14 February 2023
The sheer range of flying trips made by entrants into the annual Pooleys Dawn to Dusk Challenge is astonishing.
Winning entries for last year’s Challenge include a tour of the Lighthouses of Devon & Cornwall, flying under the midnight sun in Norway, visiting most airfields in 24 hours and overflying 282 Munros in Scotland.
Although the helicopter award wasn’t made this year, the Microlight trophy was given for ‘Air-bagging Wainwrights’, the hills of the Lake District, in a P&M GT450.
The awards were announced and prizes given out at a dinner last week.
Sebastian Pooley, MD of Pooleys, with guest Robin Keegan of the Honourable Company of Air Pilots who presented the awards
Sebastian Pooley, managing director of the pilot supplies company, said, “The International Dawn to Dusk competition is currently celebrating its 59th year. The 2021/22 competition saw 11 entries from the UK and for the 22/23 competition that is currently running, we have already received expressions of interest from competitors in the UK and overseas including Australia.
“The [2023] competition closes on 30 September and with the Northern Hemisphere flying season ahead of us, there is ample time to think about putting in an entry.
“The competition is open to all pilots and all aircraft types. Last year we had our first electric aircraft and gyro entry and in previous years, a floatplane. It is the perfect opportunity to further your flying, to expand your horizons and gives you the excuse you need to have the flying adventure you have always wanted to have.”
To enter, set a challenging goal with a theme and fly it. You then need to write up a detailed log of your preparations and flight. Click here for full details and how to enter.
First prize went to Maria Woltman and Michael Benson for their tour of Devon & Cornwall’s lighthouses
Second prize went to Adam Jackson and Martina Petkov who flew to Norway to find the midnight sun. Read Adam and Martina’s story here
1st: Duke of Edinburgh Trophy
Michael Benson & Marie Woltman
Devon & Cornwall Lighthouses
Robin DR400-120
2nd: Coventry Trophy
Adam Jackson & Martina Petkov
Defying Dawn to Dusk
Piper PA-28 Cherokee
3rd: Tiger Club Trophy
Shared between:
Mike Roberts & Nick Rogers
Most airfields visited by a light aircraft in 24 hours
Cessna 172
and
Derek Pake & Adam Forsyth
The Munro Dash
Vans RV-8
Pooley Sword (Best log)
Michael Benson & Marie Woltman
Devon & Cornwall Lighthouses
Bonney Trophy
Nic Orchard
Dawn to Dusk Nursery edition – Building Blocks
Aeronca Champ
Icarus Trophy (Best solo entry)
Andy Amor
My English Solstice Odyssey
Beagle B.121-150 Pup
Family Trophy
Amy Whitewick & members of the LAA Wessex Strut
Various aircraft
Long Distance Medal
Derek Pake & Adam Forsyth
The Munro Dash (1180nm)
Helicopter Trophy
Not awarded
Microlight Trophy
Daniel Langton & Mark Atkinson
Air-bagging Wainwrights
P&M GT450
Best Video Award (new award in 2019/20)
Mike Roberts & Nick Rogers
Commendations
Gavin Johns & David Pitman
Set Course for Scapa: A Tour of Historic Royal Naval Bases
Robin DR400-120A
and
Geoff Woodfield, Anne Alvis & Laura Alexandrou
To fly as many hours of daylight on the longest day of the year in the UK and to highlight sites of interest at dawn and again at dusk
Fuji FA200
