Barbel was (and no doubt still is) very generous with her aeroplanes, and would often offer trips to friends and acquaintances. Her fleet numbered seven at one stage, and in fact her first was the Cub G-BTUM which is still based at W.Waltham. Len Perry used to turn off the mags in the overhead, and make her practice real glide approaches- there is no starter in a J-3!

Her business interests in hotels and catering took her away from flying for long intervals, but she is a very experienced and capable pilot, even soloing an L-39 jet in Russia. She still turns up to fly the Decathalon from time to time, friendly and approachable as always.