Circumnavigating the globe solo in a single-engine aircraft and attempting to smash the world records as you go, is a challenge that’s taken lives in the past. Now try doing all that in an aircraft you’ve built in a garden shed, weighing less than a family car. Club Chairman Mark ‘Manners’ Manwaring has set himself this exact challenge.

The scale of this undertaking presents many obstacles: engineering issues, extreme climates, mental challenges, sleep deprivation, flying alone over dangerous oceans and war-torn countries to name just a few.

Mark is following in a long tradition of British adventurous aviators, like Captains John Alcock and Arthur Brown. Who, one hundred years earlier flew the first non-stop transatlantic crossing in an open cockpit modified Vickers Vimy Bomber.

Following on from the 100th anniversary celebrations of the formation of the RAF, the timing of Mark’s record attempt could not have been better. The date for the challenge, set for August 2019, will culminate with Mark being escorted on his final leg, across the capital by Spitfires, the RAF’s most iconic single-seat fighters.

“Annual clearing up is a preparation not an alternative to regular husbandry – ‘Don’t walk by’ and mess or dirt as it takes a moment to deal with it! HAC employees are there to maintain output not cleanliness which is everyone’s responsibility. If aircraft are left in a state where the next pilot needs to clean it before they fly there shall be consequences for the previous pilot – ‘Don’t just fly and drive’!

There’s a set of reference cards by the light switch behind the counter to show how the crew room can be set up for different activity; committee meetings, dinner parties, cinema or briefings. It’s important to vacuum the carpets, reset the club room, clean the surfaces in the kitchen – as we do not employ a cleaner.

Personal kit and impromptu social gatherings in the Ops Room clutter and distract pilots from their important preflight activity, ‘Keep kit and conversations in flight planning’.

Collective security means we know who we are and that we’re not vulnerable – if you’re last out, close the curtains and shut all the doors. If you see anyone without an ID politely ask to see it and show them yours.“

Ops manager

Jon Kumela

Enjoy the short video and lookout for Carl’s tash!