Instructor
Hi, my name is Mike Glastonbury and I'll be your instructor for the Tailwheel Course. I've been flying professionally for 30 years. I learned to fly in South Africa with the South African Air Force (SAAF). My initial training was on the North American Harvard - known here as the T6 Texan. My first Multi-Engine airplane was the venerable DC3, known in South Africa as the Dakota. As you can see, my initial flight experiences were on tailwheel airplanes. I spent six years in the SAAF and then pursued a career in civil aviation in South Africa, as a charter pilot, regional airline pilot and bush pilot, flying many different airplane types in these wide variety of roles.
I immigrated to the United States 22 years ago and have been employed as a pilot for a major airline for almost the entire period. I have been fortunate enough to have flown the DC9, MD80, B727, DC10, B757, B767 and B777 airplanes during my career. I have close to 18,000 hours of flight experience.
Some time ago I was fortunate enough to make the acquaintance of N170LM, a beautifully restored 1948 Cessna 170. The airplane is a joy to fly and has similar flying characteristics to the Cessna 172, which so many of my students started out on.
I am convinced that any pilot, even the most experienced, would benefit from learning the idiosyncrasies of tailwheel airplanes. My students always tell me that they finish the course as 'more aware' pilots. The course is intense yet fun. I'm sure you'll enjoy it!
Unfortunately, due to my airline obligations, I'm only able to offer this course to a limited number of students every month. Please be sure to reserve your spot as soon as possible.
COPYRIGHT © MIKE GLASTONBURY 2007