Whatever the reasons are that have led us to this sad state of affairs - I would like to pass on some personal thanks before it may be too late.
KL - I enjoyed my first flying lesson at Newcastle so much and you made me feel perfectly at ease - one of the nicest hours I have ever spent in an aircraft.
JL - Thank you for the checkrides - and who knows perhaps if I had been a few years younger and had a good deal more money in the bank then I may have pursued a career in aviation - you always thought I should.
Stuart Knowles - Thank you for the checkrides too and I hope life flying the big toys keeps you happy.
JC - What can I say? If it wasn't for John I wouldn't be flying today. After a lay-off for a few years it was great to meet up with you earlier this year - we never manged to get our 'little flight' booked but who knows?
Dr W - Here is a man who ensures that Pilots never have to pay a penny more than they need to for their medicals - thank you.