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So there I was in the trusty PA28, all power checks completed and with clearance to taxi on to the runway. Brake off, throttle forward a touch. Nothing! More throttle - still nothing! Brake on, brake off, yet more throttle - and still no forward motion whatsoever. The instructor and I look at each in a bemused way for a while and then a voice appears on the radio from the Malibu waiting on the taxiway behind us. " Looks like the aircraft in front has a deflated nose wheel". All becomes clear! Instructor sticks his head out of the hatch and confirms the worst - somehow the tyre has completely deflated since we stopped in the run up area.

The next couple of minutes was occupied by the entertainment provided by a conversation between a frustrated Malibu pilot and a dour Scottish tower controller regarding the advisability of using the grass to get past our now immobile PA28. The pilot finally decided to get out of his aircraft and test the grass for himself. After several severe admonitions that it was at his own risk, he finally managed to pass our stricken aircraft and get himself on to the runway.

All credit to the flying school, they found another PA28 for me in short order. No credit to me because my circuits were rubbish (apart from the last one!)

Steve

So much for thinking that this stuff always happens to other people..........great story, thanks!

Be thankful it was discovered before the airplane was airborne, otherwise the next landing would be interesting. I'm guessing that there was a nail or otherwise sharp object on one of the taxiways.

Just curious, could the Malibu turn around on the taxiway, enter the runway at another point and back taxi for the full length (if full length was required) ?

Thankful - these were exactly my thoughts as I imagined the scenario of a defunct tyre hitting the runway at circa 75 knots.
The taxi way is quite narrow and definitely not sufficient to turn around without going on the grass, A number of aircraft had to do exactly what you describe, back taxi down the runway and then do a 180 to take off (including me in my replacement PA28).
It's all fun!
Steve