Tanya Hatcher on the top wing of the Stearman biplane
Tanya, Castlepoint Shopping Park’s Management Suite Administrator, chose to do a charity wingwalk as her management challenge of the year and having waited for more than three hours for weather to improve at Compton Abbas airfield, she was harnessed to the top wing of the Boeing Stearman biplane and was soon waving to family and friends as her pilot Richard Pickin flew circles around the picturesque countryside near Shaftesbury.
“It was fantastic,” said Tanya who admits to have agreed to take the wingwalk with a mix of excitement and trepidation. “It was an incredible way to enjoy the countryside.”
Pilot Richard said that he could tell by Tanya’s arm movements that she was enjoying the flight. Some people just grip the harness mounting all flight, perhaps even too scared to let go to let Richard know they want to land rather than endure the 15 minute flight.
Emily Pike, Corporate Partnerships Officer at Autism Wessex said: “We are delighted that Castlepoint are planning their challenges and we thank everyone who sponsored Tanya’s flight. We are really grateful for the team’s fantastic support and congratulate Tanya on her daredevil challenge! The funds raised, currently over £1,300 will help us to fund essential resources at Portfield School, in particular the installation of an Interaction and Drama room.”
