Pilot profile

John Dodd – Short, Scottish, pilot

Here at Aerial Collective we are fortunate enough to have a pool of experienced and extremely talented pilots.  But what do they get up to when they are not flying planes or vintage military aircraft?  We thought we would ask them a few questions and find out…

Next up is John Dodd affectionately known by his colleagues as “the Scottish one”…



Who is someone you admire, and why?

My dad.  He’s a good man with a breadth of knowledge that I can only dream of.

What’s a typical day like for you?

Tea and digestive biscuit in bed, then the rest is a bit of a lottery.


Not that can be revealed in polite company…


Jackson Hole, skiing.


I know, it’s a cliché, but I wanted to be a pilot.


Haha, at an airfield somewhere.

How do you want people to remember you?

If people remember, that would be a good start…


Definitely carrying four pints in one go. I used to do five but I’m becoming risk averse with increasing years.

Name three words that describe you.

Short, Scottish, pilot.

How do you think your colleagues would describe you?

“You know, the short, Scottish one..”


Finish laying the patio, it’s be going on for too long!


Definitely finishing the patio.

Name a few of your daily habits (other than a shower and brushing your teeth).

Tea and a digestive biscuit – it really can’t be beaten!

What publications do you regularly read?


What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working?

Being in the air, whether in a Spitfire or a PA28, I just love being in the air.

What are some causes you care about?

Keeping aeroplanes flying, not locked up in museums.

What do you do with your friends in your spare time?

Fly aeroplanes and drink beer.

What would be your personal motto?

“If you’re not there, your definitely not going to fly!”

You can fly a Spitfire and other vintage aircraft with John and discover what it is about soaring through the skies that is so enticing.