Flying Instructor

Once upon a time there was a flying instructor who, against all the odds, taught me to fly. The rest, as they say, is history: he went on to become a First Officer and is now flying 737s around the Gulf whilst I went on to build G-JONL.

Brian was back in the UK for a few days in November so it seemed like a good idea to get together for a meal and to catch up on each other's news. A thoroughly enjoyable evening was had at one of the excellent country pubs near to Carlisle Airport.

The following day was clear, cold and bright. Excellent weather for a bit of proper flying, so Brian and I assembled at Kirkbride in the late morning, intent on doing just that. Brian kindly permitted me to do the take off but by the time we were climbing through 1000ft it was clear that he was itching to take control. I didn't do any more flying that day!

We headed out over the Solway and on to Dumfries before setting course for Locherbie. This is Brian's old stomping ground and he was in his element. Soon we were making steep turns and all the other things that he doesn't get to do in a 737 with self loading freight! After a bit of that we headed off to Carlisle Airport for a spot of lunch, meeting up with several of his old buddies in the café. Considering that Brian had never flown JONL before he made an excellent landing (I have to say that, other wise he might hit me!).

All too soon it was time to head back to Kirkbride - a short 10 minute direct flight. It was a pleasure to be flying with Brian again and to discover that he hasn't lost his knack of flying little fun aeroplanes.

Photo credits: Brian Peacock