David is an aviator by inclination. First, he built a microlight aircraft but then went on, with a small group of others, to build a Group A metal kit aircraft - a Van’s Aircraft RV-9A.
The RV-9 was designed around a Lycoming petrol engine but they opted to fit a UK Wilkes diesel engine which presented them with a number of significant challenges, including the need to design and build a custom engine mount and cowling. This second aircraft first flew in 2008.
In 2010 he took on the chairmanship of the Shobdon Strut, the local branch of the LAA, after the untimely and sudden death of the incumbent. In the following 8 years he has led the Strut with great success, while continuing to fly his group’s RV-9A aircraft widely in the UK and Europe.
