Marjorie Quinn, an 85-year-old aviation enthusiast from Liverpool, fulfilled a lifelong dream last week by taking her first flying lesson at Tibohine Airfield in County Roscommon.
Under the guidance of James Morrisroe, owner and Chief Flying Instructor (CFI) at Tibohine Flying Club, Marjorie soared above west Roscommon, proving that it’s never too late to embrace new adventures.
Tibohine Flying Club, located near Frenchpark, is a hub for aviation enthusiasts of all ages. The club has a membership of 30 to 40 individuals, including both trainees and licensed pilots. Training is conducted using modern Ikarus C42 aircraft, a popular two-seater model manufactured by Comco Ikarus in Germany. Airfield owner and CFI, James Morrisroe, personally flies each plane from Mengen-Hohentengen airfield in Germany to Tibohine for use by the club.
James Morrisroe, who has over 25 years and 6,000 hours of flying experience and more than a decade as a flight instructor, encourages newcomers to explore flying through introductory flights. These sessions allow individuals to decide if piloting light aircraft is for them.
In order to acquire a Private Pilot License (PPL) at Tibohine Flying Club one is required to obtain a minimum of 35 hours flying experience. A licence obtained through Tibohine Flying Club is recognised throughout the EU, allowing pilots to fly in multiple European countries.
The club’s fleet, between private and club ownership, consists of approximately ten two-seater planes, primarily the Ikarus C42 model. Members regularly fly from Tibohine to destinations such as Bantry, the Aran Islands, Cork, and Donegal. Beyond aviation, the club is committed to philanthropy, hosting annual charity events that have supported organisations like Childhood Cancer Ireland and the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice Foundation; and over the ten-year history of the club they have raised over €60,000 for charitable causes.
In addition to Marjorie’s milestone, Stephen Long, a member of the club, recently passed his flight test. The test, conducted by Jack Ledwith, a Flight Examiner of the Irish Aviation Authority, earned Stephen his Private Pilot Licence. These achievements highlight the club’s dedication to fostering a passion for flying and supporting its members in reaching their aviation goals.
For those interested in joining, Tibohine Flying Club offers a welcoming environment for both aspiring and seasoned pilots. Facilities include a hard-surface runway usable year-round and a well-equipped clubhouse. Introductory flights provide an excellent opportunity for potential members to experience the thrill of flying light aircraft.
