Manchester School of Flying is closing down

[STATSMAN]

I have been told that today is the last day of flying for MFS & will close down tomorrow. This is the end of training at MAN and is a great shame for the long standing staff ( Sharon & Cathrine). I made many great friends there during my ppl training. Hope somebody can sort out a wake?


STATSMAN

[crispey]

That is sad news indeed.I first started there when it was MAFG under Frank Pilkington.In the 1970s.It would be good to meet up with anyone who trained there.Many went onto the commercial world.

[Established Localiser]

Really sad news, i flew quite a lot there with Jonathan McCormick , Sharon and Catherine are the backbone to MSF I truly hope they move on to find themselves a decent career.

Also sad news is I believe Jean Duckworth has passed away after a fight with Cancer , Jean instructed at MSF.


EL

[crispey]

Jonothon M?Name rings a bell.When was that exactly.I flew there from around 1974 to 1990 approx

[Captain Smithy]

Sad news... does anyone know why MSF is closing?

[crispey]

You live close Statsman.Do they have any old membership lists and so on?

[Brgsstm]

I flew there until it closed down last week. All us students have been moved to Barton now. Gonna miss hangin with the big boys!

[STATSMAN]

I am told by John Hodcroft that there is an informal meeting at the SLUG & LETTUCE in Wilmslow on saturday night at 8pm. Hope to make it!

STATSMAN

[crispey]

Thanks for that Statsman.Can't go due to previous engagement.If you do go and meet anyone from the 1974 to 1990 era I wonder if you can let me know.I have sent you a pm

I was up there today(well the bride wanted to go to J**n L***s at Handforth so I nipped down to the Viewing area.The portacabin looked a little forlorn.

[Sky Express]

Worked at MSF under Ed Pape and John P. before moving to the airlines. Any idea if any of the crowd from late 80's early 90' are pitching up on Sat eve?
Miss the old southside!

[10002level]

I am much saddened by this turn of events. I instructed at MSF in the 1990s and have fond memories. Very sad news about Jean.

[Cumulogranite]

Very sad news indeed. I had my first lesson that got me hooked at MSF in the early 90's.

I was surprised that they carried on when the Southside went. And I asked for prices the other week and was more shocked than surprised, but that is the price for operating at MAN. Even so MSF has or had a long tradition of good instruction at a major airport and was, perhaps, Manchesters last vestige of the past and present working together.

I have to say that the closure has been particularly swift and shocking in its speed, and yet again the "little planes" have to make way for the more profitable big boys. And yet again, where do these people think the airline pilots train???

Whatever the politics, it is a sad event. I hope that those associated with MSF remain in aviation and continue to sell a good product somewhere else. I would like to wish everyone well for the future.

[soay]

where do these people think the airline pilots train???
I don't think that they are bothered which country trains them.

[Sky Express]

Yes sad news about Jean. She sent me solo too.
Have to work tomorrow but may try and call in at the Slug Sat eve.

[crispey]

Did anyone get to the "wake"in Wilmslow the other day?Any news?

[3REDS]

Sad news for all involved apart from that a#?ehole JP.

[Airraid]

Theres more fun to be had at Barton anyway.

[igarratt]

funny my plane (well first trainer) PA28 G-BCJN and the famous EDNA tommy are on ebay !

Piper Cherokee Cruiser (1974) PA28-140 on eBay, also, Aircraft Parts, Aircraft Aviation, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 30-Jun-08 17:09:29 BST) (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Piper-Cherokee-Cruiser-1974-PA28-140_W0QQitemZ320266708597QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item32026670859 7&_trkparms=72%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C65%3A12&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14)

Piper Tomahawk 1 (1978) PA38-112 on eBay, also, Aircraft Parts, Aircraft Aviation, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 30-Jun-08 17:12:41 BST) (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Piper-Tomahawk-1-1978-PA38-112_W0QQitemZ320266709719QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item32026670971 9&_trkparms=72%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C65%3A12&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14)

If I had the cash I'd go for JN such easy plane to fly !

[stat99]

Hi all......just to say that my parents Ray & Jean M. started Manchester School of Flying along with Frank P. I grew up there washing aircraft with Charlie, our mechanic.
Have just discovered this site and this thread and am also sorry its closed down. When we sold it, it went to one of the pilots, Nils C which was way back in the 80's.
Its good to know that so many of you have good memories of it as we did.
Just been doing a little bit of internet searching and managed to find pics of G-AVWD ( Cherokee ) & G-BMSF ( Tomahawk ).
Good times!

Giles M

[soaringhigh650]

This is the final nail in the coffin for GA accessing large aiports.

Manchester Airport 1 . GA 0.

[stevelup]

This is the final nail in the coffin for GA accessing large aiports.

Manchester Airport 1 . GA 0.

This particular nail, in that particular coffin happened five years ago!