The year started off really well. I got lots of flying here in the UK, using the plane for both business and pleasure and also in France. Mind you the UK weather seemed to be the biggest problem for I chalked up more diversions this year than ever before. However I did get to visit a lot more airfields without having to pay landing fees since landing fees are not charged for weather diversions and emergencies! I also joined my local French Aero Club at Castelnau Magnoac and despite the fact that I struggle with my RT in French I managed to get my "Federation Nationale Aeronautique" Licence.  Following this I commenced learning about mountain flying - short strip landing in mountains is very tricky! This is great fun, if not a little dangerous because of the ever changing weather and wind conditions!

Above - Descending into Ullswater

Left - heading down Windamere

Right - Approaching Anglesey

Things were obviously going too well, for in early June my flying out of Bagby came to an abrupt end. I was 'banned for life' from the airfield for telling the owner manager a few home truths! For details of the incident go to www.nybc.co.uk.  You will see that the manager and part owner of the airfield has a reputation for banning and upsetting pilots. He has banned several dozen and frightened off even more over the years. People put up with his antics because the airfield is convenient. I am suing Dundon the owner, but in the meantime it has curtailed my UK business flying. Unfortunately my flying as PIC has now also come to an end thanks to my left hand - however, I am hopeful that medical science will fix it and I will be able to return as PIC in the not too distant future.