashes with one of the fly-outs (Dunkeswell), that destination will be resceduled.
2005 Fly Out Destinations and Dates
We'd like to announce the provisional fly out destination and dates for 2005. If you'd like to register your interest for all or any of these events, please either email or call Louise, Paul or Caroline and let us know. Places will be limited and of course, the fly outs are subject to weather!
January 30th - Welshpool
February 27th - Bembridge
March 27th - Old Sarum
April 24th - Shuttleworth (Old Warden)
May 29th - Duxford
June 26th - Dunkeswell - CANCELLED due to PFT Open Day
July 31st - Caenarfon
August 28th - Old Buckenham
September 25th - Haverfordwest
13/1/05 - First new PPL of 2005
Firstly, Happy New Year from all at Pilot Flight Training - we hope you all had excellent Christmas and New Year celebrations! January is here already, and after a slow start with those gales, we're now enjoying a spell of cold, crisp weather with clear skies and the flying has begun - in fact, we've already had our first new PPL of the year! Well done to Glen Jones.
23/12/04 - New PPL's, First Solos and Ratings in 2004
Congratulations to all those who saw success in 2004, from first solos to PPL issue - well done!
| First Solo | PPL / NPPL | Ratings |
Andrew Giddings
Jarrah Al-Oqab
David Thomas
Craig Wardrop
Stephen Higgins
Mark Cooper
Steve McKenna
Richard Mallows
Camilla Scarf
Michael Sivyer
William Iliffe
Phillippa Brown
Darren Turner
Fred Matubia
Kevin McCauley
Wendy Moore
Chris Mitchell
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Martyn Gunson
Paul Sanderson
John Hutchinson
Turki Bakermom
Murai Bakermom
Mick Wright
Craig Wylie
Andrew Giddings
Richard Andrews
Jarrah Al-Oqab
William Iliffe
Colin Baxter
David Thomas
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Michael Pettican (Night)
John Lace (Night)
Andrew Hodge (Night)
Delphine Audetto (Night)
Andreas Schillinger (IMC)
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22/12/04 - The Last PPL of 2004
David Thomas passed his PPL in December 2004
Congratulations to David Thomas who was the last student to have his PPL issued in 2004. Here is David with Pilot Flight Training's CFI Ian Day in front of G-FIAT and David's Harley Davidson - Well done David.
18/12/04 - Shoreham Fly Out
 
Pilot Flight Training Members fly to Shoreham
Following on from the disappointment on 5th December, we were very pleased to arrive at Pilot Flight Training on the morning of 18th December to see some decent weather for a change! The re-scheduled flyout was on, albeit on a slightly reduced scale. Louise, Andrew Giddings, Mick Wright and Richard White jumped into their aircraft and made their way down to the South coast for a great day out. Many thanks to Mick for taking the photos!
8/12/04 - Pilot Flight Training website gets an update!
Seasons greetings! The time has come to give the PFT website a tweak - I've added an Airport Information section to the main menu, and also made the newsletters available for download on this page. Of course, any comments on the website are welcome, please use the Contact Us form and let me know what you'd like to see. Thanks - Paul.
7/12/04 - Golf-Juliet Back Soon!
Good news! Golf-Juliet will be back online in the next two weeks! It's due back from Leicester in the next few days, and will be going over to Hinton for the annual. We hope to have her back very soon.
5/12/04 - Shoreham Fly Out Cancelled
Sadly, the recent disappointing weather forced us to abandon the planned trip to Shoreham on Sunday 5th December. Several optimistic aviators joined us early in the morning, only to discover the cloudbase and visibility wasn't good enough for us to go. Still, it wasn't all bad news - Louise did make us all sausage sandwiches for breakfast to make up for the disappointment! We're planning to try again on Saturday 18th December so if you want to join us either call or email Louise or Paul, and we'll keep you informed. Of course, if you want to fly in the typical British winter, why not get an IMC?
Pilot Flight Training Today's Pilot Article
Regular readers of Today's Pilot will have spotted Steve Bridgewater's article in the September issue of the magazine. For those who didn't see it, click on the link below to download a copy of it. Once again, thanks go to Steve Bridgewater for attending the open day and for making the article available to us.
Click here for the Today's Pilot Article
Pilot Flight Training Raffle Results
Many congratulations to the following lucky winners of the Pilot Flight Training Open Day Raffle. The winners have been informed, and the total prize money has been calculated - we are pleased to have raised £715 for the British Disabled Flying Association.
Dr Snow - Pink 11 Wins a 20 mins helicopter Flight courtesy of Oxford Air Training
Craig Wardrop - Yellow 373 Wins Nav Aid Software courtesy of Airplan Flight Equipment
Jim Kershaw - Pink 91 Wins an Aerobatic Flight with Pilot Flight Training
Angela Hodgson - Pink 189 Wins a 1 Year subscription to Pilot Magazine
Susy Champniss - Yellow 106 Wins a 1 Year subscription to Flyer Magazine
David Thomas - Yellow 250 Wins an aviation goody pack
Mick Wright - Yellow 382 Wins a 1 Year subscription to Today's Pilot Magazine
Andrew Giddings - Pink 667 Wins an AFE 2004 VFR Flight Guide courtesy of Airplan Flight Equipment
Delphine Audetto - Pink 207 Wins an aviation goody pack
Richard White - Pink 87 Wins a 40 minute trial lesson with Pilot Flight Training
Nicki Belcher - Pink 195 Wins a trip in the Flying Fox courtesy of Fox FM
Robert Stephen - Pink 121 Wins a PPL Starter Pack
Once again, Pilot Flight Training wish to thank all those entrants who managed to raise the money for charity, and of course - we wish to especially thank all those who generously donated prizes.
Pilot Flight Training Open Day - July 4th 2004
Weeks of planning and repeated checking of the weather forecast culminated in the first Pilot Flight Training open day and BBQ. Despite the changeable weather, members of the public, club regulars and students visited bringing friends and family.
Clive from PFT Hinton arrives in the Condor
Besides all the flying and eating, there was also a navigation competition and a raffle for prizes donated by Today's Pilot magazine, Airplan Flight Equipment, Flyer, Pilot, Oxford Air Training, Fox FM and of course PFT. The navigation competition had four lucky winners - Alan George, Mike Harwood, Liz Harris and Anne Sprately - all of whom win an aviation goodie-bag. The raffle is still open until July 12th after which the results will be published here and the lucky winners informed.
The navigation competition gets underway (Photo courtesy of Steve Bridgewater, Today's Pilot)
Courtesy of some sterling work by Steve Bridgewater at Today’s Pilot, we did have two very special visitors. Alan George and his co-pilot Rod flew over from Gloucester in their lovely Vans RV-4; and we were very lucky to have an immaculate Piper Cub, which was making its debut after a complete rebuild. The aircraft had only made two short local flights from a private strip near Shoreham and completed a compass swing only that morning before venturing north to PFT!
Alan and Rod's Vans RV-4 (Photo courtesy of Steve Bridgewater, Today's Pilot)
The Cub was flown by Jamie Chalkley and his co-pilot Simon. Jamie is Operations Manager at Eastern Atlantic Helicopters at Shoreham and Today's Pilot's helicopter correspondent, Simon is an engineer at Jade Air at Shoreham. They also fly a Bulldog and until recently an ex-Swiss Air Force Pilatus P2 warbird. We’re not at all jealous, chaps. ;-)
Jamie and Simon's Piper Cub (Photo courtesy of Steve Bridgewater, Today's Pilot)
Sadly, the planned visit of a Tiger Moth and Jet Provost didn't come to light. The Moth suffered some technical problems that morning, and the Provost was weathered in at its base. PFT wish to thank Jim Kershaw for offering to bring over the Moth, and also thank Neil McArthy and John Oswald - operators of the Jet Provost - who patiently waited at Newcastle all day hoping for a weather window. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate and Neil and John remained on the ground. The good news is that Neil and John have promised to visit us next year, if PFT can arrange better weather! We look forward to seeing them.
Russell Harrison's Robinson R44
We were also very pleased to welcome Russell Harrison who arrived in his Robinson R44 helicopter, resplendent in a glorious shade of purple! Throughout the day, Russell kindly offered pleasure flights for a small donation to charity. £570 was raised, going to the British Disabled Flying Association. Of course, Caroline and the PFT instructors, Lee, Ian, Alistair and Rob were kept busy with numerous trial lessons.
Lee undertakes yet another trial lesson (Photo courtesy of Steve Bridgewater, Today's Pilot)
Louise's parents, Susan and Geoff deserve special thanks for delivering, organising and cooking what turned out to be a fantastic BBQ - Geoff admirably manning the barbie all day feeding a steady flow of visitors and hungry instructors.
Geoff starts Lee's 18th burger (Photo courtesy of Steve Bridgewater, Today's Pilot)
Louise wishes to extend her thanks to all who assisted - especially her parents, Geoff, Adele, Sally and Steve Bridgewater. Thanks also go to those who kindly donated prizes, Andrew Giddings for donating the champagne, Russell Harrison, Clive, Alan, Rod, Jamie and Simon for flying in, Jim Kershaw, Neil McArthy and John Oswald for almost flying in(!), and of course, the PFT staff - you all helped make the open day a success. Thanks also go to Oxford Airport for making the event possible - despite three showers, many visitors young and old enjoyed the day. We hope that this will become a regular annual event, and next time the weather will be better!
Ian gets his IMC instructors rating and his motorbike licence!
Congratulations to Ian, who after only weeks of successfully passing his motorbike test decided to make his way down to Exeter airport to get his IMC instructors rating. Fortunately, Ian is a much better pilot than motorcyclist and managed to pass the course first time. We won't say how many attempts he took on his motorbike test. ;-)
New Aircraft!
Due to the large number of new PPL students that have arrived this year, we have purchased another Cherokee 140. G-BCGJ will primarily be used for training, but will also be available for hire like the rest of the fleet. Golf-Juliet comes with dual Nav and Com radios, dual VOR/ILS, ADF, DME and a mode Charlie Transponder.
 
New Instructors!
We'd like to take this opportunity to welcome several new faces to PFT Oxford - Ian and Matt will be joining Lee as our resident instructors, and Andy will be joining Rob at the weekends.
New Management!
To facilitate his new found passion for playing golf(!), Tom has been joined by Louise Walker. Louise is now responsible for the daily running of Pilot Flight Training.
New Coffee Machine!
Yes it's finally happened! Due to unprecedented demand, our coffee machine has now been replaced with a new model, offering more choice and a thoroughly rewarding vending experience!
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