From early days as aeromodeller, private pilot and Pitts homebuilder, this vintage aircraft aficionado has become one of Shuttleworth’s most versatile flyers
Without the engagement of people at the grass roots, every area of historic aviation would be much the poorer. Restorers, engineers, pilots, groundcrew — all of them and more are essential, not just to preserving, maintaining and flying the lighter vintage aeroplanes, but to ‘seeding’ the community that surrounds the heavier warbirds. And acquisition of the necessary expertise doesn’t just happen. It takes time and enthusiasm. It takes the commitment required to learn the specialised skills, and the ability to put them to good use. The result keeps an entire industry going, from the owner-pilot with a single, small aircraft up to the big-name operators with Theets in double figures.
On an individual level, there may be frustrations along the way, but tremendous opportunities, too. When Rob Millinship decided to learn to fly, and to build his own aeroplane, little did he realise what lay ahead. Today he’s a Shuttleworth Collection pilot with a fascinating range of experiences, but still absolutely in touch with those grass roots. Rob holds a spec…