What's Happening at Watnall?

Autumn 2004

Various new faces have arrived on site all keen to get their licences. Leading this new crew has to be Dave Middleton, only been here a short while and already he is racking up the solo hours. Nick Matthews may not have got as far into his training (he has been here only a few weeks) but has already decided he likes the sport and bought his own machine.

Mike Harwood has moved away to India so we won't be seeing his 'yellow bird' any more. Rob Benner has gone three axis and has bought a Thruster with Kai.

The weather has been atrocious over the last few weeks, lets hope for some decent crisp winters days.

Summer 2004

Despite a prolonged period of poor weather Dean Raybould has converted his restricted licence into a full one, nice one Dean.

Brian, Rob Benner and Andy Thomas all took part in an official microlight fly past during the funeral ceremony of the Duke of Devonshire who had an association with Microlighting in this area.

Spring 2004

Jock Munro has completed his training and now has his new licence in his hand. Mike Harbourne has also re-validated, congratulations to them both. All we all need now is a decent bit of weather so that we can get out there and get some nice days out flown. Paul Harwood is rapidly catching up having completed his first solo in what seems a really short time, well done Paul.

Winter 2003 - 2004

Kai Harmston and Chris Barker have both completed their GFTs, well done to them both. The Centenary of Flight on the 17th December 2003 was celebrated at Watnall as a few of us had the most fabulous flights in quite some while. A few photos and some words about the day can be found here. Alan Woolley has waved goodbye to his Thruster Sprint and said a big "Hello" to his Eurostar. A few us us took part in the Brass Monkey Fly in to Northcoates on January 4th. A long cold trip that we all enjoyed.

Autumn 2003

Jock Munro has flown solo, well done to him, a good effort reflecting the time and effort he has put in. Just a few more hours like that Jock, a good GFT and you'll be on the day trips with the rest of us :)

Summer 2003

Rob Benner, John Coulson and Dean Raybould have passed their GFTs, congratulations to them all.

The Waypoint Databank area of this web page is now sponsored by NOTAM PRO, a truly excellent piece of software that will convert the mess that is the current NOTAM page and layout the information on a map of the UK so that you can actually see just what dangers are present for your next flying trip. It is highly recommended. Visit the Waypoint area and click the link to find out more

The cabin at Watnall has been renamed Terminal 1 and offers shelter from the seemingly ever present winds!

Alan Thomson has joined Eddie Cartwright and has moved off site, they now have Quantums hangared at Mapperley near Ilkeston. They have just taken part in Wingspan 2003 (along with Alan Woolley in his Thruster) a mass flight of microlights over the channel and into France.

Blind adventurer Miles Hilton-Barber has been taking some flying lessons with Brian and with the knowledge gained also flew across the channel as part of the Wingspan event ! ( He did have a sighted co-pilot of course). Miles will later be flying his new Pegasus Quik microlight back to the UK from Australia.

One or two visiting pilots have caused local upset by not following any kind of proper circuit pattern, therefore WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT all visiting pilots MUST phone for PPR before setting off.

12/04/2003

The effort put into it by Students Rob Benner, Kai Harmiston and John Coulson has paid off, they have all gone solo over the last few weeks. Well done to you all.

A cabin has now been put on site. Previously at Caunton it was moved to Watnall where massive restoration was completed by various people, especially Brian, Rob and John was carried out (those non flyable days have some use).

Eddie Cartwright has completed his GFT and gone off to another site nearer to his home.

Leigh, Steve, Ian, Kai and Alan (Thomson) have all taken and passed the Radio Telephony examinations, this will open up the wider horizons for areas to visit.

13/10/2002

Further congratulations must now go to Steve Wilks who, not long after his first solo has taken and passed his GFT, he has also since taken a week away and completed some very impressive cross country trips for such a newly qualified pilot.

04/08/2001 Rotax owners manuals available with this link to the Rotax web site.