I’m genuinely proud to be part of the BYOP movement. Be Your Own Pilot couldn’t be a more fitting message for where I’ve come from and where I’m heading. Life hasn’t always been straightforward, but aviation, creativity, and resilience have always been my way forward. Whether I’m restoring historic aircraft, filming aviation content, or hunting for rare oddities through my business, Treasures of Time, I’m always chasing the next challenge on my own terms.

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This is my story...

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Brian:

Where did your love for aviation begin and what about it inspires you?

 

Michael:

My love for aviation started when I was a kid. I remember watching Top Gun for the first time — I must’ve been about five or six — and it absolutely blew my mind. From that moment on, I was obsessed. The aircraft, the energy, the feeling of flight — it just stuck with me. I’ve probably watched Top Gun over a thousand times since then, no exaggeration. It’s been my all-time favourite film and the spark that lit my lifelong passion for aviation.

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Brian:

What inspired you to want to become a pilot?

 

Michael:

I'm still on the journey to becoming a fully qualified pilot. I started training before COVID, beginning with my LAPL, but then switched to working toward my PPL. COVID slowed everything down, so instead of rushing through, I focused on gaining real experience flying as many different aircraft as I could. That gave me a wider base than most student pilots.

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Now I’m back on track and plan to finish my PPL in the next few months. And just like everything else in my aviation journey, it all started with Top Gun. I’ve always wanted to be like Maverick — flying fast, pushing limits, and living the pilot dream.

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Brian:

If you could fly in anything, what would it be?

Michael:

That’s a tough one. I’ve flown in so many different aircraft now, and every time I step into a new one, I fall in love with it. Each has its own character and thrill. But if I had to pick, I’d go with the F-14 Tomcat — that’s the dream, thanks again to Top Gun. Close behind would be the F-4 Phantom, which I’ve got a real connection to, and the Supermarine Spitfire, which I was lucky enough to fly a couple of years ago.

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But the list keeps growing. There’s always a new favourite just around the corner.

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Brian:

You recently did a brave and amazing Wing Walk for charity. Can you share more about what this was?

Michael:

Yeah — a wing walk is exactly what it sounds like. You're strapped to the top of an aircraft and taken up into the sky while it flies. It’s absolutely unreal. The adrenaline rush is like nothing else. I had an incredible time doing it, and I’ve already decided I’ll be doing it again — next time with aerobatics.

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But more importantly, it was for a cause that really matters to me. I’m an ex-veteran, having served in the British Army with the 1st Battalion, The Rifles. One of my close friends lost his leg, and the veterans' charity Blesma helped him massively. That’s what inspired me to take on the challenge and raise money for them.

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Brian:

What was it like to fly on the wing of an airplane!?

Michael:

Honestly, it wasn’t as scary as I expected — but it was incredibly surreal. I’m used to being inside the aircraft, not on top of it. Being strapped to the wing of a Boeing Stearman while it flew through the sky was just unreal. It’s a beautifully responsive aircraft, and that view from the wing — there’s nothing like it. I’ll definitely be doing it again.

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Brian:

Did you have to prepare or train for this?

 

Michael:

I did. When I first signed up, I weighed 105 kilos — but the limit was 89. So I had to lose about 15 kilos to even be allowed to fly. I started walking every day and it worked. I dropped the weight, but more importantly, I felt better mentally.

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Walking became a daily routine, a new hobby, and something that helped me reconnect with myself. I discovered new places, cleared my head, and felt like I was finally moving forward again. That whole process made the wing walk more than just a flight — it was a transformation.

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Brian:

What did you enjoy the most about this experience?

Michael:

Honestly, the whole thing. Losing the weight, building new habits, supporting a great cause, and then topping it off with the flight itself — it all came together into something really positive. It gave me energy, confidence, and clarity. I’ll never forget it.

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Brian:

What motivated your passion for collecting aviation items and Treasures of Time?

Michael:

Treasures of Time is my business, and in many ways, it’s me. I started it after leaving the Army, when my life had completely fallen apart. I was struggling with mental health, injuries, substance abuse — and I’d lost friends to the same struggles. I ended up in trouble with the law and had to start over from scratch.

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Building the business gave me a fresh start. I took all the things I love — aviation, art, memorabilia, watches — and turned it into something real. I collect what I find cool. If it’s got a story, a bit of character, or a connection to a moment in time, I’m interested. Aviation’s always been a core part of that, because it’s always been a core part of me.

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Brian:

What do you love the most about it?

Michael:

I never get bored. I’m constantly discovering new things — rare pieces, strange oddities, one-off finds. Every day’s different. That hunt keeps it exciting.

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Brian:

What is the most treasured item you’ve collected?

Michael:

I’ve had some incredible stuff — Ayrton Senna’s MP4/6 car parts, Maverick’s motorbike from Top Gun, the Union Jack Jaguar from Austin Powers, even a giant McDonald’s sign. I usually move things on after a while. I enjoy the story, then pass it on.

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But a few things I’ll never let go of. My replica Maverick helmet is one. A couple of Banksy pieces, including one signed in person — those are staying with me for life.

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Brian:

You have a YouTube channel and Instagram dedicated to aviation. Can you share more about this and why you began making aviation videos?

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Michael:

My channel is Mike Barnett Aviation, and it’s become a big part of who I am. Half my working time is on my business, and the other half is aviation content. The rest of my time goes to family and living life.

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Originally, I started the channel to follow my business journey, filming collectibles and memorabilia. But I wasn’t enjoying it — it felt like work. The only thing I genuinely loved filming was aviation. So I pivoted and never looked back.

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I’m self-taught in filming, photography, and editing. But the process became more than just a creative outlet — it was a form of therapy. After my struggles with addiction, planning videos, editing, filming — it all gave me purpose and direction. It helped me heal. That’s why the channel matters so much to me.

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Brian:

Are you a fan of pilot watches? If yes, do you have any favourites?

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Michael:

Definitely. I’ve been into watches for years. I’ve bought and sold plenty, but the one that meant the most was the Porsche Design 1972 Chronograph — the one worn by Maverick in Top Gun: Maverick.

I finally got one a few years back. Not for show, but because it meant something. Top Gun has influenced so much of my life. It inspired me to join the Army, to get into aviation, and even shaped my friendships and business. That watch wasn’t about clout — it was about connection.

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But the 1972 wasn’t the most reliable and became too valuable to wear every day. I ended up selling it — and regretted it straight away. That’s when I got the Maverick watch from Brian at BYOP. And honestly, it’s better than the original. It nails the look, but also adds its own identity. The Maverick branding, the engraved quote on the back — “That’s right, Iceman. I am dangerous” — I love it. It’s the only watch I wear now.

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Brian:

BYOP stands for Be Your Own Pilot and to me, it represents my personal journey rising above challenges I've faced and charting my own course in life. My hope is that it inspires others to do the same and share their unique gifts with the world.

 

What dreams have you fulfilled or would you like to fulfill in your future?

Michael:

I’ve achieved a lot already, especially considering where I started. But I’ve still got big dreams. I’d love to fly in a U-2 spy plane one day, or even get to space. Maybe through future space tourism, maybe through some wild opportunity. You never know.

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For now, I just want to keep flying in new aircraft, keep creating content, and keep helping people where I can. If I can inspire even one person to take control of their own path — to be their own pilot — that’s a win for me.

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Michael:

Final thoughts...
Aviation isn’t just a passion for me — it’s a lifeline. It’s guided me out of some of the darkest places in my life and given me purpose, community, and adventure. BYOP fits that perfectly. It’s not just a brand, it’s a mindset. I’m excited to be part of the journey, to keep growing with the BYOP family, and to see where the next chapter takes me — in the sky, in my content, and in life.