Flight Paths
Hertfordshire Life|May 2017

From a microlight world champion to a newlyqualified commercial airline pilot, Barry Hunt discovers the inspiring journeys made by three of Herts’ high flyers.

Barry Hunt
Flight Paths

SANDWICHED between the A414, M1 and M25, Chiswell Green is a quiet little corner of Hertfordshire. Apart from an occasional tractor, very little traffic finds its way down the narrow lane leading to Plaistows Farm, but it’s here, among the barns and outbuildings, that you’ll find one of the country’s most successful pilots.

With a string of world, European and British championships under his wing, Rob Grimwood can justifiably be called Mr Microlight. The softly spoken 36-yearold grew up in the village and got the flying bug at the age of 10 when he used to watch aircraft using the small airfield.

When the farm’s owner Derrick Brunt offered to take him on a flight Rob jumped at the chance and has never looked back.

‘I can still remember that flight; the feeling of being up in the sky and looking down on the countryside. The flight probably lasted less than half an hour, but it was exhilarating, I felt totally free. That never leaves you.’

When he was 16 Rob won a bursary to learn how to fly. ‘I had been saving up for my own plane since my first flight with Derrick, so by the age of 17 I had bought a plane and got my licence.’

After his A-levels, Rob became a qualified flying instructor and took a masters degree in aeronautical engineering at Brunel University. Ten years ago he set up his own flying school, Exodus Airsports based at Plaistows Farm, and now gives other people the unforgettable experience of flying small aircraft.

‘It’s a job, but I would rather be doing this than anything else. Why work in an office when I can be here out in the fresh air? People come here because they want to fly and I love to see the thrill they get when they go up for the first time.’

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HERTFORDSHIRE LIFEView all
Hertfordshire Life

Explosive history

With bonfire night this month, author Harry Smee recounts the explosive story of his family’s firework company, Brock’s, creators of wonders and war-changing weapons

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer
Hertfordshire Life

A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer

Laurie McGrath, senior designer at Harriet Kelsall bespoke jewellery in Halls Green, gives an insight into her working day

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2020
Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES
Hertfordshire Life

Sniffig out clues in THE ASHES

Meet the fire investigation dogs securing convictions against arsonists and murderers who otherwise may go free

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
The greatest traveller
Hertfordshire Life

The greatest traveller

Exploring ancient civilisations and rising powers, Violet CressyMarcks became the most travelled woman of her age. Fifty years after her death we look at her incredible life

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
Hertfordshire Life

Return of the Queen of Romance

Twenty years after the death of record-breaking novelist Dame Barbara Cartland, Gillian Thornton talks passions, plots and a new audience with her son at the family home in Essendon

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2020
In bed with CELEBS
Hertfordshire Life

In bed with CELEBS

Marking its 70th year, Welham Green soft furnishings company Ashley Wilde has grown from a pile-it-high, sell-it-cheap business into an industry leader with A-list partnerships

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2020
Roam with a view
Hertfordshire Life

Roam with a view

We may not have coastline or mountains, but Herts has beautiful views all the same, if you know where to look

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2020
Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle
Hertfordshire Life

Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle

The secret life of a much-loved British mammal and simple steps we can take at home to stop its extinction

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
Hertfordshire Life

A walk down Surreal Street

Paul Crowley draws on his graphic designer’s eye to capture scenes from the country to the street, all tinged with surreality

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2020
5 minutes with
Hertfordshire Life

5 minutes with

Carole Spiers, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce member and founder of International Stress Awareness Week

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2020