In early March, my family visited for 6 days to celebrate my birthday and I was anticipating a few days of idle relaxation.
However, the family had other things in mind and set about realising my long-standing ambition of a cross-country riding course on my own land.
My sons, daughter and her boyfriend spent every available minute cutting down trees and building this dream course for my birthday present.
When it was finally finished on the morning of their departure, I was requested to try it out even though I have not jumped anything since I arrived here over six years ago.
So, with a small amount of trepidation, I saddled up 'Woody' and set off—I had forgotten how much I enjoyed this sport prior to my life as a flying instructor, and it was a marvellous feeling,
Thanks to all of my family for this unusual present.
Life has been hectic recently as Meg gave birth to 10 new puppies which are one week old today. Mother and babies are doing well with the puppies gaining weight on a daily basis.
Incidentally, Meg’s father (Hungergunn Bear It'n Mind) reached the Grand Final of Crufts last Sunday—22,000 dogs competed at the show.
Spring seems to have arrived early this year. With superb flying weather and a temperature of up to 22 degrees, this has made it possible to fly long hours and I am arriving home later each evening.
Roll of Honour
Firstly, congratulations to Esteban Dwarka who passed his PPL a couple of weeks ago.
As mentioned previously, Esteban’s native language is French though he lived in England for a long time and chose to train for his PPL in English. He has now realised his long time dream and I am delighted with his success.
One of my recent successes was Marco Rossi who completed his PPL with me last year. Marco has now finished his ATPL examinations at Oxford and will shortly complete his training in Arizona.
Paolo Rossi is following in his brother's footsteps and passed his PPL 'skill test' on 19th March after only 40 hours of training—we then went for a 'jolly' to Sarlat, Brive and Perigueux to make up the 45 hours required for the issue of a PPL.
Paolo first came to me last November when he completed 11 hours of training and achieved his first solo.
He booked annual leave for the whole of March to finish the PPL at Limoges but actually achieved his goal in 9 days by flying an average of 4 hours a day.
Paolo is now back in Italy and will be aiming for his ATPL in the near future.
Well done Paulo!!
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