Charlie started flying gliders in his teens, long before learning to drive; indeed he bought his first aircraft (a Luton Minor) before his first car. Subsequently he has owned numerous light aircraft, several of which he has built or restored. His desire to fly led to a commission in the RAF, much of this spent flying and instructing on helicopters.
After leaving the RAF as a Central Flying School Staff Instructor, Charlie worked as a civilian instructor for the Empire Test Pilots School at Boscombe Down, acting as Head of Flying Standards. With over 10,500 hours and some 190+ types logged - predominantly Light Aircraft Association (LAA) and vintage machines - Charlie is passionate about helping others achieve their flying dreams, either instructing within the LAA coaching scheme or as one of the LAA engineering inspectors
