While serving in the RAF and stationed at RAF Sealand in Clwyd, (1980 - 1982), I learned to fly at the civilian Hawarden Airfield, privately at my own expense. I flew solo cross country on several occasions and just needed one more qualifying solo cross-country flight to gain my Civilian Pilot’s Licence, but unfortunately, autumn was coming on, and we never had the clear horizon that was deemed necessary. I was then posted at short notice to RAF Cranwell to become an MSc student on an Advanced Aerosystems course, after which I was creamed off to teach it for three years. I never therefore qualified as a pilot, but was contented that I had flown a powered aircraft solo cross-country on several occasions.
I am quite strongly of the opinion that flying such powered aircraft solo cross-country is simpler, safer, and more relaxing than driving cars on our roads.
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