From Painting Aircraft to Flying One

Earlier this summer I reached a milestone I'd been working towards for some time: I passed my pilot's licence, flying the Falke motor glider with my instructor, Ian.

And almost immediately, another chapter began.

My uncle very kindly bought me a share in a beautiful 1946 Aeronca Champion, G-BRER, based at Middlezoy Aerodrome. Thanks to her registration, she's affectionately known as “The Rabbit.”

There's a lovely connection between my flying and my aviation art. Much of my flight training was funded by selling my paintings and taking commissions, so I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who has bought my work along the way. And when I couldn't quite paint quickly enough to keep pace with the flying lessons, the Bank of Mum and Dad very kindly plugged the gaps!

A huge thank you also goes to my incredibly patient instructor Ian, and to all the pilots at Middlezoy Aerodrome, who have quite literally taken me under their wing over the past few years, generously sharing their knowledge, encouragement and love of flying.

Going from painting aircraft to gaining my licence and now owning a share in a vintage aeroplane feels like a rather wonderful coming together of two passions.

Quite a journey. Here's to wherever The Rabbit takes me next. 🐇

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