Flight Paths

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

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.’