Thank you for popping by to see what I’m up to.

I am putting the finishing touches to the latest painting on my easel, ‘The Pilot’  A simple painting with a simple message. We invented flying machines for mankind to explore in a positive way, travel after all broadens the mind, a real invention for good.   Aviators from the Wright brothers to Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh pushed back fear and prejudice and stepped out into the unknown.

As I suppose, David Harper and I did when we learned to fly 5 years ago. Nothing prepared you for the adrenaline you feel when you put that throttle on full and scream down a runway alone for the first time.  I remember Laurence, my instructor jumping out the cabin and I went through my checklist. Talked to the tower and was off. I went screaming down runway 08 leaving the ground. Up to 800 feet then turned right keeping the plane level. Not to high not to low. On the radio turning down wind. Cross wind,finals staying in the circuit 4 turns.  Pulling back the throttle lining up the runway, power back, falling and holding the stick back. Working the ailerons and rudder keeping to the centre line of the airfield.  Yes, I made that first solo safely back, tracked and taxied as instructed back to the club house. Over in a few minutes but a memory of achievement that will live with me for ever. I would complete my training, cross country flights exams, and David and I gained our wings. Not bad for a lad from a council estate in the North East.

This painting has a simple message let’s not waste our planet and people. Let’s work together for a greater peace and good.

Well that’s it from me, stay safe and enjoy your travels.