Recent Students

Phil started his training in a Cessna 172 at Biggin Hill.  This gave him good experience of asphalt runways and a full Air Traffic Service.  When he joined us at Headcorn his radio work was already excellent and he had already passed his CAA theory exams.  Theta Squared Aviation was able to offer him a cost effective way to complete his training in G-AVIS and G-ATWJ Cessna 172's operated by Weald Aviators Club at Headcorn.

Phil said "I have enjoyed training with Paul.  He quickly assessed my skill level, rebuilt my confidence and I swiftly progressed from solo circuits to solo navigation. Paul has always been smiling, cheerful, helpful and understanding.  It was a pleasure to train with him."

James is quite a lucky guy.  His father, grandfather and brother each have pilots licence and he lives next to a farm strip in East Sussex.  While having access to aeroplanes and supportive family is a great help, it also raises expectations.  James had to carry on the family tradition. He opted to do his training at Headcorn with instructors Dave and Paul.  Having to study for his CAA theory exams while also studying for his A Levels added huge workload, but James really wanted his PPL and motivation is what it is all about.  He passed his final Skills Test in January 2023.  Here is what he had to say about learning to fly.

“Paul is an approachable and very proactive instructor in both the practical and ground school elements, always pushing me to get the best results in exams as well as take me to fun new airfields that I’ve never visited before we flew together.  He always gives good notes after a lesson and easily contactable to answer any queries. Overall, there was never a dull moment and many great memories to treasure.”

Dorothee set her sights on becoming a private pilot.  So much so that her first step was to buy a share in an aircraft based at Headcorn, well, almost, after a few 'taster' hours flying training at Rochester!

Having purchased her share at Headcorn Dorothee transferred to Theta Squared Aviation to further her training.  Since qualifying as a PPL in August 2019 she has been enjoying PPL aviation, so much so that she's now 'hours building' in her own plane and extending her skills by training for her Instrument Meterological Conditions rating.  Dorothee enjoyed learning with Theta Squared:

“Paul became my instructor when I started training at Headcorn. Thanks to him I was able to get my licence in good time. I really appreciated that Paul was always prompt to answer me, gave good briefing and updates on what the next stage would be whilst keeping it flexible if the weather wasn’t working with us. It is obvious that Paul enjoys the teaching and manages to strike a balance between being strict/safety conscious and keeping the lessons fun and interesting."

Tim started to train for his PPL some eight years ago, but he then had to take a long break.  So it was almost like starting from scratch when he returned to flying training in January 2019. By the end of October 2019 he has completed his solo qualifying cross country and in November he'd passed all 9 written theory exams, and completed his radio exam.  Tim was ready for his skills test; which he successfully completed.

Tim enjoyed completing his training with Theta Squared:

"Paul has a supportive and friendly style, which he readily tailors to each student’s needs. In addition to helping me through the whole range of technical aspects, he furthered my life-long passion for all things flying by making my learning real, interesting and fun. Most importantly, Paul is able to build students’ confidence during, and after training, to enable them to have the most fulfilling life-long flying experience."

As a member of Weald Aviators Club Tim is now flying regularly from Headcorn and enjoying the freedom of the skies.  Well done Tim!

Louis passed his PPL skills test in August 2020 after just 45 hours flying training; and is now a fully qualified PPL.

An experienced glider pilot with many hours experience flying jets on his home simulator, he has managed to successfully complete the practical and theory elements of the course with the minimum 45 flying hours possible; a testament to his skill and determination.

Louis was kind enough to comment:

“Anybody wishing to take up flying whether for your career or for leisure, I recommend Paul Tolhurst, his PPL and ATPL knowledge, and support has helped me achieve my PPL in minimum hours. It’s been a pleasure flying with you.”

Louis plans to progress to becoming a commercial pilot with ATPL (Airline Transport Pilot's License) training starting early in 2021.  Good luck!