Meet the GAC Member - Mark Stonard

09th October 2025

Meet one of our Goodwood Aeroclub Members, Mark Stonard, and read about his history of flying.

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Tell us a bit about you and your flying journey?

I live in a rural part of West Sussex with my wife and two children and I work for a well-known telecoms company.

I’ve always wanted to be able to learn to fly but my full time job is a far cry from the aviation industry and with a growing family, I never really had the opportunity to fulfil that dream, although Id had a few “trial flights” over the years.

In the Spring of 2022 I was lucky enough to get that opportunity (and a supporting nod from my wife). I remember visiting the aerodrome at Goodwood and speaking with the Ops team about learning to fly and I was hooked! It started with a trial lesson in one of the Cessna’s on a day when the weather was fabulous and that sealed the deal for me.

I have to admit that the first couple of lessons left me wondering if flying really was for me, but I think that was a mixture of excitement and nerves (which can be a good thing), and I soon came to love every minute of it. Every lesson was a real treat to fly and all of my instructors were patient and brilliant throughout, giving guidance and advice.

Juggling the PPL flight training and theory exams around my busy work and family life was, at times quite challenging, and cancelled lessons due to bad weather was frustrating!

However, it all paid off when I passed my PPL skill test in November 2024.

It felt a bid weird to start with after getting my licence – going flying on my own without the reassurance of experience beside me, or that second set of eyes and ears, and no one to talk to (apart from the radio calls) but I love it and I’ve taken up friends and family since.

I’ve also started the tailwheel conversion course at Goodwood on the Super Cub which I’m really enjoying. The Cub is wonderful to fly and different to the Cessna’s in that you feel a real connection to it. It’s another learning journey, although I think that a big part of the training is working out how to get in and out of the front seat!

So for now I’m really enjoying the flying, continued learning and the whole experience. Just ask my wife – she says whenever I’ve been flying at Goodwood, I come home with a big smile on my face, which says it all.

 

Have you always been interested in Aviation?

Ever since I can remember I’ve always had a passion for anything that flies.

As a child, I used to make model aeroplanes from balsa wood, tissue and dope. Then in my teens I discovered radio controlled aircraft. Since then and over the last 40 years, I’ve designed, built and flown all sorts of radio controlled aeroplanes, from gliders to scale warbirds to turbine powered aircraft.

I love being around anything to do with aviation, whether that’s a coffee in the Goodwood Café, or just being at the aerodrome. It’s a happy place and I’m always interested and fascinated to hear other pilots’ experiences and their own journeys through aviation as I think that is often inspiring.

The best part though is just flying – it’s a place where you can feel a real sense of freedom.

 

Any favourite moments of flying?

Yes, lots!

I will always remember being sent off on my first solo circuit – it was a regular lesson and on landing, my instructor turned to me and asked “How do you feel about doing a solo circuit?” That was a massive milestone for me that an instructor was confident I could fly an aeroplane on my own. Obviously my answer was a firm “Yes”, and that feeling of taking off the ground with an empty passenger seat for the first time is an amazing one I’ll never forget!

Since gaining my licence, I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of being able to take my son and daughter and my 78 year old mum flying. I love being able to share the experience and it makes me feel so lucky.

Goodwood is such a lovely place to fly from and has the advantage of stunning views in the local area.

 

Who is your aviation hero?

I don’t really have one, but I would say I have to take my hat off in admiration to all of the pilots that flew throughout the two world wars

 

What’s has been the best piece of advice you have been given about flying?

During the early stages of flying training it can feel like there is a lot going on and I always remember one of my instructors would say to me “Just relax”.

When I’m turning onto finals, I still always hear those words in my head!

 

Read more about the Goodwood Aerodrome and becoming a GAC member.

 

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  • GAC Exclusive

  • flying at goodwood

  • Flying

  • Flying Lessons

  • Aerodrome Cafe

  • Flying Membership