MEET THE TEAM
As we built the Take Flight dream, our fantastic team were really hand picked to be the best in the business. Whilst we may have reduced in size our freelance instructors offering check-out flights, renewals and ratings have a passion for aviation and are not career instructors and have a way to impart their knowledge in a professional way, yet fun way. All our team have great stories to tell, a passion for aviation and a little known amazing fact - now shared! In no particular order apart from the boss being at the top obviously! We've also included some of our old crew too. As the Eagles said, you can check out anytime you like but you can never leave!
MIKE ROBERTS
FOUNDER & DIRECTOR
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Description: Owner, Managing Director & Pilot.
Mike set up Take Flight Aviation Limited in 2005 having purchased a one aircraft flying school at Wellesbourne in a pub by accident. Now one of the most respected flying clubs and schools in the UK with awards to prove it! He says: “I started my flight training as a baby back in 1985 at the site where Take Flight now resides. For one reason and another I never completed my pilot training untill 2004 and soon after purchased my own aircraft and now have well in excess of 1800 flying hours. My main business is commercial property, with a portfolio that I have built from scratch which is managed from one of our business centres. Aviation is a very challenging market place, so we have to be better and different from everyone else to succeed. I think what Take Flight Aviation offers, a fleet of aircraft to use as your own, is not only a unique concept but exceptional value as well. Our team here at Take Flight are amazing – but they would be, because I picked them! Combining safe flying with fun and friendship is what we’re about” Amazing Fact: Mike spent over ten years as a radio presenter for both BBC and independent radio, which may explain where all his bad Alan Partridge style jokes come from. He’s met more famous people than the Queen and even performed in front of royalty. Mike is the official web-site copy-writer and photographer which may explain why he hasn't got a good picture of himself. He also holds a world record or two, although he never talks about it, but if you ask really nicely . . . |
DAVID DONOVAN
CHIEF FLYING INSTRUCTOR
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Description: Commercial Pilot, Former Airline Captain, Chief Flying Instructor and CAA authorised examiner.
Dave has a wealth of knowledge from his vast experience in the industry and has boundless enthusiasm for flying and in particular flight training. He enjoys teaching instrument IR(R) flying, aerobatics and night ratings if you're lucky, although he has to be home by midnight otherwise he turns into a handsome prince! He says: “I always had an interest in aviation and when I had a pleasure flight in an Air Atlantique DC3 I decided that day that this is what I wanted to do for a living. I did a full time course to do my Pilots Licence back in the 1980’s and it took me just three weeks. The guys that taught me were great and gave me the impression it was a great job so I followed suit. I have been involved with six flying clubs over the years and Take Flight is easily the best. The main reason for this is Mike's enthusiasm. The premises and facilities are excellent and all the other staff are a great bunch. I'm proud to be CFI of the best flying club in the country.” Amazing Fact: Amazingly, despite his good looks and common opinion, Mr Donovan is actually not the brother of, or any relation to Jason, although he claims that Kylie Minogue did once propose to him - he should be so lucky! Dave has flown a light aircraft across the Atlantic, a trip that he enjoyed, but not so keen to repeat. |
SAM ROBERTS
DIRECTOR
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Description: Managing Director
Sam has really embraced the club philosophy on joining the team and has been working hard to improve systems and make us run even smoother. During a recent holiday Sam was taken ill with an suspected appendicitis which turned out to be cocktail stick stuck in his meckels diverticulum which only 2% of the population have, so when you see him give him some stick!` He says: “I had a lot to live up to when I joined Take Flight as our former Apprentice Alex who had left for his travels had won Apprentice of the Year. After a couple of weeks of getting to know all the team, meeting all the very welcoming members and entering my second log book entry in ten years, it is a wonder why I haven’t spent more of my time at Take Flight Aviation. I like the warm and positive atmosphere it gives you every time you walk in - even on the days you don’t get to fly. Take Flight really has sparked an enthusiasm in Aviation for me and I really look forward to continue working here and enjoyed gaining my PPL after all these years… Oh and drinking lots of Tea." Amazing Fact: Sam previously worked as a sound technician and has mic’d up the likes of Nicki Chapman, Rebecca Ferguson and Sir Ian McKellen…..so not as famous as his father then….. Just yet, although he was a childhood model. Sam is also proud of the fact he can do a Rubix cube in under 3 minutes, try him. |
CAROLINE SCOTT
FLYING INSTRUCTOR
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Description: Part-Time Flying Instructor.
Caz as she's known to her friends worked for Easy-Jet before joining Take Flight. As well as being an aerobatic instructor, she’ll fly any of our aircraft as long as they’re not orange . . . She says: “I wanted to be a Pilot for as long as I can remember. My Mum and best friend from Primary school remember me saying 'I am going to fly a plane when I grow up'. I had just turned 19 when I had my first trial lesson at Halfpenny Green and never looked back. I’m still paying off my commercial flight training, however flying with students is so rewarding, I actually really love it and makes the money and hard work feel worthwhile." "The thing I like most about Take Flight are the people. The other instructors, students and members are all really friendly and it has a family feel to it. It is also a lovely building to be in and the aircraft are well-maintained.” Amazing Fact: Caz has completed her Queen Scout Award and has done an Archery Instructor Course. She also keeps rabbits from a rescue centre. Perhaps she uses them for target practice - just kidding, although suspiciously she makes a mean stew! |
THOMAS BOLAM
RECEPTION & OPERATIONS
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Description: Reception and Operations
Thomas (not Tom) is an enthusiastic member of the Take Flight Crew now runs Cotswold Flight Training who took over Take Flights student operation. Originally part of our weekend desk crew like our full time apprentices an exceptional member of the team. Not only did he get his PPL with TFA he has gone on to become a commercial pilot, but just loves being in the air. A great person to speak to about PPL training as he's done it and some great advice if you want to pursue a career in aviation. He says: “I joined Take Flight in September 2021, working at the weekend in Operations. I started my PPL in the summer of 2021 but had to wait for my 17th birthday to finish!" Mt time at TFA helped me follow my dream to fly commercially, but have enjoyed ever stage of my flying career. - I loved being part of Take Flight Aviation, it was the best place to be and that's why I'm here still as running Cotswold Flight Training in the old TFA building! Enstone Airfield and our Enstone base are fantastic - chatting to club members and our team of knowledgeable instructors at the weekend is really enjoyable. It’s invaluable to be in the industry now, meeting anyone in aviation is always worth it. Amazing Fact: Despite still being at school, Thomas was and is the co-owner of a Piper Arrow! No not a model, a real plane! Yes a real plane! That's what we thought too, but you can't fault his logic. Buying a car is so last year. Why wait to buy a car at 17 when you can fly a plane solo at 16. Damn why didn't we think of that! |
JAMES GUNN
SATURDAY OPERATIONS
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Description: Saturday Operations
Alfa Romeo fan James joined Take Flight to avoid washing up!. He says: “I joined Take Flight in the summer of 2019, working on Saturdays in Operations managing the front desk. This was a slight improvement on my previous role, washing up in a local pub. It certainly beats that! I have aspired to be a pilot since my first flight in a light aircraft at the age of 7. My Dad is an airline pilot which means I have been surrounded by aviation from a very young age and knew that was what I wanted to do too. Take Flight has such a lively atmosphere which is enjoyable to be around, meeting members and discussing their flying related goals and achievements is the best. Working for Take Flight has allowed me to gain an insight into aviation from a wide variety of individuals, helped me fulfill my dream of becoming a commercial pilot.” Amazing Fact: James has played Rugby since the age of four but also tackled (see what we did there) an 850 metre zip line (that's longer than Enstone’s runway). That must be some pair of trousers that zip came from! |
GORDON WALSH
FLYING INSTRUCTOR
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Description: Flying Instructor.
Gordon has been fascinated with flight since he was a child on holiday in Cornwall watching Gliders from Perrenporth beach, when he pestered his Dad to take him to the airfield. You could say it was “Love at first flight”! He says: “My first flight was in a Auster J5P Autocar when I was about 8. I was amazed at how different things looked from the air, looking down on Truro cathedral. When I was old enough I joined the ATC and flew in gliders at Gaydon and Chipmunks at Shawbury. It took me just over a year to get my license. On the day of my GFT I was rushed into hospital with appendicitis, it then took a month to recover. Just to outdo Dave Donovan, my sister actually used to live next door to Kylie's parents". It’s true we checked it out, well “You’ve got to be certain”" Amazing Fact: En route to Arromanche for the D Day celebrations we found the roads had all been cordoned off by the Gendarmes armed with machine guns to protect the dignitaries. I successfully navigated our way around them through lanes, dirt tracks and an industrial estate. We emerged back on to the main road and head on into Barack Obama's motorcade. Gordon has enjoyed a Police escort ever since, |
DOUG PATON
FLYING INSTRUCTOR
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Description: Commercial Pilot and Flying Instructor.
Doug grew up near Northholt, Denham and Heathrow airports and as a kid would ride his bike to sit and watch the planes come and go. His Dads friend took him for a flight from Denham when he was twelve years old and he's been hooked every since. He saved up his money to learn to fly gaining his PPL in five months flying once a week. He now flies corporate jets around the world and has well over 5000 flying hours! He teaches for the PPL and the IR(R) rating at both our Wellesbourne Mountford and London Oxford bases. He says: “Take Flight have a fantastic friendly team with a really up to date attitude on how to make flying easy to access and learning to fly fun. It's brilliant as an Instructor watching your students reach their full potential. I teach at both their London Oxford and Wellesbourne bases, Take Flight is the best place to learn and has a great social side too." Amazing Fact: Doug is a semi-pro bass player and started playing the double bass when he was nine years old. He has played in everything from pub bands to a full blown symphony orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall! |
JOHN BENSON
PART-TIME FLYING INSTRUCTOR
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Description: Flying Instructor.
From his first lesson John was amazed at being in the sky, feeling the aircraft move in the air and seeing the world from above. He thought the sky was just such a beautiful place to be - and still does. John is one of those adrenaline seeking guys who loves aerobatics so can instruct for the AOPA approved aerobatic certificate and rating as well as Private Pilots Licence (PPL). He says: “I watched Neil Williams in a Pitts Special at the Hullavington world aerobatic championships it was mesmerising and I knew then I wanted to learn to fly. I've always enjoyed teaching students and trainees in my life as a doctor so teaching flying seemed a great way of combining teaching with my love of flight. It's great to share a passion for flying and to help people to learn themselves. Take Flight has a real can-do attitude, with a range of aircraft and a modern approach. A wide range of people come to fly here, which is good”. Amazing Fact: As a student when training to go into medicine, I flew hang gliders over the Welsh borders. Great fun, but cold in winter. We say that flying hang gliders and medical training could be a useful combination! |
HENRY WHITE
THE FLYING DOCTOR - AME
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Description: The Flying Doctor - CAA Authorised Medical Examiner, Club Member and GP.
We're very lucky to have a club member and PPL holder as a CAA approved medical examiner who can undertake Class II medicals for the Private Pilots Licence at his surgery, just five miles from Wellesbourne . Henry enjoys flying at the club in the Cessna 172 and first soloed in the C152 G-BPEO He Says: "I first flew in a light aircraft in the Serengeti aged 11 and have had the flying bug ever since. I flew gliders in the 80s and 90s. An instructor friend recommended Take Flight as a highly professional and friendly club, where training for my PPL was lots of fun." Amazing Fact: Henry has never lost the travelling bug since living in East Africa as a child, when he had various adventures including accidentally letting a cobra out of its tank and going head to head with a rhino in a VW beetle. He later spent time up a tree besieged by feral dogs in Romania. He now lives peacefully in leafy Warwickshire, despite the threat of ankle biting Jack Russells...... |
ANDY MOON
RT INSTRUCTOR & EXAMAINER
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Description: Radio Telephony Instructor and Examiner.
Andy’s passion for aviation is obvious from his story and we love the way he imparts his knowledge with such enthusiasm and passion. Andy consults for EASA and helps steer phraselogy for the CAA. We’re literally over the moon to have him on board so don’t worry about your RT anymore.` He says: “I visited the flight deck of an aircraft for the first time on a flight to Spain at just 8 years old, and as they say the rest is history. I joined the air cadets at 13 and soloed at 16 gaining my PPL on my 17th birthday. I then spent the next 12 months gaining my frozen ATPL (IR). I love the relaxed club atmosphere at Take Flight and their teaching ethos which matches mine, simply making the subject enjoyable.” Amazing Fact: Andy flew the Commonwealth torch to the Falklands and flies a Voyager (the RAFs largest aircraft). As well as qualifying as a Commercial Pilot Andy is trained as an advanced Police driver and authorised to engage in high speed pursuits, so next time you’re watching one of those late night high speed police chase programs it could be him! Chase me, chase me! |
TONY CLEWORTH
CRI CLASS RATING INSTRUCTOR
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Description: CRI Class Rating Instructor
Elvis fan Tony can offer licence revalidations and check flights. Although Tony started out Gliding, he has refused to ever let it hold him back! He now flies a Gulfstream 450. Often found at the club on his many days off Tony loves to chat, although some would say "A little less conversation", a little more action please" We say "Don't be Cruel" You can see where this is going.... He says: "I never actually took lessons in an SEP aircraft until 1988, but it was 'Always on My Mind'. I concentrated on gliding until I had a qualification which I knew would drastically slash the hours requirement to complete my PPL. I thought 'It's Now or Never' - I now have over 6,000 hours total time with over 1,000 hours in light aircraft. I have been around several flying clubs over the last thirty years and Take Flight has impressed me more than any other I have come across. The friendliness, the aircraft, the operation, the organised fly-aways, but mostly the people. The staff and members are brilliant and their enthusiasm is infectious." Amazing Fact: Tony refuses to believe Elvis is dead and is convinced one day he'll walk up the steps of his executive jet. If he's not dead he will be after he's heard Tony's Elvis impersonation and if it doesn't kill him well he definitely be 'All Shock Up'. Uh, huh-huh! |
MEET FORMER CREW MEMBERS- KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH THE OLD TEAM
YOU CAN HAVE A CHECK OUT ANYTIME YOU LIKE - BUT YOU CAN NEVER LEAVE!
SEB STRATTA
VIDEOGRAPHER
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Description: Take Flights Videographer and Aerobatic Pilot
Seb didn't need any encouragement to learn to fly, as a kid he played endlessly with Air-Fix models and flight simulators. As soon as he got his first pay cheque he got himself his first flying lesson and is now studying to become a commercial pilot. He says: "I started learning to fly when I was 18, although I did look like a 12 year old, some say I still do! I'll never forget the moment I got handed the controls for the first time. With limited funds from an entry level job it took years to complete. I've now accumulated over 150 hours although many of them are upside down! The atmosphere Take Flight resonates made me want to get more involved and I worked my way in with my skill set in film making and editing. I have become the man behind all the clubs on-line videos and Take Flight's You Tube channel. I also help out at the clubs charity Loop the Loop events. Take Flight is a great place to be, the people, the happiness, the excitement, the adventure . . . it's always an amazing day, even if the weather says otherwise, but the days I do get to fly is full of different experiences and I am always exploring the boundaries of what I know and what I can do". Amazing Fact: Seb is a bit of an internet legend with millions of views of his aerobatic flight videos and although Seb claims to be quiet and reserved he's actually a massive adrenaline junkie. He's raced rally cars around the Forest of Dean and even claims to have trecked across the Icelandic volcano "Eyjafjallajokull" although we all know that's actually the name of an Ikea wardrobe! |
SAM TOMLINSON
WEEKEND OPERATIONS
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Description: Weekend Operations
Sam travels to Germany frequently which gave him his flying bug in his childhood. He was 15 years old when he had his first lesson in a Cessna 152. After his first lesson he realised that this is what he wanted to do as a career. He says: “I really enjoy working at Take Flight and the day to day interactions with all the members, staff and new customers that walk through the door. Of course there are many challenges that come with this job, especially working at the weekend on one of our busiest days, but that is what makes the job so interesting and definitely worth the 40 minute drive every Sunday morning. I’ve just started my PPL so it’s great to chat to other students in a similar position” Amazing Fact: Sam is half German (so don’t mention the W ……orld Cup). |
ELLE SCOTHERN
RECEPTION & OPERATIONS
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Description: Reception and Operations.
Elle met our MD at a Kura Aviation event where she was exploring the journey to becoming a commercial pilot. She had already undertaken a couple of trial flights with us and enquired if there was any work going; she was a perfect fit for us and within a few days was being trained to cover reception and help out with operations whilst our Apprentice Dan attends college. She says: “I'm really looking forward to my PPL training with Take Flight, ever since I had my first trial lesson I've been hooked with the aviation world. I love working with everyone and meeting all the people that fly regularly. Everyone is so friendly and I love telling them about my dreams to become a commercial pilot. The atmosphere at Take Flight is so relaxed, I'm learning lots and meeting so many new and inspirational people” Amazing Fact: Elle has obtained Bronze, Silver and Gold in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme which she says has helped her build her confidence, learning new skills, volunteering in charity shops, helping refurbish a youth hostel and hiking in the Lake and Peak districts. Elle plays Violin and Piano which now means we have enough musical talent to start another Take Flight band! Elle's birthday is the day before the bosses, which now has Mike claiming he's the youngest member of staff! Hmmm I'm not sure that's how it works, but whatever keeps him happy! |
CHARLOTTE WRIGHT
RECEPTION & OPERATIONS
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Description: Occasional Weekend Reception and Operations.
After a week’s work experience at the airfield and a chance meeting with our MD at the airfield fuel bay, it soon became apparent that Charlotte was an incredibly bright young lady and would be perfect for the Take Flight team. She is on hand to show prospective members and students around the flying club and aircraft at weekends and look to after the members of the club ensuring everything is running smoothly across the weekend. Charlotte was keen to follow in her families aviation history and that's what she did. . . She says: “The experience I’ve gained at Take Flight is invaluable. My family has loads of connections to flying and have been lucky enough to follow in my families footsteps and have a career in aviation. My part-time role at Take Flight whilst I was studying at Sixth Form helped me secure my dream job at British Airways.” Amazing Fact: When she was just eight years old Charlotte spent six months living and studying in Mauritius. Charlotte started her PPL course in 2015 as part of her on the job training. Although we're not 100% sure of the family tree, with her family name 'Wright' she should be a natural aviator! |
DARCIE ROBSON
RECEPTION & OPERATIONS
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Description: Occasional Weekend Reception and Operations.
We were really chuffed to have Darcie as one of our weekend reception team and to start her flying career by learning to fly with us. She has such a friendly personality and a great smile making her the perfect host to welcome old and new members alike. When she was six years old her Mum watched her playing at being an air hostess and asked the question “Darce, why don’t you play at being the Pilot?”, which got her thinking . . . She says: “I’ve wanted to be a Pilot for as long as I can remember. Growing up watching my Dad fly for British Airways and now my Brother really inspired me to follow in their footsteps (plus I can’t be the only one in the family not to do it).” “Everyone at Take Flight is so lovely and welcoming, it’s got such a friendly and professional atmosphere, it’s such a great place to be.” Amazing Fact: Darcies first time in a plane was when she was only eight months old as both her parents worked for the airline. She was frequently passed from one parent to another at a Motorway Service Station with one coming home and the other going away on an outbound leg. That's starting out life living in the fast lane - well almost! |
ELLA DAVIES
RECEPTION & OPERATIONS
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Description: Occasional Weekend Reception and Operations.
Our former Sunday receptionist and operations team member has been best friends with Darcie who worked Saturdays for as long as she can remember and they both share the same goal to be a commercial pilot. We’re really pleased to have another passionate aviator with high flying ambitions on the team and proud she's starting her flying career with Take Flight Aviation. Although the girls no longer work regular shifts as the Eagles once said "You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave" and we're glad to have the girls back to cover shifts on an ad-hoc basis as they continue to work towards their Pilots licence. She says: “Since my first visit to the cockpit of a Jumbo Jet aged five, the pull of the aviation industry has seemed unavoidable; having grown up surrounded by Aviation with my Dad being a pilot for British Airways, as well as other family connections. I have a great enthusiasm for flying as a whole. As well as working on operations for Take Flight, I’m studying Physics, Mathematics and Geography ‘A’ Levels that I hope will help spur me forward in my journey to the cockpit, hopefully next to my Dad as a fully qualified first officer.” Amazing Fact: Ellas family were originally from South Africa and her Dad obtained his Private Pilots Licence there at an early age. She often travels back there and on one safari holiday she had her first flying lesson at the tender age of eight! |
ALEX CHANCE
APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR
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Description: Our first ever full time apprentice, but still a Take Flight member.
When Alex's parents first started taking him on holiday he was more excited about the flight than the holiday and when he got to sit in the cockpit he nearly wet himself. After being fully potty trained his Grandparents brought him down to Wellesbourne to watch the planes and the rest, as they say, is history. He joined the air cadets at the age of thirteen and after his first experience in the air, he simply couldn't wait to go again. He gained his Private Pilots Licence as part of his apprenticeship training. As Take Flights Apprentice he got the blame for nearly everything that went wrong, but did make a great cup of tea and welcomes visitors with a smile. His frequent Facetime sessions when he was off touring the world made us feel like he's never left! He now works full time in the aviation industry as a trainee avionics engineer at Gloucester Airport. He says: "Every aspect of Take Flight puts it head and shoulders above everyone else! My first impression was that it’s a friendly, relaxed yet extremely professional flying club with a fantastic team behind it. What I enjoy most about working at Take Flight is that every day is different. I am always meeting new people and sharing stories with all sorts of people. I love sharing my enthusiasm for flying and like showing people around the club and our fleet of aircraft." Amazing Fact: Alex has already travelled widely. He's trekked in the Himalayas, taken a hot-air balloon ride over the Nile, been on an African Safari and visited a glacier in Canada. However, he says his favourite place is the Keswick Pencil Museum. In November 2016 Alex won a Coventry and Warwickshire "Apprentice of the Year" award beating hundreds of nominees. |
SARAH TERRY
FLYING INSTRUCTOR
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Description: Commercial Pilot and Part Time Flying Instructor.
Sarah's first flight was with her Uncle in Seattle in the USA, she loved it and couldn't wait to go up again . . . She Says: "Although I was apprehensive before my first ever flight, I wanted to go straight back up when I came down. The flight over Seattle was amazing, but I remember thinking there was a lot to learn, but I like a challenge. I was 21 at the time and it took me eighteen months to get my commercial licence. I now have over 1000 hours of flying instruction and am currently racking up the hours flying an ATP in my other job". "I had been an instructor for many years teaching swimming and horse riding, so it seemed like a natural progression after gaining my commercial pilots license to become an instructor. I enjoy passing on my knowledge and seeing people progress from their first lesson to first solo and eventually gaining a pilots licence. Take Flight has a really friendly atmosphere and the variety of aircraft are great." Amazing Fact: Sarah used to live on a ranch in Texas and train horses before she started learning to fly. So if you think you can learn quicker than a horse Sarah could be your girl! |
STEVE MOORE
FLYING INSTRUCTOR
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Description: Flying Instructor and Airline Pilot
Steve is a self confessed aviation geek who lived on the approach to Manchester airport as a child, that started his obsession with flying. He couldn't wait to come home from school to watch the planes. He really does have his head in the clouds and claims to be the worlds tallest flying instructor. . . . . He Says: "My first ever flight was surreal, like a dream I'd dreamt a thousand times, but for real. I completed my PPL course including all the ground exams in 21 days and loved every minute. I wanted to be flying instructor as I love the reaction you get when you fly someone for the first time. Seeing the big grin on peoples faces is priceless and to help someone achieve their dream of learning to fly makes one feel very humble to be part of that individuals ambition". "I have been around a lot of flying clubs in my time but have never experienced the level of passion and warm welcome that I have at Take Flight. It's just perfect and the aircraft are superbly presented too!" Amazing Fact: Steve is an advanced open water PADI scuba diver, so if he's not in the blue above then he can be found in the blue below. |
HANA SMIDDY
SALES AND MARKETING DIRECTOR
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Description: Former Sales and Marketing Director and PA to the MD.
Hana started working for Take Flight Aviation in Wellesbourne in a marketing role one day a week, this soon became two. After being given the job specification to advertise for a role as the bosses PA, she decided to bin the advert and become the only candidate. Hana claims to be 21. When she was 21 for the fifth time she took a year out to travel the Balearics and Thailand. . . . She says: “ I love working at Take Flight and being surrounded by a wealth of information. The members and the team here are some of the most interesting and inspirational people I've ever met. I've always been of a positive disposition but since working at Take Flight I have a renewed enthusiasm for the 'unlikely' - who would have thought I would be learning to fly an aeroplane! It's just so exciting! " Amazing Fact: Hana’s claim to fame is that she was the world’s first ever "Girl Scout". I bet she had to pull some woggles to swing that, but she'll need more than a few badges to keep our MD in check! |
CHARLES COOK
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Description: Commercial Pilot and Part Time Flying Instructor.
Charles was taken for his first flight at the tender age of nine by his Father who had a PPL. It was in a Tiger Moth from Biggin Hill airport and back then his legs weren't long enough to reach the rudder pedals - he no longer has that problem as he's 6 foot 99. He started teaching Air Cadets in gliders before realising the benefits of having an engine or two. Despite having a dream job as a commercial pilot he loves to instruct and imparts his knowledge in a very relaxed style. Chas as we know him, has in excess of 12,000 flight hours. He says: “It's a great team at Take Flight and there's a thriving social side. The club has an open and very comfortable atmosphere. The clubs hire without restrictions philosophy and the quality of everyone involved at all levels, makes it a very nice place to both fly and instruct" Amazing Fact: Charles is a private jet Captain and flies very posh people in a very posh plane around the globe. |
DAN HOLLOWAY
RECEPTION & OPERATION
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Description: Reception and Operations former TFA Apprentice.
Although Dan left his full-time role to gain his Commercial Licence we still consider him as part of the team. As the Eagles said "You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave". Dan always wanted to learn to fly and kicked off his training with a trial lesson, a present from his Mum on his 16th birthday. Dan is a hard worker and is use to early starts having worked in a green grocers part-time before leaving six form and joining Take Flight as our operations and customer service apprentice. He obtained his Private Pilots Licence (PPL) as part of his apprenticeship and recently gained his commercial pilots licence and hopes to continue his training to become an airline pilot. Dan is still our go to person to cover our desk if Sam ever has a day off! He says: “Take Flight is a great environment in which to work. Everyone is so friendly. Take Flight aim to make flying affordable, safe and fun. I'm looking forward to continuing with my flight training and gaining experience in the aviation industry and hope eventually to become a airline pilot” Amazing Fact: Dan is another of the Take Flight crew who was a child model, you don't have to be good looking to work at Take Flight but it helps! He appeared in a video for Recaro seats at the age of 5. He also has size 13 feet and we all know what that means!. . . . . . . Size 13 shoes! |
