My aviation journey began at BUAS (1990–1993), where I first learnt to fly in a Prestwick-Bulldog T2 - a powerful, fully aerobatic, spin-approved military training aircraft rated from –2.75g to +5g. It was a demanding platform, far more capable and exacting than the Cessnas or Pipers typically used for civilian training, and it required the same professionalism and discipline expected of all front-line RAF pilots.

Under the guidance of a rigorous instructor, I learned that preparation, precision, anticipation, and prioritisation under pressure are key skills.  

During my time with BUAS, I also had the opportunity to fly military helicopters and fast jets at RAF Lossiemouth, gaining early exposure to the standards and expectations that define military aviation.

After university, my flying became occasional, but since moving to Cyprus I’ve been able to return to the skies through RAF Akrotiri's Flying Club. I train with several outstanding ex-RAF instructors who are helping me convert my experience into a civilian PPL/CPL. The weather is more forgiving than Bristol or Lossiemouth, but the training no less exacting.

Operating from an active RAF base brings a constant sense of perspective: it’s not unusual to share the circuit with Typhoons, visiting F-16s, Chinooks, and the photo here is of visiting Norwegian Hercules taking my parking spot. Our small Cessnas, Piper-Alpha, and Pup often look out of place beside them, but the professionalism in the air is the same.

Beyond powered flight, I’ve also trained in parachuting, hang-gliding (very 1990s), and paragliding, including a memorable first solo paraglider flight in Chamonix in 2000 (see photo), jumping off a sheer cliff, to be guided by radio to a safe landing 800m below.

Flying taught me that aviation is ultimately about solid preparation, anticipation, discipline, and prioritised decision-making under pressure — qualities that extend far beyond the cockpit. 

My current goal is to join the national forestry and aerial firefighting service, flying the formidable Air Tractor AT-802. It’s flying at its most demanding: low-level operations in hazardous conditions, managing both the aircraft and the aerodynamics of releasing three tonnes of water in a controlled dive.