We visit Compton Abbas Airfield to talk with new Accountable Manager Ben Perkins and Head of Aviation James Wolstenholme about some welcome changes coming up at one of the UK’s most picturesque airfields, set in the Dorset countryside.

Plus we run through this week’s top news stories including:
French Superstar: latest 2026 Daher TBM 980
Update on the grounded N-reg aircraft
Launch of Pooleys Dawn to Dusk Competition 2026
Update on the Colin Hales and LAA situation
Flying scholarships at Goodwood Flying School
Popham Airfield: 1 day left to act

This week we also have ‘What Caught My Eye’ with Dave in rapture over a US YouTuber strapped to the loading ramp of an RAF A400M flying the Mach Loop (yes, you read that right), Ian on the very public row between Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary and X’s Elon Musk, and Ed spots an ad for a very thirsty (and expensive) aircraft, a 1963 Howard 500.

Links:

Popham Airfield consultation: https://flyer.co.uk/feature/save-popham-airfield-now-is-the-time/

Pooleys Dawn to Dusk 2026:
https://flyer.co.uk/2026-international-dawn-to-dusk-competition-announced-by-pooleys/

Sam Eckholm A400M Mach Loop video: https://youtu.be/g60IkGJwkjU?si=uGi9FGHUhlJKZy3F
Howard 500 advertisement:
https://www.platinumfighters.com/inventory/1963-dee-howard-500/

Send us your “Welcome to The FLYER Show’ video:
Via WeTransfer to editorial@seager.aero

#aviation #aviationnews #pilots #generalaviation #flying

This episode of The Flyer Show takes a look at the latest general aviation news, brings you your weekly SkyDemon tip, and of course your weekend weather outlook.

The team discusses the FAA decision that has grounded N-registered aircraft held in trust with Southern Aircraft Consultancy, and what the possible solutions might be.

There's the latest in the Colin Hales/LAA story, the financial position of Lydd Airport, the proposed sale of Gloucestershire Airport and the consultation around Popham Airfield.

#aviation #aviationnews #pilots #generalaviation #flying

The links!
Join the Flyer Club - https://flyer.co.uk/membership
Pilot Careers Live - https://www.pilotcareernews.com/live/
Popham Consultation - https://www.pophamairfieldmatters.org/
That FAA grounding story - https://flyer.co.uk/n-registered-aircraft-held-in-trust-with-southern-aircraft-consultancy-grounded/
A&P investigates G100UL (YouTube) - https://www.youtube.com/@mluvara

In this episode of the FLYER Show – the first of 2026! – we bring you the latest general aviation news and we look forward to general aviation flying in 2026, including launching our #FLY2026 challenge!

- SkyDemon top tip covering flight log analysis
- First real-world emergency landing using Garmin’s Autoland system
- Rotax 916-powered Bristell B23 gets EASA certified
- Cirrus Aircraft deliver their 11,000th SR aircraft and launch the G7+ model for 2026
- Plus time is getting critical to make your voice heard in the consultation threatening Popham Airfield.

Looking ahead to flying in 2026, learn about the winners of our #FLY2025 Challenge, and are you ready for #FLY2026 Challenge?

Plus there’s reflections on GA, microlighting and gliding activity, and previews of major aviation events such as AERO Friedrichshafen, the LAA Rally, Popham Microlight Trade Fair, Oshkosh and SleapKosh.

A comprehensive episode for anyone interested in aviation, flying, aircraft engineering, aviation news and staying active as a pilot in the UK.

#aviation #aviationnews #pilots #generalaviation #flying #aircraft

The links!
Join the FLYER Club - https://flyer.co.uk/membership
Pilot Careers Live - https://www.pilotcareernews.com/live/
#FLY2026 - forums.flyer.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=139024