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

Join us for a comprehensive end-of-year aviation review as we look back at 25 of the best and worst stories from flying in 2025.

This episode covers major UK and international aviation news including PPL licensing changes, partial power loss training, moving maps, the Manchester Low Level Route update, Jeppesen and ForeFlight leaving Boeing, and landmark achievements such as CubCrafters reaching 37,609ft, Skyfly Axe’s first cross-country flight and 100 years of the Goodyear Blimp.

We discuss key aircraft developments including the RV-15 going on sale, Cirrus Autoland in piston singles, the Skyleader 400 finally gaining approval, the end of Bonanza and Baron production, and new designs from Robinson, Spirit and Groppo.

The show also examines pilot mental health following Xyla Foxlin’s case, changes within organisations such as the BMAA, and the sale of Flight Design and Icon.

Rounding out the episode is Best aircraft of the year, good news airfield and bad news airfield of the year, and Best events of the year, from Aero Friedrichshafen, Oshkosh and Sleapkosh, This is a great watch for anyone interested in aviation, flying and the future of general aviation.

#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/

Links to Videos!
The end of Bonanza & Barron - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw4uf6ltBDM
Goodyear Blimp - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci7xnzeRGFk
Owain Johns - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJziJZkcCl4
Skyleader 400 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHIl-c87vYw
Cirrus Autoland - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkYa1SO9XLA
Xyla Foxlin - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pxPfLQuNHM0
Popham 50th - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiZD3A48XzM
Brian Lloyd Popham - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVsCi_uLjd0
Best of Aero 2025, Includes Groppo Enduro - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xm3JzMXCR2o
Best of Oshkosh 2025, Includes Spirit SE 1 & Vans RV - 15
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M14OJwVNwH8
Sleapkosh 2025 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gRScB-DcOQ

Join us on this week’s FLYER Show as we meet the current owner of the FLYER Europa, bring you the latest aviation news, and sit down with former RAF Vulcan pilot, airline captain and display pilot Bill Perrins for an in-depth discussion about flying and operating the famous v-bomber.

Bill shares his experiences from the Vulcan bomber, Tornado F3, Spitfires, Chipmunks and commercial jets. He takes up through the Vulcan's handling challenges, engineering limits, landing techniques, asymmetric training, stalling behaviour, airshow pressures, close-call incidents and the realities of managing a vintage jet. Plus, how to generate the famous Vulcan Howl!

We include SkyDemon’s top airspace-avoidance tip, Simon’s weekend aviation weather briefing, updates from UK and Irish airfields, airspace modernisation around Edinburgh, and news from the British Women Pilots’ Association.

Ideal viewing for pilots, student pilots, engineers and anyone interested in aviation stories, flying skills, aircraft engineering and current GA developments.

#vulcan #aviation #aviationnews #pilots #generalaviation #flying

The links!
Join the FLYER Club - https://flyer.co.uk/membership
Pilot Careers Live - https://www.pilotcareernews.com/live/
Footage From: Planes TV - https://www.youtube.com/@UCt15-P7HWMVXImmysnse6HQ

Join us for The FLYER Show and discover a way that you can afford to fly an aircraft that would otherwise be too much money!

Yes, we explore the world of Group Ownership of Aircraft where the unaffordable becomes possible. We look at the practical benefits and financial planning to maintenance responsibilities, booking systems and managing relationships within a flying group. Plus, real-world examples of aircraft shares currently on the market.

There's also the dreadful news that Popham Airfield is definitely in the local council's plan for housing - and what we can do about it. We've found another UK airfield up for sale, and there's news of a new event at Thruxton Aerodrome.

Fantasy Hangar returns and this week, of course, we go looking for shares in surprising aircraft.

#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 Matters: https://www.pophamairfieldmatters.org/news
Airfield for sale https://flyer.co.uk/derbyshires-darley-moor-airfield-for-sale/
BMAA Group advice https://www.bmaa.org/files/Sharing_an_aircraft_-_a_BMAA_guide.pdf
FLYER's article about group ownership https://flyer.co.uk/feature/a-share-of-the-dream/

This week we have made The Flyer Show pretty much all about the Beechcraft Bonanza and Baron given Textron's decision to sunset these classic aeroplanes. There's still the normal news, weather and SkyDemon tip, plus we're bringing back Fantasy Hangar for a Bo & Baron special!

#aviationnews #aviationhistory #aviationstories #beachcraftbonanza #aviationenthusiast

Big thanks to Ryan at AirshowStuff.com for the Bonanza clip - check out their channel here

The links!
Join the Flyer Club
Pilot Careers Live

In this episode of The Flyer Show, we take an in-depth look at the fantasy of flying from home, exploring houses across Europe that come with their own airstrip, from island hideaways and airstrip cottages to larger estates with runways and hangars, including Glenforsa on Mull and notable strips on the Isle of Wight and in the Cotswolds.

We discuss hangar-home concepts and talk about the latest aviation news with updates from Trig Avionics, Skyfly, and engineering insights such as turbine blade design.

The episode includes a SkyDemon top tip for safer flight planning and detailed VFR weather outlook for the weekend.

We look at standout aircraft concepts from the Royal Aeronautical Society’s student competition, along with historic flying footage, club updates, free landing opportunities and upcoming events.

Whether you’re a pilot, an engineer or simply someone interested in aviation, flying and general aviation news, this episode offers a clear and informative overview of what’s happening across the flying community.

#aviation #aviationnews #pilots #generalaviation #flying

The links!
Join the Flyer Club - https://flyer.co.uk/membership
Pilot Careers Live - https://www.pilotcareernews.com/live/
Aviators Ball Aerobility - https://www.aerobility.com/aviators-ball-2025
Ballooning video - https://www.facebook.com/watch/?mibextid=wwXIfr&v=552097948925121&rdid=2RIu5QkJPsUNpSZj