CHRIS COPPLE
Flight Instructor, Ground and Flight Examiner, Flight Instructor Examiner, Radio Telephony Examiner, BMAA and LAA Test Pilot
Chris started learning to fly at Barton in 1987 and gained his PPL on Light aircraft in 1989. In 1996 he gained his instructor rating on microlights and in 1997 started full time instructing. In 2003 Chris took over Mainair Flying School.
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Chris can be contacted on 07721 682 184
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Favourite aircraft of all time
Ikarus C42
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Favourite meal
Fish and chips
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Favourite film
Ice Station Zebra
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How does Chris like his tea?
Warm milk threatened with a tea bag with two sugars to boot.
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MARCUS FURNISS
Flight Instructor, Ground and Flight Examiner
Marcus started flying paragliders in the mid 90’s, moving on to flexwing microlights in 2001. The lure of fixed wing comfort soon followed and since then Marcus has owned and/or flown most fixed wing microlight types. When not working Marcus enjoys riding his Ducati motorbike.
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Favourite aircraft of all time
Pitts S1-S Special
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Favourite meal
Chicken Tikka Balti Jalfrezi with a pint of Cobra
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Favourite film
The Matrix
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How does Marcus like his tea?
Very strong so that a spoon can stand up in it
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MARY COPPLE
Administration
Wife of Chris Copple, Mary assists with the general administration of the Flying School. Mary gained her NPPL in 2003 and has flown the Thruster T600N, T300, Ikarus C42, Flight Design CTSW and the EV97 Eurostar.
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Favourite aircraft of all time
Spitfire
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Favourite meal
Potato hash with red cabbage and a bread roll
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Favourite film
Forrest Gump
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How does Mary like her tea?
Medium tea with milk and no sugar
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TONY PARTAKIS
Flight Instructor
Tony started his flying career in 1977 by jumping out of aircraft. He became a member of the Herefordshire sky diving team (Shobdon) and often conducted displays in the summer months. In 1985 Tony gained his PPL licence and then gained his full instructors rating in 1998. Tony enjoys playing squash and is a keen chess player.
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Favourite aircraft of all time
Concorde
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Favourite meal
Greek Meze
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Favourite film
Airplane
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How does Tony like his tea?
Weak tea with milk
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DAVID WOODWARD
Flight Instructor and FRTOL Examiner
David has been flying with Mainair since 2011 when he started taking lessons on our Ikarus C42. After gaining his licence he went on to become and FRTOL and Flight Instructor with us.
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David has previously worked in the control tower at Manchester Airport for NATS as an Operations Assistant and was also an Aerodrome Flight Information Service Officer in the tower at City Airport (Barton). He currently works at the UK Civil Aviation Authority specialising in airspace safety and instructs with us on weekends.
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Favourite aircraft of all time
Lockheed Super Constellation
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Favourite meal
Anything Italian
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Favourite film
It's not a film but I love the series 1923 on Paramount+
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How does David like his tea?
Waiting for him when he lands!
POPEYE
Site Security
Popeye joined Mainair in August 2017 as our site security. He doesn't demand much apart from a warm bed, food, drink, lots of stroking and constant attention from Chris. He can often be found standing guard outside the classroom or sleeping in his bed outside the office.
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Favourite aircraft of all time
Wildcat
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Favourite meal
Fish or meat in jelly or gravy
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Favourite film
Top Cat
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How does Popeye like his tea?
No tea, no milk, just water.