Fernando's Logbook

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For the children of the south of the Isle of Mull, secondary school means leaving home at eleven. Their parents' silence was never consent.

This is the story of how three generations have been affected.

Reported and produced by Fernando Pinho.

Music by Chad Lawson.

The chamber recording is from Argyll and Bute Council's webcast.

Thank you to Amy and Sam, to Rob and Owen, to Annemarie, to Duncan, to John, to Siobhan and Gemma, and to the parents who let us into their homes or stopped at the school gates to talk.

Special thanks to Alice Stillman and Laura McVeigh.

This episode is for the children of Mull.

The written version of this story is at fernandoslogbook.com

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We believe the best adventures are shared from one human to another. That’s why everything in Fernando’s Logbook is created entirely by talented people and artists. We do not use Generative AI at any stage. 

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Some weekends, the person in the seat beside me is having the worst year of their life.

I'm Fernando. I fly a small plane called Saoirse, and when I can, I give free flights to people who need a day away. The rest of the time, I fly to places most people drive past and bring back the stories. Not the view. The thing the view was hiding.

You don't need a plane, or any interest in planes, to listen. The flying is only how I happen to arrive.

A new true story every couple of weeks. Follow the show, and the next one will find you.

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We believe the best adventures are shared from one human to another. That’s why everything in Fernando’s Logbook is created entirely by talented people and artists. We do not use Generative AI at any stage. 

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In this episode, we fly to Exeter, Devon, to visit Zena, a donkey Fernando adopted a year ago and has never once visited. 

This episode is part travel guide, part quiet question on the things we care about from a distance. 

We explore the Regency seaside town of Sidmouth, walk the Jurassic Coast, and visit the Donkey Sanctuary, one of the largest equine welfare charities in the world and one of the best free family days out in the south of England.

For photos and the full article, visit here

Adopt a donkey

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We believe the best adventures are shared from one human to another. That’s why everything in Fernando’s Logbook is created entirely by talented people and artists. We do not use Generative AI at any stage. 

Send us a text

Change is in the air! I’m recording this quick update from my home base at Duxford Airfield to share some news and updates about the podcast.

To keep things simple and honest, I’ve decided to bring everything I do, from aviation talk to travel adventures, under one single roof: Fernando’s Logbook. This means The Pilot's Logbook and Travel Plans are officially merging into one magazine-style show.

Support the show

Get our newsletter for free here. 

We believe the best adventures are shared from one human to another. That’s why everything in Fernando’s Logbook is created entirely by talented people and artists. We do not use Generative AI at any stage. 

Send us a text

Support the show

Get our newsletter for free here. 

We believe the best adventures are shared from one human to another. That’s why everything in Fernando’s Logbook is created entirely by talented people and artists. We do not use Generative AI at any stage. 

The music for this episode was composed by a talented group of composers and musicians represented by Musicbed. You can also have access to their music. Use this link to get 14 days of free access #ad

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Join us for a festive flight to Blenheim Palace, where Christmas magic comes to life! 

Explore the grandeur of a UNESCO World Heritage Site transformed into a winter wonderland. Wander through the UK's top-rated illuminated trail and soak in the festive cheer at the Christmas Market. 

This Christmas special is packed with travel tips, heartwarming moments, and festive fun for the whole family. 

Plus, don't miss the chance to win a delicious giveaway!

Photos and videos of this flight and trip

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Get our newsletter for free here. 

We believe the best adventures are shared from one human to another. That’s why everything in Fernando’s Logbook is created entirely by talented people and artists. We do not use Generative AI at any stage. 

Send us a text

Welcome back to The Pilot’s Logbook - a podcast companion for private pilots in the UK and Europe.

In this episode, Luke Dale explains why cleaning your aeroplane is a vital maintenance task, shares the best techniques, the products that actually work (and the ones that don’t), and why the CAA is starting to regulate this industry.

He's the man to teach us all about cleaning our aircraft.

Pilot's Tip of the Day - Night Flying

Night flying is breathtaking, but when the lights go down, the visual tricks begin. In this episode, Philippe Polman delves into the mental traps and essential techniques required to stay safe when flying at night.

Link and companies mentioned in this episode

Vertigo Detailing 

Echelon Air Night Rating

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Get our newsletter for free here. 

We believe the best adventures are shared from one human to another. That’s why everything in Fernando’s Logbook is created entirely by talented people and artists. We do not use Generative AI at any stage. 

Send us a text

Welcome back to The Pilot’s Logbook - a podcast companion for private pilots in the UK and Europe.

Have you ever dreamed of sharing the skies with your dog? In this episode, we chat with commercial French pilot Antoine Gallet, who has mastered the art of flying with his whippet, Lilou.

Join us as we discuss:

• The incredible bond that comes from adventuring with your pet.
• The practical challenges of flying with a dog in the cockpit and how to solve them.
• Crucial safety considerations, from harnesses to planning, to keep your pet safe.
• How Antoine’s experience can help you prepare for your own flights with your pet.

Also, in this episode:

• We cover the news you should be aware of. Pilot's Tip of the Day presented by Echelon Air: Philippe Polman shares with you a way to make your flights less stressful.
• "Ask Amanda!": Amanda Rhodes, a NATS Air Traffic Controller, answers our listeners' questions and shares valuable tips. 

Support the show

Get our newsletter for free here. 

We believe the best adventures are shared from one human to another. That’s why everything in Fernando’s Logbook is created entirely by talented people and artists. We do not use Generative AI at any stage. 

Send us a text

Welcome back to The Pilot’s Logbook - a podcast companion for private pilots in the UK and Europe.

Have you ever dreamed of sharing the skies with your dog? In this episode, we chat with commercial French pilot Antoine Gallet, who has mastered the art of flying with his whippet, Lilou.

Join us as we discuss:

• The incredible bond that comes from adventuring with your pet.
• The practical challenges of flying with a dog in the cockpit and how to solve them.
• Crucial safety considerations, from harnesses to planning, to keep your pet safe.
• How Antoine’s experience can help you prepare for your own flights with your pet.

In this episode, we also cover:

• Pilot's Tip of the Day presented by Echelon Air: Philippe Polman shares with you a way to make your flights less stressful.
• "Ask Amanda!": Amanda Rhodes, a NATS Air Traffic Controller, answers our listeners' questions and shares valuable tips. 

Links and Resources:

• Antoine & Lilou's Instagram 

Support the show

Get our newsletter for free here. 

We believe the best adventures are shared from one human to another. That’s why everything in Fernando’s Logbook is created entirely by talented people and artists. We do not use Generative AI at any stage. 

Send us a text

Some call it a paradise, others a desert. It's loved by many and a place that will leave you wondering, "How on earth did this place come to be?"

Support the show

Get our newsletter for free here. 

We believe the best adventures are shared from one human to another. That’s why everything in Fernando’s Logbook is created entirely by talented people and artists. We do not use Generative AI at any stage.