120 hours to freedom

Chris Buckingham recently gained his NPPL with Airbourne and made his first flight out as a ‘real pilot’. This is his story.

Three years ago I started training in C42s from Popham with Airbourne Aviation under the supervision of 12 instructors. All with something fresh to add to my journey.

It took almost 120 hours of supervised training before applying and obtaining my licence. What a journey. From sloppy circuits to getting lost, my FIs at Popham are my heroes. Their patience and ability to see where I went wrong and nudge me with a gentle hint here and there was extraordinary.

Chris Buckingham’s first solo in June 2023 in G-CFAV

Like most of you, I have a demanding job, a young family and an amazing spouse who let me do these hours, I feel genuinely humbled to have reached the point where I am a private hirer and trusted to PPR, plan and execute my first flight as a licenced PIC from Popham to Yatesbury.

I chose Yatesbury because it was one of my qualifying cross country flights, which didn’t go well. I had plenty of fuel, which was needed as a lack of experience, trust in my own ability, and Skydemon meant I failed to see the airfield.

I ended up orbiting over beautiful Wiltshire countryside for what felt like eons before being able to spot the sock and slot in downwind. I was helped by the instructor at Yatesbury, Justin, who let me follow-the-leader to land.

G-CCYR at Yatesbury

But the warm welcome from Sue, Mad Dog Dave and Justin, my star of the day, meant I was down safe, greeted with friendly smiles and a much needed cup of strong tea.

Chris Buckingham with Sue from Yatesbury

My Popham instructors have advised me that real learning begins now, after the issue of my licence. As one of the Airbourne Aviation owners, Cliff, told me, “you have your freedom now”.

But with that comes great responsibility, to those that so carefully got me where I am today and to the aviators I will encounter on the way. So at the next Popham BBQ, inexperience may mean I don’t have much to say, but I guarantee, I’ll be listening with a smile.

Thank you Airbourne Aviation, for giving wings to another grateful student.

Chris Buckingham (NPPL (M))