2026 Blog Posts

Eireborne: A Dawn to Dusk Winning Adventure Around Ireland

When pilot Derek Pake set out for the 2023 Pooleys Dawn to Dusk Challenge, his goal was simple: attempt something more ambitious than his third-place entry the year before. His theme would take him and fellow pilot Kate Turner on a stunning one-day circumnavigation of Ireland, retracing the story of WWII coastal lookout posts and the iconic whitewashed “EIRE” markers that once warned lost aircraft they were entering neutral Irish airspace.

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The Power Thief in Marginal Conditions: Engine Icing in Light Aircraft

Engine icing in UK GA is rarely dramatic, but it is a frequent and underestimated cause of power loss. Often developing in damp, marginal conditions rather than extreme cold, it builds gradually inside the engine during prolonged low power operations. Understanding where ice forms and the early signs it produces helps pilots recognise and manage a problem before it escalates.

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AirVenture 2025: The Ultimate Aviation Experience

A trip to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin brought the team face to face with the largest aviation gathering in the world. Hosted at Wittman Regional Airport, the week attracted 750,000 visitors and over 2,500 aircraft spanning vintage, homebuilt, warbirds, aerobatic and more. Days were packed with workshops, flying competitions and rare static displays, including the first ever Cessna 172, a Boeing 747SP engine testbed and a Lockheed U-2. Beyond the aircraft, the real highlight was the people and the strong sense of community. The trip finished with an aerobatic checkout and a scenic flight along the Chicago skyline over Lake Michigan. The experience reinforced that Oshkosh is not just an airshow but a pilgrimage for anyone serious about aviation.

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