Mike started as a graduate electronics engineer with Plessey in 1984. He was awarded his PPL in 1989 and then studied for his commercial licence and instructor rating achieving both in 2000.

Mike has worked in electronics and system design and test for Marconi, BAe systems, Lockheed Martin, Meggitt Avionics and Leonardo UK.

As a flying instructor he has in excess of 3200 hours on over 20 types of aircraft and has trained around 40 pilots to PPL level, some of whom have gone on to fly commercially for a living.

John had his first flight in a Chipmunk at just 14 years old, followed a couple of years later he had his first solo flight in a Kirby Cadet glider.

When the Plessey Flying group was formed in 1970 he became a founder member and soon gained a PPL and IMC rating. A little later he became the group’s Treasurer, then Operations Coordinator and now I chair the committee.

I love visiting local airfields is great fun, but my real love is trips further afield to the continent.

Imagine, in a little over an hour you can be enjoying a baguette and coffee on a pretty little French airfield. A PPL truly widens your horizons.

This photograph shows John Martin, Phil Polwin as well as John Bond -all three of our chairman

Justin comes from an aviation family. His grandfather was originally based at Goodwood (RAF Westhampnett) as a Spitfire pilot.

Justin has been flying for over 20 years, having originally completed his licence with the group. He now has thousands of hours flying his own complex aircraft around Europe., as well as instructing

He has a passion for sharing the knowledge he has gained over the years with other enthusiastic individuals, and recognises we never stop learning with aviation.

Stephen is a veteran in the Aerospace Industry having spent over 45 years working in Propulsion for Airbus. An actual real life Rocket Scientist! Steve gained his PPL 20 years ago in America and has flown with the Plessey Group ever since. Steve is in charge of r membership administration

Toren is our most recent committee member, he’s from an aviation family, who run a aircraft components business in Havant - Toren and his grandfather are currently building their fourth homebuilt aircraft!

Along with John Bond Peter was one of the founders of the group, and one of our first instructors and resident examiner on behalf of the CAA - Peter assists the committee with administrative duties now.

Hugh learnt with the group 20 years ago whilst enjoying a career in the Aerospace industry - He know ensures the members stays honest, and is responsible for chasing members for any outstanding pennies they may owe!