My Passion with Mark Frankland: The present which launched a yearning for the high life

I HAD my first flying lesson at the age of 17 from Leeds Bradford airport, and was immediately hooked. The adrenaline of being in control of an aircraft, and the stunning views, were like nothing else.

The flying lesson was a present from friends and, unfortunately, being a young apprentice mechanic, meant for a while it was a one-off, but I was determined I would fly again.

I set up my business, repair garage Motor Marque, at the age of 21, and began saving any spare cash I could to fund further flying lessons.

In my early 20s, I began flying regularly again and decided to train to become a commercial pilot.

I’d never been academic, but flying was something I excelled in and I had the opportunity to travel in the cockpit of large commercial jets several times. I’d been a car fanatic since I was young so knew exactly how vehicles worked. Flying a plane was a completely new project to explore.

By the turn of the millennium, I realised I needed to choose which career I was going to pursue.

I was equally passionate about both. Motor Marque was going from strength to strength, having generated a regular customer base from across Leeds, who appreciated the values of honesty, integrity and transparency I threaded through the business.

However I enjoyed flying so much, I couldn’t imagine not doing it regularly.

But 9/11 made my decision for me. The airline industry was crippled with 1,200 jobs cut in the UK.

After creating a successful business, I knew I couldn’t risk going into such an unstable environment and I decided to dedicate all my time to Motor Marque, which, thankfully, paid off.

Last year, I decided my business was stable enough for me to take up flying again and now, I share a four-seater Diamond DA 40 aircraft that resides at Leeds Bradford airport.

The bug for flying doesn’t go away; as soon as I took off for the skies again, I realised how much I’d missed it.

Now, I go flying at least once a week.

I recently flew my wife to North Wales and we’re planning a day trip to France during the summer.

I regularly take friends and family on flights and have even helped people conquer their fear of flying.

I think being in a small aeroplane, where you can see how everything works, gives people more confidence.

I still get the same kick of adrenaline when I take off as I did as a 17-year-old lad.

I feel very fortunate that flying is now a regular hobby and I’m able to juggle it with still being a hands-on director at Motor Marque.