Former Flybe pilot rediscovers childhood hobby he almost forgot

Former Flybe pilot rediscovers childhood hobby he almost forgot

Many of the planes being sketched by Matthew Foley, who flew for Flybe before it collapsed in March, are inspired by his years flying into and out of the Island.

Mr Foley has now set up a Facebook page, AV Sketchbook, to share his creations with others.

‘I was based in Birmingham with Flybe from 2014 until the recent and unprecedented decline in air travel somewhat hastened its demise,’ he said. ‘So all of a sudden I had the free time and, with lockdown, the perfect excuse to revisit an old interest almost completely forgotten since school and the inspirational art lessons of the late Robert Tilling at Victoria College. About that time I was producing cartoons to accompany the writing in Reality! [the former JEP magazine written by students].’

He added: ‘It’s been a great time filler while I am waiting for flying opportunities to chase.

‘I’ve really enjoyed drawing the subjects that have meant so much to me – aircraft I have flown, or which have sparked my interest in years past.

‘It’s been pleasantly nostalgic to sketch some of the aircraft and airlines relevant to the Island’s air links over the years. I thought it could be nice to share the fruits of my labour for anyone who enjoys a bit of aviation nostalgia, and I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the amount of interest and kind comments I’ve received on my page.’

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Mr Foley learned to fly at the Jersey Aero Club in 2002, having grown up fascinated by aviation.

This week it was announced that a working group had been formed to try to save the Aero Club, which last week went into administration, and Mr Foley said he was ‘really hoping there can still be a future there for everyone involved’.

He added: ‘I started working for Flybe in 2006 and had many happy years being proud to fly the routes in and out of the Island with some great people – many of whom are still serving the Channel Islands.

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‘The hours spent creating some of these pictures have definitely brought back fantastic memories of those people, and thoughts for all who are striving to secure the Island’s links at the moment. And I still have a vested interest, with many family and friends in
Jersey.’

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