By
TT 2023 was an outstanding event, thoroughly enjoyed by thousands of devoted fans and life long-time supporters of all things mechanical.
Ian Popplewell is one of these fans, an ex-road racer and in 2023 ‘Poppy’ along with four other enthusiasts, needed to experience once again the buzz of the races.
Unable to venture to the Isle of Man at short notice, the group came up with a plan, ‘Fly directly from Leven, East Yorkshire to a field outside Douglas in various light aircrafts, a plane, micro light and a gyro copter!
Their adventure began on Friday 9th June 2023, taking only two hours in what can only be described as a once in a life time moment.
Poppy described the flight over as an amazing incredible experience, switching from exhilarating to nail-biting moments! Successfully landing in a farmer’s field outside Douglas, Isle of Man, farmer Curly was extremely accommodating.
Still energised, after their triumph to the Island, then watching Saturday’s Senior TT and Peter Hickman’s stunning victory completed this extraordinary idea, a remarkable feat all in a day.
The return flight, taking three and half hours created fraught, scary moments, strong winds meant having to divert to Scotland to refuel but landed back safely in Leven.
The group consisted of Poppy, Ian Matthews, Dan Setterfield, Paul Setterfield and Mike Wallis.
‘Poppy’ shared his thoughts; “If I was asked to fly again or get on the back of Michael Dunlop’s Superbike, I would get on the back of his bike ha, ha, ha.”
Photo credit: Ian Popplewell, Steve Rial
Words by Ian Popplewell and Steve Rial
Their adventure began on Friday 9th June 2023, taking only two hours in what can only be described as a once in a life time moment.
Poppy described the flight over as an amazing incredible experience, switching from exhilarating to nail-biting moments! Successfully landing in a farmer’s field outside Douglas, Isle of Man, farmer Curly was extremely accommodating.
Still energised, after their triumph to the Island, then watching Saturday’s Senior TT and Peter Hickman’s stunning victory completed this extraordinary idea, a remarkable feat all in a day.
The return flight, taking three and half hours created fraught, scary moments, strong winds meant having to divert to Scotland to refuel but landed back safely in Leven.
The group consisted of Poppy, Ian Matthews, Dan Setterfield, Paul Setterfield and Mike Wallis.
‘Poppy’ shared his thoughts; “If I was asked to fly again or get on the back of Michael Dunlop’s Superbike, I would get on the back of his bike ha, ha, ha.”
Photo credit: Ian Popplewell, Steve Rial
Words by Ian Popplewell and Steve Rial 
