Hey there 👋

Welcome to a new episode of The Pilot’s Logbook - a podcast companion for private pilots in the UK and Europe!

Each episode is packed with practical tips, inspiring chats with pilots and members of our community, gear reviews, and we’ll reveal exciting destinations you can fly to directly.

In This Week’s Episode

A Masterclass in Aeroplane Cleaning

In this episode, Luke Dale explains why cleaning your aeroplane is a vital maintenance task, shares the best techniques, the products that actually work (and the ones that don’t), and why the CAA is starting to regulate this industry.

Luke is the co-founder and director of Vertigo Detailing and the man to teach us all about cleaning our airplanes.

Flying at night

Flying at night has a certain allure. The calm air, the quiet frequencies, the shimmering city lights below, but behind that beauty lies a series of hazards and mental traps that challenge even the most experienced aviator. In this episode, Philippe Polman guides us through what we should be aware of when flying after sunset.

Link and companies mentioned in this episode

Vertigo Detailing

Echelon Air Night Rating

Extras for Paid Subscribers 🎉

Each month, the podcast presents you with a new destination you can fly to directly. For our paid subscribers, we send you a detailed guide that you can access here on the website.

But if you really want the inside track, you’ll love this: Once a month, we get together for an online chat that’s just for paid subscribers. It’s where we unpack everything! We’ll swap notes on routes, navigating the airports, finding the perfect stay, tasting the best local food, and getting the honest lowdown on what’s worth your time and what’s not so that you can travel like a local, not a tourist.

If you want to join our crew, it’s only £12 for the whole year. Your support helps us keep the podcast going.

Where to Fly this Christmas Q&A

Our next live subscriber deep dive is all about flying our families to the best Christmas events in the UK.

The live Q&A is scheduled for Tuesday, 9th December, at 8 pm. If you want to join in, please reply to this email and I’ll send you the link.

Win a Pilot’s T-Shirt!

I have two of our original sweatshirts to offer to our paid subscribers.

This original and limited-edition T-shirt is inspired by a child's imagination of a pilot’s uniform.

To win, just reply to this email or send me a message using the button below. If you are one of the first two subscribers to send me a message, the sweatshirt is all yours!

Next Episode

Our next episode will be a Christmas special. We are going to visit one of the most incredible Christmas experiences you can visit, which you can fly directly to!

Until then, happy flying! ✈️

Fernando

Hey there 👋

Welcome to a new episode of The Pilot’s Logbook - a podcast companion for private pilots in the UK and Europe!

Each episode is packed with practical tips, inspiring chats with pilots and members of our community, gear reviews, and we’ll reveal exciting destinations you can fly to directly.

In This Week’s Episode

Starlink in your Airplane

There’s a topic that’s coming up more and more in our emails and messages lately: getting satellite internet on our smaller planes.

Starlink has been available for business and commercial jets for a while now, but with the introduction of the new, smaller Starlink Mini, many pilots have realised the potential for General Aviation.

This opens up some interesting possibilities. Your passengers can finally get access to streaming, gaming, and even video calls. And for us in the cockpit? We get the big advantage of pulling down updated weather information, TAFs, and Metars whenever we need them.

So, in this episode, we want to lay out all the details: what it costs, how to decide if this option is right for your flying, and if so, what you need to get it set up quickly.

There’s a lot of confusing information swirling around, so I wanted to talk with someone who has been using Starlink for a while and really knows the technical ropes. I called up our regular guest and founder of Echelon Air, Philippe Polman.

Also in this episode

Amanda Rhodes, a NATS Air Traffic Controller, answers your questions about ATC, zone transits and squawks. We also discuss important changes to licensing rules in the UK.

Links, videos and Starlink accessories discussed in this episode

CAA Webinar Licensing and Training Simplification

Starlink Mini

Anker Prime Power Bank

Starlink Mini Mount

Starlink Mini Power Cable

Extras for paid subscribers 🎉

Each month, the podcast presents you with a new destination you can fly to directly. For our paid subscribers, we send you a detailed guide that you can access here on the website.

But if you really want the inside track, you’ll love this: Once a month, we get together for an online chat that’s just for paid subscribers. It’s where we unpack everything! We’ll swap notes on routes, navigating the airports, finding the perfect stay, tasting the best local food, and getting the honest lowdown on what’s worth your time and what’s not so that you can travel like a local, not a tourist.

If you want to join our crew, it’s only £12 for the whole year. Your support helps us keep the podcast going.

Le Touquet Live Q&A

Our next live subscriber deep dive is all about Le Touquet! If you’ve been there, you might think you know it, but trust me, you probably don’t. I’ve spent a few months on the ground living there, and I would like to share my personal, unvarnished playbook: all the gems, the local hangouts, and the honest truth of how to spend your time. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick few hours or settling in for an unforgettable weekend, I’ve got the intel you need.

The live Q&A is scheduled for Monday, 13th October, at 8 pm. If you want to join in, please reply to this email and I’ll send you the link.

Win a Pilot’s T-Shirt!

I have two of our original sweatshirts to offer to our paid subscribers.

This original and limited-edition T-shirt is inspired by a child's imagination of a pilot’s uniform.

To win, just reply to this email or send me a message using the button below. If you are one of the first two subscribers to send me a message, the sweatshirt is all yours!

Next Episodes

The next episode will be with you in two weeks time. Meanwhile, if you land in Duxford, please let me know. Coffee and pastries on me!

Until then, happy flying! ✈️

Fernando

Hey there 👋

You know that feeling when you're stuck on the ground on a perfect flying day, just staring at the sky? That's been me for the past few months. My logbook entries have been less "Cross-country to Le Touquet" and more "Chapter 7: Flight Planning and Monitoring”.

Yep, I've been deep in the books, wrestling with the beast that is the Instrument Rating. It wasn't exactly the adventure I had planned for the summer, but I'm thrilled to say I'm through to the other side. The good news? The theory exams are behind me, the skies are calling again, and it’s time for a new episode of The Pilot's Logbook!

In This Week’s Episode - All About Flying Dogs 🐾

Have you ever dreamed of sharing the skies with your dog? In this episode, we chat with commercial French pilot Antoine Gallet, who has mastered the art of flying with his whippet, Lilou.

Join us as we discuss:

• The incredible bond that comes from adventuring with your pet.

• The practical challenges of flying with a dog in the cockpit and how to solve them.

• Crucial safety considerations, from harnesses to planning, to keep your pet safe.

• How Antoine’s experience can help you prepare for your own flights with your pet.

Also in this episode:

The inspiring Philippe Polman brings us the Pilot's Tip of the Day, presented by Echelon Air.

And the most friendly air traffic controller I know, Amanda Rhodes, brings us another "Ask Amanda!" In this episode, she shares with you what we should do before first contact with an ATC unit.

Are you visiting Le Touquet in August?

I’m going to be based in Le Touquet for most of August. If you happen to fly in, please get in touch. I'd love to offer you a coffee!

And if you haven’t seen it yet, don’t miss the most comprehensive guide to pilots visiting Le Touquet. It’s available below. You can also listen to our previous episode, where we cover it all.

Travel Plans with Fernando Pinho

Your Ultimate Guide to the Most British of the French Resorts: Le Touquet-Paris-Plage

Alongside this article, we're publishing an award-winning (awarded by my daughters) episode of our immersive podcast dedicated to Le Touquet. You can listen to it below or on your favourite Podcast app. Just search for Travel Plans with Fernando Pinho. Seriously, it’s really good…

Read more

2 years ago · 2 likes · Fernando Pinho

Extras 🎉

If you are a paid subscriber, you can win one of our exclusive Pilot T-shirts!

If you want to join, it’s only £6 for the whole year. Your support helps us keep the podcast going.

Win a Pilot’s T-Shirt!

I have two of our original t-shirts to offer to our paid subscribers.

This original and limited-edition T-shirt is inspired by a child's imagination of a pilot’s uniform.

To win, just reply to this email or send me a message using the button below. If you are one of the first two subscribers to send me a message, the t-shirt is all yours!

Hey there 👋

Welcome to a new episode of The Pilot’s Logbook - a podcast companion for private pilots in the UK and Europe!

In This Week’s Episode

Stefan Drury

In this week’s episode, we deal with one of the biggest concerns of any pilot: the possibility of losing our medical certificate. Our guest today is Stefan Drury, a real go-to name for excellent aviation content.

Stefan's popular YouTube channel is packed with fascinating stories and travel adventures, including his epic pilot series flying his Cirrus SR22 across Australia, Europe and the US.

Then, early in 2024, Stefam faced a significant setback with a brain tumour diagnosis and the loss of his medical.

It's been truly inspiring to see how Stefan has approached losing his medical, having to stop flying as a pilot (not knowing what the future held), and how he's moved forward.

In this episode, Stefan shares his insights on navigating that moment, discovering hope and new adventures.

Also in this episode:

Amanda Rhodes, a NATS Air Traffic Controller, answers our listeners’ questions about Luton zone transit. Also, we catch up on the latest aviation news headlines that are relevant to you:

• Moving Maps to be part of the Private Pilot’s licensing training syllabus and skills test.

• AERO Friedrichshafen - The biggest general aviation show in Europe is underway.

• Local aviation business takes over Haverfordwest Airport.

Extras 🎉

If you are a paid subscriber, you can watch a video version of our chat with Stefan Drury. Plus, you have a chance to win one of our exclusive Pilot T-shirts!

If you want to join, it’s only £6 for the whole year. Your support helps us keep the podcast going.

Our Chat with Stefan Drury

Here’s a video version of our conversation with Stefan.

Travel Plans

As a subscriber, you also have full access to our Travel Plans Podcast. Part toolkit, part love letter to travel, this is a deep dive into each destination with curated guides, immersive podcasts and live Q&A.

In the last episode, we flew to Dungeness, where we uncovered little-known war secrets, spoke with long-term residents and visited the home and garden of one of Britain’s most influential film directors.

Win a Pilot’s T-Shirt!

I have two of our original sweatshirts to offer to our paid subscribers.

This original and limited-edition T-shirt is inspired by a child's imagination of a pilot’s uniform.

To win, just reply to this email or send me a message using the button below. If you are one of the first two subscribers to send me a message, the sweatshirt is all yours!

Next Episodes

We are going to take a short holiday over Easter. So instead of a new episode in two weeks' time, we’ll publish a special episode of Travel Plans - the most comprehensive flight podcast to Le Touquet Paris Plage.

Our regular episodes return on the 1st of May.

Until then, happy flying! ✈️

Fernando

Hey there 👋

Welcome to our fourth episode of The Pilot’s Logbook - a podcast companion for private pilots in the UK and Europe!

In This Week’s Episode

Amanda Rhodes

In this week’s episode, we had a fascinating chat with NATS Air Traffic Controller, Amanda Rhodes. Amanda is an approach radar controller based at Swanwick, looking after the airspace around Luton Airport.

With nearly 25 years of experience, she's one of the best-known controllers in the UK and is nicknamed by many pilots as 'the happy controller.'

If you've ever wondered what really happens when someone infringes controlled airspace, today, Amanda's going to pull back the curtain and reveal the immediate, behind-the-scenes actions taken by ATC. We'll hear about the split-second decisions, the ripple effects, and even how it impacts the controllers themselves.

Ask the Air Traffic Controller

Also, we're thrilled to announce that Amanda has generously offered to answer your questions about ATC and controlled airspace in future episodes.

So, if you've got any burning questions, head over to the show notes on your podcast app. You'll find a link that says "Send a text" – just click on that and fire away! We'll be choosing some questions for Amanda to answer in upcoming shows.

Also in this episode:

• We catch up on the latest aviation news headlines that are relevant to you:

  • Nottingham Airport Told to Close on the 6th of June

  • New Helicopter Robinson R88

  • Electronic Travel Authorization for most people travelling to the UK starts on the 2nd of April 2025

• Dungeness - Some call it a paradise, others a desert. It's loved by many and a place that will leave you wondering, "How on earth did this place come to be?". In this episode, we fly back to Lydd to continue exploring one of the most enigmatic landscapes in the U.K. In this episode we talk about a PLUTO home and its secret past.

Extras 🎉

If you are a paid subscriber, you can watch our RNP final approach to Lydd Airport and have a chance to win our exclusive Pilot’s sweatshirt! We also share details of our next Travel Plans Live.

If you want to join, it’s only £6 for the whole year. This month, we are donating 100% to the Save Nottingham Campaign as they need support with legal fees and printing costs.

Our landing at Lydd Airport (RNP Approach)

Travel Plans

As a subscriber, you also have full access to our Travel Plans Podcast. Part toolkit, part love letter to travel, this is a deep dive into each destination with curated guides, immersive podcasts and live Q&A.

In the last episode, we flew to Dungeness, where we uncovered little-known war secrets, spoke with long-term residents and visited the home and garden of one of Britain’s most influential film directors.

Win a Pilot’s Sweatshirt!

I have one of our original sweatshirts to offer to one of our paid subscribers.

This original and limited-edition sweatshirt is inspired by a child's imagination of a pilot’s uniform.

To win, just send me a message using the button below. If you are the third subscriber to send me a message, the sweatshirt is all yours!

Next Travel Plans Live, 31st of March, 8 PM

Fancy a chat about Dungeness? Or maybe you've got some flight planning questions? Or just want to talk about some of our favourite podcast bits? Come join me for a live Q&A, the 31st of March at 8 PM. We'll swap some stories, maybe plan a few flights, and just have a bit of a chat about aviation.

We’ll email you a link closer to the time.

Our next episode will drop on the 2nd of April.

Until then, happy flying! ✈️

Fernando

Hey there 👋

Welcome to our fourth episode of The Pilot’s Logbook - a podcast companion for private pilots in the UK and Europe!

Thank you so much for listening and for all the fantastic messages we’ve been receiving. We really appreciate it, and we truly hope you’ll continue to find our show a great companion for your passion for aviation.

In This Week’s Episode

Steph Burn

We've had an inspiring conversation with airline pilot Steph Burn. Her story is truly remarkable. When Steph was five, she decided she wanted to become an airline pilot. But with training costing over £100,000, her family couldn't afford to pay for it. So, how has she done it? 12 years of commitment and working two and three jobs up to 90 hours a week.

And now, she's dedicated herself to helping people from all walks of life, regardless of their financial situation, to achieve their dream of becoming commercial pilots.

Also in this episode:

• We catch up on the latest aviation news headlines that are relevant to you:

  • Good News! Wolverhampton Airport is Back and Buzzing.

  • Gloucester Airport: New Rules and Booking Ahead

  • AVGAS Alert: Changes at Antwerp and a European Pilot’s Concern

• Dungeness - Some call it a paradise, others a desert. It's loved by many and a place that will leave you wondering, "How on earth did this place come to be?". In this episode, we fly to Lydd to explore one of the most enigmatic landscapes in the U.K.

Extras 🎉

If you are a paid subscriber, you can watch our RNP final approach to Lydd Airport and have a chance to win our exclusive Pilot’s sweatshirt! We also share details of our next Travel Plans Live.

If you want to join, it’s only £6 for the whole year. Most importantly, your support helps us keep The Pilot's Logbook going.

Our landing at Lydd Airport (RNP Approach)

Travel Plans

As a subscriber, you also have full access to our Travel Plans Podcast. Part toolkit, part love letter to travel, this is a deep dive into each destination with curated guides, immersive podcasts and live Q&A.

In the last episode, we flew to Dungeness, where we uncovered little-known war secrets, spoke with long-term residents and visited the home and garden of one of Britain’s most influential film directors.

Win a Pilot’s Sweatshirt!

I have one of our original sweatshirts to offer to one of our paid subscribers.

This original and limited-edition sweatshirt is inspired by a child's imagination of a pilot’s uniform.

To win, just send me a message using the button below. If you are the third subscriber to send me a message, the sweatshirt is all yours!

Next Travel Plans Live, 10th of March, 8 PM

Fancy a chat about Dungeness? Or maybe you've got some flight planning questions? Or just want to talk about some of our favourite podcast bits? Come join me for a live Q&A, 10th of March at 8 PM. We'll swap some stories, maybe plan a few flights, and just have a bit of a chat about aviation.

To join in, please use this link.

Our next episode will drop on the 13th of March.

Until then, happy flying! ✈️

Fernando

Hey there 👋

Welcome to our third episode of The Pilot’s Logbook - a podcast companion for private pilots in the UK and Europe! This week, we bring you a great show!

But before that, I hope you enjoyed our previous episode. We shared all you need to know about aircraft covers, heard from Sarah Deacon, a mother battling to save her local airport from closure, and told you all about underwater escape training.

In This Week’s Episode

Jon Hunt

In a candid and insightful conversation, Jon Hunt, aka The Flying Reporter, shared his remarkable journey from a 30-year career at the BBC to becoming one of Europe's most popular aviation YouTubers.

He openly discussed the challenges of transitioning to a new career, the realities of building a YouTube channel, and his passion for making general aviation more inclusive.

Jon reflected on his personal experiences as a pilot, husband, and father, offering an insight into the man behind the camera. He also tackled important issues facing general aviation in the UK, highlighting economic and environmental concerns while remaining hopeful for the future.

The conversation revealed a thoughtful, determined individual committed to both his craft and to creating a more welcoming general aviation community.

Also in this episode:

• We catch up on the latest aviation news headlines that are relevant to you:

  • Air League Scholarship Programme

  • The North West Transit Corridor

  • Rotax’s Service Bulletin

• We continue our ultimate guide to Le Touquet Paris-Plage (Part 2). This time, we are going to focus on what to visit if you are in town for only a few

  hours.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Or, on Spotify

Extras 🎉

If you are a paid subscriber, you can listen to an extended version of our chat with Jon Hunt.

Also, you have a chance to win our exclusive Pilot’s sweatshirt!

If you want to join, it’s only £6 for the whole year. Most importantly, your support helps us keep The Pilot's Logbook going.

Our Chat with Jon Hunt, The Flying Reporter

Here’s an extended video version of our conversation with Jon Hunt.

Travel Plans

As a subscriber, you also have full access to our Travel Plans Podcast. Part toolkit, part love letter to travel, this is a deep dive into each destination with curated guides, immersive podcasts and live Q&A. The next flight is boarding now!

Please note that if you subscribed to The Pilot’s Logbook within the last 24 hours, please allow me to add your offer to your profile. You’ll get an email once it’s done.

Here’s one of our favourite deep dives - Le Touquet Paris-Plage.

Win a Pilot’s Sweatshirt!

I have one of our original sweatshirts to offer to one of our paid subscribers!

This original and limited-edition sweatshirt is inspired by a child's imagination of a pilot’s uniform. To win, just send me a message using the button below. If you are the third subscriber to send me a message, the sweatshirt is all yours!

Our next episode will drop on the 26th of February.

Until then, happy flying! ✈️

Fernando

Hey there 👋

Welcome to our second episode of The Pilot’s Logbook - a podcast companion for private pilots in the UK and Europe!

We are over the moon with the support we’ve received after our first episode. Over 200 of you have listened to our chat with Philipe Polman about flying in the UK and into Europe.

A Masterclass in Aircraft Covers

In this episode of The Pilot's Logbook, we dive deep into the world of aircraft covers with insights from Andy Blundell, founder of Vertigo Covers. Andy shares his expert advice on choosing the right cover, proper care and maintenance, and common mistakes to avoid, helping you save money and keep your aircraft protected.

But That's Not All! In This Episode:

• Property Developers vs My Mum: The inspiring story of a mother battling to save her local airport from closure.

• Ditching Dilemmas: we share my firsthand experience with underwater escape training, what it's really like to escape a submerged aircraft, and discuss if you should do it as well.

• Le Touquet: We take a sneak peek into our comprehensive Travel Plans guide to Le Touquet Paris-Plage, the charming French seaside resort.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Or, on Spotify

Extras 🎉

If you are a paid subscriber, you can watch a video with an extended conversation with Sarah Deacon about her efforts to save Nottingham City Airport. Also, watch a short video of an underwater escape and listen to Andy Blundell, an expert in aircraft covers, explaining the future of aircraft covers.

If you want to join, it’s only £6 for the whole year. Most importantly, your support helps us keep The Pilot's Logbook going.

Property Developers vs My Mum - Conversation with Sarah Deacon

Watch an extended version of our conversation with Sarah Deacon and learn more about her fight to save her local airport.

Escaping from a Submerged Aircraft

In total, we were plunged into the water four times. It was way more intense than I expected but also incredibly empowering. Knowing what to do in this kind of situation is invaluable. You can book your place here. Thanks to Echelon Air for the invitation.

The Future of Aircraft Covers - what’s coming?

I asked Andy Blundell if there are any exciting new materials or technology on the horizon that we should keep an eye out for. The answer is yes!

Travel Plans

As a subscriber, you also have full access to our Travel Plans Podcast. Part toolkit, part love letter to travel, this is a deep dive into each destination with curated guides, immersive podcasts and live Q&A. The next flight is boarding now!

Please note that if you subscribed to The Pilot’s Logbook within the last 24 hours, please allow me to add your offer to your profile. You’ll get an email once it’s done.

Here’s one of our favourite deep dives - Le Touquet Paris-Plage.

Your Questions Answered

The Pilot’s Logbook Podcast is here to answer any aviation-related questions you may have. For example, would you like us to discuss a specific subject with the CAA? Or perhaps you have a question for a particular Air Traffic Control unit?

I’m excited to hear from you! Feel free to send me a message or comment below.

Our next episode will drop on the 12th of February.

Until then, happy flying! ✈️

Fernando

Hi there 👋

The next episode of The Pilot's Logbook Podcast is dropping this Wednesday, the 29th of January, and it's jam-packed with great content!

We'll feature a masterclass in aircraft covers with the go-to expert, Andy Blundell from Vertigo Covers, take you underwater and show what's involved in escaping a submerged aircraft, and introduce you to our ultimate guide to Le Touquet Paris-Plage.

But today, I want to give you a sneak peek of an inspiring story about a mother fighting property developers and the councils to save her local airfield. It's truly mind-boggling. You can listen to it now below.

So, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and on Wednesday, get ready for another exciting episode of The Pilot's Logbook!

Happy flying!

Fernando

Subscribe now

Hey there 👋

Welcome to our very first episode of The Pilot’s Logbook - a podcast companion for private pilots in the UK and Europe.

Each episode is packed with practical tips, inspiring chats with pilots and members of our community, gear reviews, and the latest aviation news that is relevant to us, and we’ll reveal exciting destinations you can fly to directly.

In this episode:

• We discuss the new CAA safety directive on carbon monoxide detectors and review a great option for your aircraft. You can find the full CAA Safety Directive here.

• We share some need-to-know aviation news, including updates on Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport.

• We have a fantastic conversation with Philippe Polman, founder of Echelon Air, about flying across the UK and Europe.

• We take a trip to a historic airfield in Norfolk and spend a few days living in a forest. You can listen to the full episode on your favourite podcast app by searching for Travel Plans. You can also check the show here.

Flying Into Europe

Our guest on this episode, Philippe Polman, gives us a masterclass in flying into Europe. Philippe is here to share his insights on flying across Europe and the UK and bust the myth that low-hour, single-engine pilots cannot safely navigate European skies.

Philippe's experiences underscore the importance of planning. He offers nuggets of wisdom about preparing for international flying.

But this episode isn't just about how to take your first international flight; it's about enriching your flying experience. We venture beyond the norm, discussing unforgettable aviation destinations in the UK, Switzerland, Italy and France.

Philippe's Flying Destinations

• Portoroz (Slovenia)

• Compton Abbas, UK

• Scotland - Newhall Mains (Hotel and private strip)

• Alps - Lausanne, Locarno, Lake Maggiori

Philippe's company - Echelon Air

Stephen Drury’s YouTube video with Philippe

Carbon Monoxide Detector We Reviewed on the Show

For this episode, we reviewed the Forensics Car Aircraft Carbon Monoxide Detector. You can find the model we reviewed here.

Transair sells a similar model by the same manufacturer.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Or on Spotify

Extras 🎉

If you are a paid subscriber, you can listen to the full conversation with Philippe Polman, which includes many more interesting topics that aren’t on the podcast. Also, you can watch a video of the landing in RAF Great Massingham and join the exclusive chat.

If you want to join, it’s only £6 for the whole year. Most importantly, your support helps us keep The Pilot's Logbook going, bringing you ad-free aviation content every other week.

Landing at RAF Great Massingham

Flying to Norfolk offers stunning aerial views of the English countryside. Landing at Great Massingham Airfield is a unique experience and a reminder of the history embedded in this landscape.

You must obtain prior permission before you head there. The airfield's old runways are still in good shape (considering their age), but be prepared for a lack of navigational aids and the absence of radio services. Please be aware of possible dog walkers and horses on the taxiway that doubles as a bridleway. The landing fee is £10 (January 2025).

The Whole Conversation With Philippe Polman

I had a great time chatting with Philippe – in fact, we talked for over an hour! As a paid subscriber, you can listen to the whole chat below.

Travel Plans

As a subscriber, you also have full access to our Travel Plans Podcast. Part toolkit, part love letter to travel, this is a deep dive into each destination with curated guides, immersive podcasts and live Q&A. The next flight is boarding now!

Please note that if you subscribed to The Pilot’s Logbook within the last 24 hours, please allow me to add your offer to your profile. You’ll get an email once it’s done.

Here’s one of our favourite deep dives - Le Touquet Paris-Plage.

Your Questions Answered

The Pilot’s Logbook Podcast is here to answer any aviation-related questions you may have. For example, would you like us to discuss a specific subject with the CAA? Or perhaps you have a question for a particular Air Traffic Control unit?

I’m excited to hear from you! Feel free to send me a message or comment below.

Our next episode will drop on the 29th of January.

Until then, happy flying! ✈️

Fernando

Earlier in 2023, while recovering at home from a minor surgery, I found myself with plenty of time to reflect on my life and the things that truly matter. And that's led me to finally share the story behind why I offer free flights to families. This is a story close to my heart that I've been wanting to tell for a while.

I remember the exact moment flying changed everything. I was a scared child, the world felt broken, but strapped into that tiny plane, something shifted. The horizon stretched further than I’d ever imagined, and somehow, my problems seemed smaller.

That feeling of change, of possibility... it was in stark contrast to the life I knew. Just a few years earlier, everything had shattered.

The memories of that day are as vivid as the hug I got this morning from my two daughters.

Mum and Dad were fighting outside our flat.

A car arrives and stops beside my mum. Who is driving that car? I can’t see. They shout at each other. Was that a slap in the face? I’m not sure.

She opens the car door and gets in. The car rushes away. Dad is frozen, watching the car fade away on the horizon.

I watched it all with my sister from our bedroom window. I was nine. My sister was seven.

That day, life as I knew it was over.

What followed were years of struggle: a couple of years in family court followed by years of parental alienation. The abuse I kept secret, the move to a new city, losing all friends, bullying (lots of it), and losing my hero/grandfather.

I lived my teenage years with no horizon. Instead, I looked down, living one day at a time.

At school, I went from being the teacher’s pet to the bottom of the class. And at the end of the day, I would wait outside for someone to pick me up–five minutes, fifteen minutes, one hour, two hours. Sometimes, the school would close before I was picked up.

My friends knew what they would be studying at Uni. I couldn’t even focus on getting the marks I needed to pass to finish high school.

But one day, in my teenage years, I was offered a short flight on a small plane. While up there in the air, I realised two things: the horizon was much further away from the one I could see from the ground, and that plane could send me away from all my problems.

Eventually, the same plane returned me to where I was 15 minutes earlier, but that experience made me fall in love with travel and aviation.

From that moment, I wanted to become a pilot. Aged 18, I had a go at it. I started training, but I couldn’t afford to complete it. Again, I had failed.

Wanting to be a pilot became such a hurtful thought that I decided to bury it.

And I’m glad that happened. I had the space to live a life that allowed me to discover the arts, move to the U.K., meet my wife, have the family I never had, and help over 8,000 children travelling for cancer treatment.

But as with everything you bury without proper processing, flying, and that feeling it gave me as a teenager slowly returned.

With Jane’s support, I returned to flight training and gained my wings twenty years after my first attempt.

Today, I fly a small plane we named Saoirse, which means freedom in Irish. I have an Instrument Rating and have flown hundreds of hours.

Every takeoff teaches me that the horizon stretches further than I thought, problems feel smaller, and belief in a brighter tomorrow grows stronger—just like the hope I needed as a child, a hope that eventually came true.

When I look at those seats in Saoirse, I see children and families feeling it, too. They’re finding hope, soaring away from their troubles, even if just for a few precious hours, building memories they will never forget.

I’m not that boy anymore, but I know how wonderful life can be, even if you had a challenging beginning.

I offer free flights to people going through difficult times. It’s a chance for them to spend a day away with their family, seek support, or make precious and lasting memories.

When I started in 2018, I focused on families of children fighting cancer. Now, I help people facing a variety of challenges—from financial hardship and loneliness to life-threatening conditions. Even rescue dogs and cats looking for a new home are welcome aboard!

If you know someone in need of a flight, please send them this link- www.fernando.today/fly. If I can, I’ll help.