Monthly Newsletter – May 2026

Welcome

Welcome to the very first Wiltshire Microlight Centre Monthly Newsletter ✈️

The idea is simple — to keep everyone up to date with what’s happening around the airfield. From recent work and improvements, to upcoming events, useful reminders, and the general goings on at WMC.

We’d also love this to become something the whole WMC community contributes to. If you’ve got a story, a great photo, a recent flight, or even just something worth sharing — send it over and we’ll include it in future issues.

To get things going… we’ll even throw in a free bacon & egg bap for featured contributions!

April Runway Rundown

April was a very productive month around the airfield.

The new ramp has been completed and is already getting good use, and we’ve also managed to get the bird-proofing sorted in the main hangar. A few kerbs have had a fresh coat of paint — just the start, so if anyone fancies lending a hand with the edges of the taxiway, volunteers are always welcome.

The mini digger has also made an appearance. After some initial “getting to grips with it” by Dan (followed by a more refined approach from Merv…), we’ve managed to lower the bank next to the ramp nicely. The intention is to lay turf over this section once it has been prepared and levelled out.

The high curb stones have been removed from the side of the track between the main hangar and the apron, making it easier to manoeuvre aircraft across.

We have now marked out the visitor parking bays with temporary white spray paint. This appears to be working well, so in time we will create some more permanent markings.

A white line has been added across the track crossing the runway — a gentle hint for farm traffic to ease off the throttle a bit. That said, when approaching Runway 10, please stay alert for vehicles, especially as farming activity picks up over the summer.

Elsewhere:

• Sue managed to squeeze in a well-deserved holiday, leaving Debbie to oversee day-to-day operations. We’re pleased to report nothing burnt down and no one got injured.

• Dave has upgraded to a very fast electric bike — now capable of outpacing most things on the ground, and possibly a few in the circuit.

• The annual battle with the swallows is well underway. Don’t be alarmed if you see Sue on active patrol with a pump-action water pistol — clearly channelling her inner paratrooper.

 On the Horizon in May

Looking at the months ahead, we’ve got a couple of events coming up at Yatesbury:

• 24th June – Severn Valley Microlight Club Fly-In (SVMC members only) 

• 28th June – Thruster Muster Fly-In & BBQ (all welcome) 

More details will follow as we get closer.

Beyond the Runway

For those looking to venture a bit further afield, here’s one to consider:

• 23rd – 25th May – Spamfield Microlight Rally, Sandown

Could be a good opportunity for a group fly-out if the weather plays ball — keep an eye out and shout if you’re thinking of heading over.

Cockpit Corner

Cockpit Corner is your space — whether it’s a recent flight, your aircraft, a milestone, or just a great moment at the airfield. This month we are featuring Guy Thomas and the story of his aircraft…

Guy Thomas, G-MZFO

What a great privilege it is to be asked to kick off the Cockpit Corner section of the newsletter. In truth when I started my journey into microlighting back in 2014, I never really thought I would ever own my own aircraft. It always seemed like the thing of the wealthy and decadent and, as a young software engineer, that life seemed so far away. You may have some appreciation for my satisfaction then, that I am able to write about ‘my’ own aircraft; especially since owning it required neither wealth or decadence!

As I’m sure most all of you know by now, I purchased MZFO, the white and blue thruster from fellow former club member David Noble for the princely sum of £1000. After moving away and keen to release the noose of monthly hangarage David told me to “Make me a stupid offer, and I will agree”. I told him that I wasn’t prepared to go lower than £1000 as it already felt like daylight robbery! MZFO is T600 serial number ‘001’ which certainly gives it some kudos within the Thruster community, of which I now proudly consider myself a part of.

After many months of toil, fettling, LAS Aero invoices and negotiations with the BMAA, I’m delighted to report the MZFO is back in the air, having last flown all the way back in 2014, the year I started my license. Perhaps it was just waiting for me.

Flying MZFO has been a real treat. If C42s are the Ford Focuses of the microlight world, then the Thruster is the mini cooper. If the C42 is a leisurely drive down the A4, then the Thruster is a romp around the go-kart track. It glides like a brick and it keeps you busy in the air, but it’s little 2 stroke 503 has more than enough power to put a smile on your face every time the wheels leave the ground. I’d love to show you around it, so come and grab me next time you see me pottering!

Ground Control

A few gentle reminders as things start to get busier:

• Parking: Please use the spaces around the back and down the lane first before using the 5 visitor spots. Completely understand if you need one of those when unloading tools or working on hangered aircraft — just be mindful on busy days.

• Tea & Coffee: As much as we’d all like it to be… it’s not free 😄Member prices are displayed in the café.

• Main Hangar Doors: While we’re still dealing with the swallows, please don’t open the main hangar doors unless Sue, Debbie, or Dave are around with the official swallow deterrent kit (water pistols and broom).

WMC in Focus

Plenty of good moments this month — from people heading off to other airfields to the usual mix of planes, people, and activity at WMC. If you’ve snapped anything worth sharing, out flying or just around the field, send it over to Sue or Debbie on WhatsApp — we’ll include the best ones next month.

To start things off, we’ll include a couple of favourites from the last month. Here’s a Robin and a Bluetit taking selfies on the hanger security cameras!

Fuel for Flyers

The café’s open and ready:

• Bacon baps / egg baps

• Cheese toasties

• Crisps, chocolate, and drinks

Whether you’re flying or not, feel free to come down, bring family or friends, and grab some breakfast or a quick bite. Always a good excuse to spend a bit of time at the airfield.

Final Approach

A solid start to the flying season.

Things are picking up, the airfield’s getting busier, and it’s good to see more activity and more people around the place again.

Whether you’re flying or just coming down for a visit, it’s great to have everyone back.

See you at the airfield ✈️