Bradley Brockies

How did you get into aviation?

Aviation has always appealed to me. In 2009, my parents took me to Eastbourne Airshow, which I really enjoyed. We’ve been to many airshows since then and I got into photographing aircraft, and my parents would often drive me to Gatwick or Heathrow to take pictures. 

I had my first lesson aged 12, out of Headcorn Airfield. After take-off, the instructor let me take control of the Robin DR400. This was amazing, and I found the aircraft very smooth and easy to control in the air. The instructor took over for landing again, which looked quite hard to me at the time. 

“I’m incredibly grateful to the people at Aerobility, who’ve been so positive and helpful along the way”

How did your flight training go?

I started flying with Aerobility in 2018, just after my 14th birthday. By then I had done several trial type flights. I’d also clocked up about 2,500 hours on the multiple flight simulators I have at home, which helped a lot with my training, especially with navigation. For me, landing the aircraft was actually one of the easier things to learn. I struggled with wing-drop in stalls and although my results up to now have been good, I’m finding studying for the exams difficult. My instructor, Steve Bradd, is amazing. He floods me with knowledge and I take it all in. 

Did you plan to solo on your 16th birthday?

Yes, it’s been my goal ever since I first sat in an aircraft. I feel very comfortable and at home in an aeroplane. My first solo flight went well. The aircraft took off a lot quicker without Steve in it, it climbed quicker too, and when flaring above the runway for landing, it didn’t want to come down. For the rest, it didn’t feel different from a flight with my instructor though. I was happy Steve trusted my ability, but I wasn’t scared or anything. My parents, who were watching, were nervous.

What are your plans for the future?

My short-term goal is obtaining my PPL – I’m planning to do this on my 17th birthday – and afterwards get my aerobatic rating. I’d have liked to fly fast jets in the RAF, however, my asthma has squashed that plan, so now I aim to become a commercial pilot. My long-term goal is getting into the aviation industry. I’m hoping to get an apprenticeship, and become a Captain on the A350. I saw one at Farnborough Airshow in 2018 and love its look. Technologically a very advanced aircraft.

What aircraft would you have in your ‘fantasy hangar’?

It needs to be quite a large hangar as I’d have four, if that’s OK? I’d have a Kitfox Taildragger because of its short take-off and landing capabilities and good range.

Also a Beech A36 Bonanza, because it has a good useful load, long range with tip tanks and looks comfortable.

Number three would be an Extra 300 because it’s fast, fun and aerobatic. And I’d have a Typhoon, just because how cool would that be?! In 2017, I went to RAF Coningsby and was lucky enough to spend an hour in one of the Typhoon simulators with an instructor – I couldn’t resist doing a ‘Top Gun’ and virtually buzzing the tower.

What does flying mean to you?

It means everything. Flying relaxes me. I have anxiety, but in an aircraft I feel good and when I step out of the aeroplane, my whole body is relaxed. I really struggled during lockdown as my hobbies, Taekwondo and aviation, both stopped.

Although I could train Taekwondo in my garden, I couldn’t fly and a simulator doesn’t match the feeling of being in the air. In fact, there’s nothing like flying a proper aeroplane.

I’m incredibly grateful to the people at Aerobility, who’ve been so positive and helpful along the way. They’re fantastic. Same goes for my instructor, Steve, who has dedicated so much of his time and effort to make my dream come true. Without them, I don’t think I’d have reached my goal of going solo on my 16th birthday.

What do you love most about aviation?

Having control of what’s happening. From where you go to which manoeuvres you do.

When you’re up there at 3,000ft you have the freedom to go anywhere you like, as long as it’s within reason.