Hi I could not read all the anecdotes about this great flying school without adding my recollections. I learnt to fly there in 1968 and did my first solo on the Chipmunk G-AYPG that year. My instructor was Dave Smalley now (BA retired) but I was sent solo by Frank Spencer the CFI. Other Instructors at the time were Derek Harding RIP. Howard George, who I heard went to Midland, Viv Roberts. There was also a sim instructor called Ralph Readbuckle who supported a fine handlebar moustache. I also spent many happy hours with Hector Taylor and used to act as his stooge at airshows for which he kindly let me fly to and from the airshows to build up my hours. I did my Assistant instructor rating there and Hector later did my QFI test there. I owe Frank and Hector a great deal of gratitude. Frank gave me a lovely reference for my first job at Northants aero club, and was responsible for me getting a grant from the Geoffrey De-Havellend foundation to help with costs. I later went on to fly Viscounts, 1-11, DC10, B747 with Ba before retiring. I only hope there are instructors of there calibre out there now to give young men and women the encouragement and help to start on a great career in aviation
regards
Mike Jeffs
