Latest News from Multiflight
Read all the latest news from Multiflight at Leeds Bradford International Airport.
Successful Airline Pilot Awareness Day
Steve Walshaw, who heads the Resettlement Programme at the Multiflight Flight Training Centre, spoke to 20 service leavers who are considering a career in the commercial aviation field.
Steve, a former RAF education officer turned commercial pilot, was speaking at an event organised by the Cottesmore Regional Resettlement Centre. The audience from the RN/RM Army and RAF in ranks, ranging from Private to Lt Colonel, listened intently to Steve and his guest speakers: all ex service themselves.
Captain Bill Macleod, formerly a Victor and Nimrod pilot, spoke of the experiences which have led him to become the Senior CAA examiner based at Leeds Bradford International Airport. He gave in-depth information on the types of flying examinations potential candidates will face to achieve their aim of gaining a Commercial Pilot’s Licence.
Steve Walshaw spoke about the methods to gain the necessary licences depending on your starting point, either Ab-Initio or a QSP Qualified Service Pilot with thousands of hours on type, and the likely costs and length of time you could expect to take to achieve the Commercial Pilot’s Licence.
Les Lovett, a former RN rotary crewman, supported by Elena Cowley, spoke about the potential benefits those currently serving could gain by becoming associate members of BALPA: the British Airline Pilots Association. Its membership represents around 10,000 workers in the industry.
The final speaker was Captain Matt Wood, a former Lightning and Tornado pilot who has worked at various levels in commercial aviation including Flight Operations Director, but who is back in the “left hand” Captain’s seat based in Madrid flying for Easyjet. He provided an insight into the likely recruitment methods facing candidates and life as a commercial airline pilot in today’s world of commercial aviation, the potential pitfalls, and the benefits.
One of those who travelled the furthest to attend the presentation was CPO Simon McWhirter from RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall. He said it had certainly been worth the effort to come along and listen to the speakers: a sentiment expressed by a number of those who attended.
Flt Lt Jerry Ollis and two military pilot colleagues emailed following the event to say that the fact they had been able to speak to the CAA Examiner was useful and found Captain Wood’s and Walshaw’s overviews particularly informative and thanked all concerned for organising a very useful afternoon.
Santa arrives in style: thanks to Multiflight
Santa has been travelling in style and his reindeers getting a welcome rest thanks to the charter helicopters at Multiflight.
Firstly Santa and two of his elves were transported by a luxury Multiflight AS365 Dauphin to Langlands Garden Centre on York Road, Shiptonthorpe, York, to launch Santa’s Christmas season at the garden centre. The charter was organised through the York based charter flight company FlyMeNow for the garden centre who wanted to do something different to kick off the festive season.
Multiflight pilot Steve Waudby was delighted to be able to help out Santa and the elves and was amazed at the hundreds of people who turned out to welcome them on their arrival at the garden centre.
“There were over 300 people present to welcome the Multiflight helicopter as we landed at the garden centre,” said Steve.
“The arrival of Santa and his elves by helicopter caused much excitement and was the perfect way for Santa to take up residence in his grotto at the centre.”
Next, Multiflight pilot Chris Wood flew Santa in a Multiflight B206 III Jetranger helicopter to the pitch at Bradford and Bingley Rugby and Cricket Club. Excited youngsters waved as the aircraft landed.
Santa was aviation enthusiast Ken Cothliff, who took on the role in memory of his late wife Doreen, a tireless charity worker. He flew in to deliver presents for children at a party held for the employees of Shipley business The Regent Group. Doreen had worked as the company’s human resources manager for 12 years. It was her wish that Ken would be Santa at the Christmas party.
Ken, who runs Air Supply aviation store in Yeadon, told Multiflight he wanted to fly to the party and the company allowed him the use of a helicopter.
Pilot Chris said: “I used to visit Ken’s aviation shop when I was a youngster: he and Doreen always worked tirelessly for others. Multiflight was delighted to help out.”
Pictures show pilot Steve Waudby, and Santa and his elves with Multiflight pilot Steve Waudby after arriving in style by helicopter at Langlands Garden Centre.
Multiflight expands charter fleet with second luxury Dauphin
Multiflight has expanded its helicopter charter fleet with a second luxury nine seat AS365 Dauphin to meet the increasing demand for its charter service.
The new charter aircraft, an AS365 Dauphin with VIP configuration, joins the existing Multiflight charter fleet, which includes another luxury nine seat AS365 Dauphin, an AS355 Twin Squirrel, an AS350 Single Squirrel and a Bell 206 III Jetranger.
Multiflight sourced the Dauphin and completely refurbished it at the dedicated Multiflight aircraft service centre at Leeds Bradford International Airport. It has been bought by a private client and the aircraft is now being maintained and managed by Multiflight as part of its charter fleet.
“The Dauphin is a fabulous new addition to the Multiflight charter fleet and we were delighted to be able to source this helicopter for our client, give it a total refurbishment and to be selected as the maintenance and management provider for it,” said Steve Borrowdale, Multiflight’s Managing Director.
Multiflight is the only operator in the North of England that is able to offer two luxurious AS365 Dauphin helicopters.
“We have seen a significant increase in demand for Multiflight’s charter service and the addition of a second superb luxury Dauphin helicopter to our fleet will help us to meet this demand,” said Multiflight’s Helicopter Operations Manager Linda Nicholls.
Linda added: “The ease and flexibility of helicopter travel is appealing to more and more people. For anyone wanting to make the most of their time and avoid the stress of airport queues and the ever-increasing delays on the road and rail system, private aircraft charter is becoming the way to travel.”
Multiflight’s charter helicopters are perfect for corporate rental or for days out to destinations such as York Races, Royal Ascot, Cheltenham Races, Wimbledon or Twickenham, or to a wedding or other special event.
For more details about Multiflight’s charter service please telephone the Multiflight charter department on +44 (0)113 238 7166 or email charter@multiflight.com
Picture shows the latest addition to Multiflight’s expanding charter fleet: the AS365 Dauphin helicopter with VIP configuration.
University of Leeds students visit Multiflight
University of Leeds students have been getting an insight into stripping and rebuilding piston engines from staff in Multiflight’s Engine Component Workshop.
Multiflight has linked up with the University to help support students and academics in their understanding of piston engine construction and operation. The company has supplied the University with a 4-cylinder Lycoming piston engine for the Energy and Resources Research Institute School of Process, Environmental and Materials Engineering.
Students Sam Leigh and Jonathan Prinn were able to see the complete process of strip, investigation and rebuild of a 4-cylinder piston engine requiring an overhaul. Multiflight Engineer Ben Pattison, who is Lycoming Piston Engine trained, worked with the students.
Gerry Athorne, Multiflight’s Engine Shop Manager, who has over 40 years’ experience with aircraft engines, said: “We are delighted to be working with the University of Leeds and passing on our knowledge and enthusiasm for engines and the general aviation industry.
“The Multiflight training will help equip Sam and Jonathan with the knowledge and skill they need to strip and rebuild the Multiflight-supplied piston engine.”
Picture shows Sam and Jonathan with Multiflight Engineer Ben Pattison during the training.
Multiflight supports Children in Need
Multiflight clients and staff joined in the nationwide fundraising for Children in Need on Friday November 14th.
The Multiflight Executive Aircraft Handling team organised a chocolate fountain and a sale of cakes and buns to raise £111.22 for the charity for disadvantaged children and young people in the UK.
“Our thanks go to all the Multiflight passengers and staff who supported our fundraising,” said Heather Cawthorne, Multiflight Executive Aircraft Handling Manager.
Multiflight-backed driver brings 2008 Euroseries campaign to a close
Multiflight-backed racing driver Jon Lancaster brought his 2008 Euroseries F3 campaign to a finish in the final round of the series at Hockenheim.
The last race of the year for the Multiflight-sponsored teenager ended prematurely after a series of accidents, which three times brought out the safety car, ultimately cut short the race with the red flag signalling the finish after just three racing laps.
Starting from the back after a first lap collision in the weekend’s opening race, Jon made a great start to make up seven places, although he was later adjudged to have jumped the start and penalised with a drive-through penalty. Even before the completion of the opening lap however, Jon was struggling with a gear problem which meant he had to lift off to change gear.
Despite that and an electrical problem which wiped out all dash displays Jon battled on but with no opportunities to overtake and move up the order the 19 year-old was unable to finish any higher than 20th.
“It was a fairly frustrating race,” said Jon. “I’d made a great start from the back. I didn’t feel it was a jump start, just a very good one, but the officials decided it was and that I had to have a drive-through. After that I went back out but there weren’t really any opportunities to pass anyone as the safety car was out pretty much the whole race.
“The problem was the safety car was running so slow, nobody really got the chance to get their tyres up to temperature so every time the safety car went in again, someone locked up their tyres resulting in another accident and safety car. All in all it was a pretty disappointing end to a season which at the mid-point at least was going really well and which had resulted in me netting podium finishes and race wins.
“My first year in F3 has been a season of ups and downs, it started well and just got better and better but towards the end we’ve suffered with a lot of technical problems and so the results have just tailed off. It’s certainly been a steep learning curve, but it’s all over now and my main focus will be on the Macau Grand Prix.
“I’ll spend the next two weeks training hard for that event, as it’s a tough weekend, very hot and humid and physical fitness and stamina will be very important. It really is the most important race on the F3 calendar, one that everyone wants to win, and I’ll head out there with the aim of winning it and bringing the title back to the UK.”
The Macau event will take place over the weekend of 13-16 November and kicks off with free practice at 10.30 on Thursday 13 with first qualifying later that afternoon at 14.00. Friday features second qualifying at 14.45 and the qualification race on Saturday at 13.45. The main 15-lap Windsor Arch 55th Macau Grand Prix will take place at 15.30 on Sunday 16 November.
Multiflight-sponsored racing driver looks ahead for F3 World Cup glory at Macau
Multiflight-backed racing driver Jon Lancaster will spearhead the British entries in the famous Macau Grand Prix after finalising a deal to run with Manor Motorsport in the classic event on 13 - 16 November. The British Racing Drivers' Club Superstar finished third in the Masters of F3 at Zolder against the cream of Europe and now takes on the best in the world for the ‘World Cup’ of motorsport, aiming to add his name to the illustrious list of previous winners.
“The team has had some very good results at Macau already, including winning it with Lucas di Grassi so I think it’s a good seat to get into,” said Jon.
“I’ve never raced there before obviously and it looks like a pretty daunting track but I’ve spoken to a lot of people who have and like every street circuit, it will be critical to drive with your head and not get caught up in the action over the opening couple of laps.
“I’ll aim to keep improving over the course of the sessions and hopefully that will put me in a good position for the race. I had my first F3 podium on a street circuit at Pau and could have won on another at the Norisring before being taken out, so street tracks don’t pose a problem for me. Macau is the major event that every Formula 3 driver wants to win and although I’ve not had the best of seasons results-wise for many different reasons if I can win the end of season race in Macau it would be a great way to finish the year.
“It’s good to end the season on a high as that’s what people remember and also, sponsor wise to bring 2008 to a close with victory would be a great boost for 2009. Macau is like the World Cup of Formula 3 and if you can win that you prove that on your day you can beat anyone. Winning it is a great achievement that not many people get to do and not many people in Formula One have done. I don’t think there’s any reason why we can’t win and I’ve got two good team-mates who raced there last year so we’ll have the data already.”
The event will kick-off with free practice at 10.30 on Thursday 13 with first qualifying later that afternoon at 14.00. Friday features second qualifying at 14.45 on Friday and the qualification race on Saturday at 13.45. The main 15-lap Windsor Arch 55th Macau Grand Prix will take place at 15.30 on Sunday 16 November.
Potential podium place denied for Multiflight-backed Lancaster in France
Jon Lancaster's hopes of a podium finish were ended after just four laps when he was taken out of fifth place in race two of the Formula 3 Euroseries in Le Mans. The Leeds Multiflight-backed teenager had made a storming start from 12th on the grid and was up to fifth by the second corner as the rain began to fall.
A rare error from the British Racing Drivers’ Club Superstar allowed Koudai Tsukakoshi to close up and in the increasingly tricky conditions at the French track, the Japanese driver locked up on the entry to turn five, T-boning Jon into the barrier causing instant retirement and bringing out the red flag.
The 19 year-old Briton had suffered disastrous luck in Friday’s qualifying session, when his tenth quickest time was disallowed as it was deemed to have been done under the yellow flags. This put Jon 18th on the grid for the opening race.
Ironically it was his ART Grand Prix team-mate James Jakes that forced out the yellow flags which left Jon frustrated at having to forfeit his fastest lap and incur a five place grid penalty.
In the weekend’s opening race, Jon made a superb start to enter the first corner 12th, having made up a staggering six places off the line. However his charge was ended when a number of drivers drove a short cut through the chicane, re-passing Jon and pushing him back to 18th.
A determined effort by Jon allowed him to claw his way back through the field overtaking six cars on his way to 12th to give him a sixth row start for race two.
“In qualifying I was really struggling to get any heat into the front tyres and I think James was too, which was probably why he went off the track. Race one was difficult but the pace was definitely there and I was able to make some good progress. The car was pretty good, and I was able to make a good start, going into the first corner just behind my team-mate.
“However at the chicane that all turned out to be a waste as a load of them took a short cut through the chicane and took the places back. It seems here that we spend more time off track than on track as there are so many tarmac areas off line.
“I managed to get past James early on and then Clairay and was pushing Philippe hard. Every lap on the entry to the straight, I was able to catch up and forced him into a mistake a couple of times, when he ran off the track. However I was reasonably happy with the result from the low grid slot and confident of being able to repeat that charge in Sunday’s race.
“In race two I made a great start having got up into fifth by the second corner and was right on the tail of the lead pack. I made a bit of a mistake in turn four which allowed Tsukakoshi to close right up on me and by then the rain was falling heavily and track was very slippery. Under braking I think he just locked up and T-boned me pushing me off into the barrier. It’s unfortunate as I could have potentially been on the podium, particularly when you see that he went on to finish fourth and I’d been ahead of him at that point.
“But these things happen and there’s nothing I could have done any differently. We now have the final two races left and I’ve slipped to third in the rookies standing and second top Briton, so I’ll be hoping to get those two places back in the final rounds.”
Above: Jon Lancaster racing in the Formula 3 Euroseries in Le Mans.
Multiflight becomes authorised Diamond Service Centre
Multiflight has become an authorised Diamond Service Centre.
The company can now provide maintenance and repairs for Diamond aircraft, as well as for Beechcraft, Piper, Pilatus, Cirrus, Robin, Cessna Columbia and Cessna Citation aircraft.
Multiflight’s Chief Engineer Michael Bundey, who has completed the Diamond aircraft training, said: “We are very pleased to become an authorised Diamond Service Centre and have already started to see regular DA42 aircraft visitors to our maintenance facility.”
Multiflight’s fixed wing engineering facility is now authorised to work on the following Diamond aircraft: DV20-Series, DA20-A1-Series, DA20-C1, DA40-180, DA40-D, and DA42. This is great news for Diamond aircraft owners in the Yorkshire and wider region as the nearest other Diamond Service Centre is at Gamston in Lincolnshire.
“Multiflight is committed to continually improving its engineering offer and our Diamond Service Centre authorisation helps us further towards our aim of becoming the North’s premier fixed wing engineering facility,” said Michael.
Above: Picture shows Multiflight's Chief Engineer Michael Bundey.
Multiflight helicopter bought by South African operator
An AS350 B3+ helicopter bought from Multiflight is now owned and operated by Savannah Helicopters cc, a South African Part 127 Operator.
G-MAAV was bought from Multiflight by Savannah Helicopters and was re-registered in South Africa as ZS-SEF. Savannah Helicopters, which has operations in Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, employs five Squirrel helicopters in a logistical support role. Two are B3s and three B2 models.
ZS-SEF has been fitted with a vertical reference window, AFS intake filter and onboard systems cargo swing system enabling long line, allowing Savannah Helicopters to do vertical reference work.
Above: ZS-SEF is pictured here at work for Savannah Helicopters.
Multiflight links up with the University of Leeds
Multiflight has linked up with the University of Leeds to help support students and academics in their understanding of piston engine construction and operation.
Multiflight has supplied the University with a 4-cylinder Lycoming piston engine for the Energy and Resources Research Institute School of Process, Environmental and Materials Engineering.
David Germaine, Multiflight’s Stores Supervisor, who has been instrumental in establishing the University link, said: “We shall continue to work with the University, supplying them with used aircraft materials and items for analysis and hosting visits to our workshops.
“We are delighted to be developing a relationship with the University and a group from Multiflight recently enjoyed an interesting visit to the University. During the visit we saw the University’s flight simulators, engine build test facilities, materials research laboratories and experimental energy plants. It was very encouraging to see the level of investment in aviation by the University of Leeds.”
Multiflight students celebrate!
Multiflight Flight Training Centre students are celebrating PPL, ME, CPL and IR passes. Our congratulations go to them all:
PPL: Tom Ellis, David Hattersley
ME: Andrew Binns, Brian Howath
CPL: Rory Cunningham, Jeremy Oke, John Sharp, Sarah Callaghan, Sam Meacock
IR: Nicholas Baxter, David Mason, Mark Graham, John Sharp, Adrian Lord, David Taylor, Craig Middleton, Sam Meacock, Jo Salter, Greg Perkin
Multiflight helicopter used for filming of ITV Blue Murder drama series
A Multiflight helicopter was chartered for aerial filming for the popular ITV Blue Murder drama series starring Caroline Quentin and Ian Kelsey.
An AS355 Twin Squirrel helicopter was chartered by Flight Logistics Film & TV Aviation for filming a hillside walking scene in Glossop: a small market town in the High Peak borough of Derbyshire.
Read more in the Charter case study section...
Multiflight students complete Robinson Safety Course
Multiflight Flight Training Centre students have successfully completed the Robinson Safety Course, run at the centre by Robinson expert Richard Mornington-Sanford.
Multiflight organised two Robinson Safety Courses in July with great success. During each two-day course, Richard, a CAA licensed helicopter engineer, flight instructor (helicopters) and air accident investigator, covered the history of Robinson R22/R44 helicopters; accident investigation, and the safest way to operate these popular aircraft.
Congratulations go to Matt Gott, Chris Wood, Mathew Greenwood, Natasha Tottman, Jonathan Tyler, Stephen Ellis, Kim Carter, David Middleton, Kevin Feather, Kevin Sloane, James Rae, Jeff Hall, Andrew Dunne, Neil Warnock, Matthew Cobham and Mike Strother for completing the course.
“Our thanks go to Richard for sharing his unique expertise and knowledge of Robinsons with the Multiflight students,” said course organiser, Multiflight Helicopter Pilot Yannis Giannopoulos.
“Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the course and learned a great deal.”
Above: Picture shows the Multiflight students who completed the Robinson Safety Course with members of the Multiflight Flight Training Centre team.
Multiflight flying students enjoy Jersey trip
July 23rd 2008
Flying students at the Multiflight Flight Training Centre enjoyed a trip to Jersey.
A group of 17 took part in the trip, organised to give Multiflight flying students and Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) holders the opportunity to experience flying abroad and navigating across large areas of water. Five aircraft were used: two Warriors and a C172 belonging to Multiflight and two privately-owned aircraft: a DR400 and a Cessna 210.
Above: Pictures shows the Jersey flying trip.
The outbound route was Leeds, Lydd, Deauville, Jersey and on the return journey three different routes were followed: Jersey, Deauville, Lydd to Leeds; Jersey, Lydd to Leeds, and Jersey, Compton Abbas to Leeds.
Michael Benson, who works in Flight Training Operations at Multiflight and was on the trip, said: “It was a wonderful experience for everyone and all our flying students and PPL holders got the chance to fly.
Above: Picture shows the Jersey flying trip.
“When we arrived at Deauville we were able to watch the French equivalent of the Red Arrows performing before taking off towards Jersey, where we stayed overnight before the return journey home. Everyone had a great time and got some invaluable flying experience.”
Multiflight teams up with England footballer Michael Owen to offer helicopter flights to the races
23rd July 2008
You can fly to a race meeting in the Dauphin helicopter owned by footballer Michael Owen thanks to a partnership between the Newcastle United captain and England striker and Multiflight.
Multiflight is offering helicopter transfers in the AS365 Dauphin to the 2008 Ebor Festival at York Racecourse: Tuesday August 19th to Friday August 22nd, and to The Open at Cheltenham Racecourse: Friday November 14th to Sunday November 16th, as well as to any other race meeting, event, or private function.
Michael bought the twin-engine Dauphin helicopter from Multiflight a couple of years ago and Multiflight now maintains and operates the helicopter for the footballer under its Air Operators Certificate. When he is not playing football, Michael uses the helicopter, flown by Multiflight pilots, to follow his own passion for horses and horse racing: Michael owns Manor House Stables, a new purpose-built thoroughbred training establishment in the heart of rural Cheshire, and has his own race horses. He has always loved horses and bought his first horse in 1998 (named Etienne Lady after his goal in the World Cup) and his passion has expanded from there. His other well known horses include Maryolini, Treble Heights and Prairie Tiger.
Above: Pictures show Michael Owen and the footballer’s Dauphin helicopter which is maintained and operated by Multiflight.
“Michael’s Dauphin helicopter offers the very best in charter travel and provides the ultimate in safety, comfort and elegance,” said Multiflight’s Helicopter Operations Manager Linda Nicholls.
“The Dauphin twin engine is one of the safest and most economical aircraft in its class and, with passenger seating for up to nine, it can take you to your destination quickly and efficiently.”
Multiflight has seen a significant increase in demand for its charter service and has recently increased its charter fleet to meet this demand. The company has added a Eurocopter AS355 F2, single pilot IFR, to its fleet and is awaiting the arrival of a second nine-seater Dauphin AS365 helicopter. The new charter aircraft join Multiflight’s existing fleet, which includes Michael Owen’s AS365, an AS350, a B206 Jetranger and an R44.
Multiflight will be the only operator in the North of England that will be able to offer two luxurious Dauphin AS365 helicopters.
Above: Pictures show Michael Owen and the footballer’s Dauphin helicopter which is maintained and operated by Multiflight.
“More and more people are choosing the ease and flexibility of helicopter travel,” said Linda.
“For anyone wanting to make the most of their time and avoid the stress of airport queues and the ever-increasing delays on the road and rail system, private aircraft charter is becoming the way to travel: it’s the perfect way to travel to a day at the races.”
For full details about Multiflight’s charter service contact Linda Nicholls on 0113 238 7166.
Storming drive nets Multiflight-backed Lancaster fastest lap
Jon Lancaster’s hopes of a return to the podium were thwarted in the latest rounds of the Formula 3 Euroseries at Catalunya, although the Leeds driver secured the fastest lap in race two and remains top Briton in the hotly contested championship.
The 19 year-old F3 rookie began his weekend with a good pace in Thursday’s test sessions around the Spanish track.
In the first free practice on Friday the teenager had just one run on old tyres prior to being sidelined with a gearbox problem which forced him to sit out the remainder of the session. In qualifying on Saturday Jon struggled with under steer in the opening minutes of the session prompting a trip to the pits for a change to the set-up on his ART Grand Prix Dallara.
After rejoining the session, the British Racing Drivers’ Club Superstar struggled to find a clear track as he attempted to build on his quick first and second sector times but such are the Circuit de Catalunya’s characteristics, he was unable to find a way past, losing him valuable time and resulting in the 21st quickest time.
“I came into the pits to change the set-up slightly as I was struggling with under steer,” said Jon.
“When I went back out, the car was better, although with a little bit of over steer but it was good in the first two sectors and I was hopeful of a good time. But, for the last three laps I caught traffic and just wasn’t able to get the final sector right so it wasn’t a very good start to the weekend.”
Following qualifying, Brendon Hartley was penalised and dropped five grid places, moving Jon up to the inside of the tenth row in 20thplace. As the cars lined up for the start of race one, Jon made one of his blinding starts, avoiding a four-car battle ahead to nip up the inside going into the first corner and gaining ten places in the process.
“I made a great start but ahead of me there were four cars spread out across the track. I tried to keep out of their way but then going into the first corner, I was able nip up the inside of them plus a few others, and came out in tenth.”
With his car now handling better Jon stayed with ninth-placed Edoardo Mortara, putting pressure on him for the duration of the remaining laps. With the former running far less wing, Jon was much slower than him on the straights and despite a move three laps from home, was unable to pass him as he went on to finish tenth at the flag.
“I managed to stay with Mortara and about three laps from home he made a mistake so I had a look at getting past. However the straight just wasn’t quite long enough for me to get him going into the chicane and when he made the mistake I tried to pass him but he squeezed me wide so I had to back out.”
Starting Sunday’s race two from tenth on the grid, Jon had high hopes of a top six finish after being satisfied with the handling of his car in the previous day’s race. However as the pack filed into the first corner at the start, Jon went to brake and found himself locking up and running up the escape road.
“I’ve no idea what happened. For some reason the brake bias had been turned towards the front, meaning that when I applied the brakes, both front wheels locked up. I took my foot off the brake and tried again but every time I did so, the wheels locked up again and I found myself running wide off the slip road. It must have been a faulty sensor or something and I spent the first few laps sorting that out.”
The resultant excursion forced Jon down to dead last but a searing pace over the remaining laps netted Jon the fastest race lap, some four tenths faster than the leaders. With the delay, Jon was unable to pick off many cars ahead, but took some consolation from the pace of his car which resulted in him easily the quickest on the track in the closing stages of the race.
“After I’d managed to sort out the brakes the car was fantastic, probably the best it’s ever been and it was great to drive over the course of the second race. Although the results weren’t there at the end, it’s great to have been the fastest driver on the day and now if we can keep that momentum going through into the next race, hopefully we can be back at the top of the pile next time out.”
Jon maintains his place as top Briton in the championship but has dropped to second in the rookies standings although only four points adrift of the leader.
25th wedding anniversary celebrated at Multiflight café bar
When Pudsey couple Trevor and Janice Walker were celebrating their Silver Wedding Anniversary they knew just the place to hold a party: the Multiflight café bar.
“We are regulars at the café bar for lunch: it’s a great venue that’s a little bit different,” says Trevor.
“It’s all newly refurbished and it was a great place for us to hold our party,” says Janice.
Around 90 people attended the couple’s anniversary celebrations, which included a barbecue.
“The food at the café bar is always fantastic and the staff could not have been more helpful at our party,” says Trevor.
The couple asked for no presents, but instead asked family and friends to make a donation to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance (YAA) charity if they wished. They raised £400 and are pictured here with Multiflight café bar Manager Richard Newall with their presentation cheque for the YAA.
Since their party Trevor and Janice have continued their celebrations with an anniversary trip to San Francisco!
