Starting on the path to a PPL
Discussion
ben_h100 said:
I’m not the OP, but a quick update. I passed my skills test today!
Weather was looking rather dodgy this morning - so much so that I pulled over to phone the examiner and told him I was thinking of canning it.
We agreed to go up and see what it was like on the proviso that if it was s
t, we’d land. Fortunately for me, after a dodgy start the weather improved as the flight went on.
Nav, diversion and NDB track went really well and the GH the same.
Now just need to sort out the various forms that need to be sent off to the CAA.
Well done!Weather was looking rather dodgy this morning - so much so that I pulled over to phone the examiner and told him I was thinking of canning it.
We agreed to go up and see what it was like on the proviso that if it was s
t, we’d land. Fortunately for me, after a dodgy start the weather improved as the flight went on.Nav, diversion and NDB track went really well and the GH the same.
Now just need to sort out the various forms that need to be sent off to the CAA.
It is often the way of it, that the weather is never as bad as you think it might be, but I always appreciated a candidate calling to discuss the weather and being cautious. Often if it was marginal but the weather was OK for my and the aircraft limits, I'd get them up to do what we could (GH etc in clear air) and then look to do the rest another time if we really couldn't, but I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of times we didn't complete the flight fully.
I always preferred to see what someone would do when it was their definition of marginal, as that airborne decision making is what I am really looking for, not just the ability to hold a heading etc.
Sounds like a good day all round!
ben_h100 said:
I’m not the OP, but a quick update. I passed my skills test today!
Weather was looking rather dodgy this morning - so much so that I pulled over to phone the examiner and told him I was thinking of canning it.
We agreed to go up and see what it was like on the proviso that if it was st, we’d land. Fortunately for me, after a dodgy start the weather improved as the flight went on.
Nav, diversion and NDB track went really well and the GH the same.
Now just need to sort out the various forms that need to be sent off to the CAA.
Congratulations! Weather was looking rather dodgy this morning - so much so that I pulled over to phone the examiner and told him I was thinking of canning it.
We agreed to go up and see what it was like on the proviso that if it was s
t, we’d land. Fortunately for me, after a dodgy start the weather improved as the flight went on.Nav, diversion and NDB track went really well and the GH the same.
Now just need to sort out the various forms that need to be sent off to the CAA.
Thanks all - it's a massive relief and a weight off my shoulders, as my 24 month theory validity has less than a month until it expires. I have to say that it is true when people say that you will not be put forward for the GST before your instructor thinks you are ready. Apart from the start, when I had to find my way around a huge cloud bank, it was plain sailing.
Now to get this paperwork sent off!
LimaDelta said:
Well done Ben. What are your plans - commercial or just fun?
Before Covid I would have said commercial as in the airlines, however now I'm thinking GA instruction as a side hobby/hustle (I haven't ruled anything out though). Either way I'll be looking to hour build and start the ATPL theory within the next 12 months so that I have the option of going for the CPL, if only to improve my skill and understanding. I'm fortunate in that I have a stable job and a very supportive wife, so I should be able to fit everything in around work and the home life. I'm sort of tied to my current job for the next four years (RAF) so by then the travel industry might be booming again.IforB said:
Well done!
It is often the way of it, that the weather is never as bad as you think it might be, but I always appreciated a candidate calling to discuss the weather and being cautious. Often if it was marginal but the weather was OK for my and the aircraft limits, I'd get them up to do what we could (GH etc in clear air) and then look to do the rest another time if we really couldn't, but I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of times we didn't complete the flight fully.
I always preferred to see what someone would do when it was their definition of marginal, as that airborne decision making is what I am really looking for, not just the ability to hold a heading etc.
Sounds like a good day all round!
Thanks - as mentioned above, there were a number of large clouds right above the airfield in the direction of my first track. Once I found my way around them and got on track, then worked out where I was, it was good fun. The examiner told me that there is so much more value in seeing how people deal with these situations as opposed to a beautiful day with nil weather, which echoes your thoughts exactly.It is often the way of it, that the weather is never as bad as you think it might be, but I always appreciated a candidate calling to discuss the weather and being cautious. Often if it was marginal but the weather was OK for my and the aircraft limits, I'd get them up to do what we could (GH etc in clear air) and then look to do the rest another time if we really couldn't, but I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of times we didn't complete the flight fully.
I always preferred to see what someone would do when it was their definition of marginal, as that airborne decision making is what I am really looking for, not just the ability to hold a heading etc.
Sounds like a good day all round!
Now to get this paperwork sent off!
ben_h100 said:
Before Covid I would have said commercial as in the airlines, however now I'm thinking GA instruction as a side hobby/hustle (I haven't ruled anything out though). Either way I'll be looking to hour build and start the ATPL theory within the next 12 months so that I have the option of going for the CPL, if only to improve my skill and understanding. I'm fortunate in that I have a stable job and a very supportive wife, so I should be able to fit everything in around work and the home life. I'm sort of tied to my current job for the next four years (RAF) so by then the travel industry might be booming again.
!
Please don’t get put off by the doom mongers.!
Some U.K. airlines haven’t made anyone redundant over covid and are expecting to recruit again next year.
If it’s what you want to do don’t give up. When I finished my training, I had no job lined up and if I’d listened to people predicting the demise of the industry, I’d never have stuck with it. Now I’m A B787 captain and absolutely love my job.
The bad news always travels quicker but I can assure you it’s a fantastic career, if you go for it and very rewarding with still great salaries and loads of time off and a great work life balance. I only fly about 600 hours a year so have loads of time off. I can’t imagine doing something else.
There’s guys in my airline who joined a few years ago getting commands now. The amount of older people retiring and lack of ex forces pilots replacing them is constantly heading towards shortages in pilots.
Yes it’s bad for some pilots in certain airlines or countries but the vast majority of pilots in the U.K. are still in a job, and tbh most have had a few month off on 80 odd % salary and aren’t complaining.
When I got into it, I was young and I didn’t have any ties or responsibility so it was easier for me but I know plenty of pilots who have come into it from other careers and love it. I don’t know any who’ve given up to do something else.
Well done on your skills test. I can still remember all those benchmarks in my career and they’re special moments so make sure you enjoy your achievement.
El stovey said:
ben_h100 said:
Before Covid I would have said commercial as in the airlines, however now I'm thinking GA instruction as a side hobby/hustle (I haven't ruled anything out though). Either way I'll be looking to hour build and start the ATPL theory within the next 12 months so that I have the option of going for the CPL, if only to improve my skill and understanding. I'm fortunate in that I have a stable job and a very supportive wife, so I should be able to fit everything in around work and the home life. I'm sort of tied to my current job for the next four years (RAF) so by then the travel industry might be booming again.
!
Please don’t get put off by the doom mongers.!
Some U.K. airlines haven’t made anyone redundant over covid and are expecting to recruit again next year.
If it’s what you want to do don’t give up. When I finished my training, I had no job lined up and if I’d listened to people predicting the demise of the industry, I’d never have stuck with it. Now I’m A B787 captain and absolutely love my job.
The bad news always travels quicker but I can assure you it’s a fantastic career, if you go for it and very rewarding with still great salaries and loads of time off and a great work life balance. I only fly about 600 hours a year so have loads of time off. I can’t imagine doing something else.
There’s guys in my airline who joined a few years ago getting commands now. The amount of older people retiring and lack of ex forces pilots replacing them is constantly heading towards shortages in pilots.
Yes it’s bad for some pilots in certain airlines or countries but the vast majority of pilots in the U.K. are still in a job, and tbh most have had a few month off on 80 odd % salary and aren’t complaining.
When I got into it, I was young and I didn’t have any ties or responsibility so it was easier for me but I know plenty of pilots who have come into it from other careers and love it. I don’t know any who’ve given up to do something else.
Well done on your skills test. I can still remember all those benchmarks in my career and they’re special moments so make sure you enjoy your achievement.
We were well on the way to a shortage of pilots before it hit and there will be a short term easing of that, but at the same time, we will still see more leaving the profession than joining it. I know plenty of my ex-colleagues have taken the opportunity to jump out and do other things. I doubt many of them will come back and so those positions will need to be filled.
Don't write flying off as a job just yet!
Ben - congratulation and well done especially in these difficult times to achieve a new skill.
I’d echo the other aviators, keep faith in striving towards your ultimate goal, commercial FW or otherwise. Aviation jobs are often a war of attrition with those prepared to go that bit further ultimately getting the job.
None of my commercial mates seem too worried in the medium to long term, with the exception of some very late 50s guys on legacy fleets, and only 2 years ago were talking about significant shortages. And all are still with an employer although on reduced time etc.
However because of the constant assessments, uncertainty, regulation, unsociable hours etc that we put up with, it does make it a close knit family, which you just don’t get in any other role, I believe. And ultimately, wherever you end up, GA or commercial, RW or FW, it is the best office window in the world.
And we can spend hours gassing about flying whilst our other halves roll their eyes and wander off bored!
I’d echo the other aviators, keep faith in striving towards your ultimate goal, commercial FW or otherwise. Aviation jobs are often a war of attrition with those prepared to go that bit further ultimately getting the job.
None of my commercial mates seem too worried in the medium to long term, with the exception of some very late 50s guys on legacy fleets, and only 2 years ago were talking about significant shortages. And all are still with an employer although on reduced time etc.
However because of the constant assessments, uncertainty, regulation, unsociable hours etc that we put up with, it does make it a close knit family, which you just don’t get in any other role, I believe. And ultimately, wherever you end up, GA or commercial, RW or FW, it is the best office window in the world.
And we can spend hours gassing about flying whilst our other halves roll their eyes and wander off bored!
I’ve just been in the sim for a few days getting checked and I’ve ended up spending this morning on MS flight sim 2020, can’t be many jobs where you’d want to do that.
Obviously today instead of having engine failure or fire after take off and decompressions in the cruise etc I’m just flying around trying to go under bridges or land on rooftops etc
Obviously today instead of having engine failure or fire after take off and decompressions in the cruise etc I’m just flying around trying to go under bridges or land on rooftops etc
Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 10th May 12:11
El Stovey, Ifor, Ric,
Thanks - that's really encouraging to hear. Being part of a club has opened my eyes somewhat, with a mix of people from a wide range of aviation backgrounds, airlines, instructors, corporate jets, etc. You do realise that they are 'normal' people from a broad background. When I mention to my non-flying friends that I fancy flying for a career, I'm often met with disbelief, as if only ex-Red Arrows pilots ever make it to the airlines. I'm determined to get at least a CPL purely to prove them wrong..!
Currently watching YT videos of approaches to various airfields, after planning numerous routes on SkyDemon and looking for a headset for the wife on eBay. Come on CAA!
Thanks - that's really encouraging to hear. Being part of a club has opened my eyes somewhat, with a mix of people from a wide range of aviation backgrounds, airlines, instructors, corporate jets, etc. You do realise that they are 'normal' people from a broad background. When I mention to my non-flying friends that I fancy flying for a career, I'm often met with disbelief, as if only ex-Red Arrows pilots ever make it to the airlines. I'm determined to get at least a CPL purely to prove them wrong..!
Currently watching YT videos of approaches to various airfields, after planning numerous routes on SkyDemon and looking for a headset for the wife on eBay. Come on CAA!
ben_h100 said:
When I mention to my non-flying friends that I fancy flying for a career, I'm often met with disbelief, as if only ex-Red Arrows pilots ever make it to the airlines. I'm determined to get at least a CPL purely to prove them wrong..!
My best mate failed all his A levels and had a series of dead end jobs until he got off his ass and did a stint in the TA as a soldier. He then decided he could do anything, remortgaged his house and got his licences. Was until recently a 787 skipper for a Middle Eastern airline until Covid hit. Go for it if you want it mate - nothing holding you back but yourself 
Well another update, 13th lesson today and another hour of circuits. Last Wed & Sat got cancelled because of weather.
Well after a shakey weather start in Chatham it cheered up so another lesson in today! My brain is just about recovering now 5 hours later. 6 circuits done today. Looking at the overlay in Flightradar this looked a lot better, with closer tracks than before. Not sure this link will work but will try. https://www.flightradar24.com/data/airc ... o#27ad28d3
Was getting better towards the end . Different runway today, we were on 20 rather than 02, also a lot less gusty.
Now on 13hours 15 minutes in the logbook.
Next lesson is Saturday hopefully the weather behaves itself.
Well after a shakey weather start in Chatham it cheered up so another lesson in today! My brain is just about recovering now 5 hours later. 6 circuits done today. Looking at the overlay in Flightradar this looked a lot better, with closer tracks than before. Not sure this link will work but will try. https://www.flightradar24.com/data/airc ... o#27ad28d3
Was getting better towards the end . Different runway today, we were on 20 rather than 02, also a lot less gusty.
Now on 13hours 15 minutes in the logbook.
Next lesson is Saturday hopefully the weather behaves itself.
tr7v8 said:
Well another update, 13th lesson today and another hour of circuits. Last Wed & Sat got cancelled because of weather.
Well after a shakey weather start in Chatham it cheered up so another lesson in today! My brain is just about recovering now 5 hours later. 6 circuits done today. Looking at the overlay in Flightradar this looked a lot better, with closer tracks than before. Not sure this link will work but will try. https://www.flightradar24.com/data/airc ... o#27ad28d3
Was getting better towards the end . Different runway today, we were on 20 rather than 02, also a lot less gusty.
Now on 13hours 15 minutes in the logbook.
Next lesson is Saturday hopefully the weather behaves itself.
Good work mate. I remember my circuit lessons - I'd often leave exhausted, due to the high mental workload. It does get easier and you'll reach the point where muscle/mental memory kicks in and you can 'just do it'.Well after a shakey weather start in Chatham it cheered up so another lesson in today! My brain is just about recovering now 5 hours later. 6 circuits done today. Looking at the overlay in Flightradar this looked a lot better, with closer tracks than before. Not sure this link will work but will try. https://www.flightradar24.com/data/airc ... o#27ad28d3
Was getting better towards the end . Different runway today, we were on 20 rather than 02, also a lot less gusty.
Now on 13hours 15 minutes in the logbook.
Next lesson is Saturday hopefully the weather behaves itself.
Fingers crossed for a first solo soon..!
ben_h100 said:
tr7v8 said:
Well another update, 13th lesson today and another hour of circuits. Last Wed & Sat got cancelled because of weather.
Well after a shakey weather start in Chatham it cheered up so another lesson in today! My brain is just about recovering now 5 hours later. 6 circuits done today. Looking at the overlay in Flightradar this looked a lot better, with closer tracks than before. Not sure this link will work but will try. https://www.flightradar24.com/data/airc ... o#27ad28d3
Was getting better towards the end . Different runway today, we were on 20 rather than 02, also a lot less gusty.
Now on 13hours 15 minutes in the logbook.
Next lesson is Saturday hopefully the weather behaves itself.
Good work mate. I remember my circuit lessons - I'd often leave exhausted, due to the high mental workload. It does get easier and you'll reach the point where muscle/mental memory kicks in and you can 'just do it'.Well after a shakey weather start in Chatham it cheered up so another lesson in today! My brain is just about recovering now 5 hours later. 6 circuits done today. Looking at the overlay in Flightradar this looked a lot better, with closer tracks than before. Not sure this link will work but will try. https://www.flightradar24.com/data/airc ... o#27ad28d3
Was getting better towards the end . Different runway today, we were on 20 rather than 02, also a lot less gusty.
Now on 13hours 15 minutes in the logbook.
Next lesson is Saturday hopefully the weather behaves itself.
Fingers crossed for a first solo soon..!
Not updated this for ages, so here is todays.
Well yet another lesson under my belt. Different FI today, 4 (I think, I lost count & it didn't record on Flightradar24!) more take offs & landings in the logbook. Despite being very warm today the circuit was very smooth. There was virtually zero wind & the 172 wanted to float & float....
Back on 02 so I lost some of my markers which was a pain. Not sure how it went today still struggling with speed control on climb out & final. Ended up using full (30 Deg) flap on final to reduce the float. That seemed to make it a bit easier.
Getting frustrated now as before I have always progressed at a reasonable pace. Circuits seemed to have been going on for ever!
So now 22 lessons & 22 hours 20mins in.
Well yet another lesson under my belt. Different FI today, 4 (I think, I lost count & it didn't record on Flightradar24!) more take offs & landings in the logbook. Despite being very warm today the circuit was very smooth. There was virtually zero wind & the 172 wanted to float & float....
Back on 02 so I lost some of my markers which was a pain. Not sure how it went today still struggling with speed control on climb out & final. Ended up using full (30 Deg) flap on final to reduce the float. That seemed to make it a bit easier.
Getting frustrated now as before I have always progressed at a reasonable pace. Circuits seemed to have been going on for ever!
So now 22 lessons & 22 hours 20mins in.
I learned to fly on a university air squadron in the 60s on Chipmunks. Over the years, I came to realise what a truly great trainer that aeroplane was.
You mentioned having difficulty with speed control on climbing and on approach. The secret is dead accurate elevator trimming. My instructor was a wise old bird and knew - probably by the inaccurate speed - that there was room for improvement in my trimming. "Show me your hands" would be the cry from the back seat and that proved to be the acid test of trimming: it will maintain speed hands-off if in trim.
Many years later, I came back to the Chippy after several thousand hours on helicopters and was surprised how stable it was and how well it could trim out. You could climb to 5000' and the speed would be dead on. It didn't seem to work like that when i was 18 years old!
I retired after 40 years flying and am now well and truly grounded; however, my advice on speed control while climbing and descending is TRIM. Actually, it's probably the secret to accuracy straight and level as well
Good luck, fly safely and enjoy.
You mentioned having difficulty with speed control on climbing and on approach. The secret is dead accurate elevator trimming. My instructor was a wise old bird and knew - probably by the inaccurate speed - that there was room for improvement in my trimming. "Show me your hands" would be the cry from the back seat and that proved to be the acid test of trimming: it will maintain speed hands-off if in trim.
Many years later, I came back to the Chippy after several thousand hours on helicopters and was surprised how stable it was and how well it could trim out. You could climb to 5000' and the speed would be dead on. It didn't seem to work like that when i was 18 years old!
I retired after 40 years flying and am now well and truly grounded; however, my advice on speed control while climbing and descending is TRIM. Actually, it's probably the secret to accuracy straight and level as well
Good luck, fly safely and enjoy.
I know exactly what you mean when you say that it feels like circuits are going on forever. I felt similar both before and after my solo - in fact my circuits seemed to get worse after my solo! Then before I knew it my Instructor asked me to prepare for my first nav lesson.
After that C19 happened, managed about 8 hours last year, which coupled with some terrible weather the previous year (plus grass runways).
This year I delayed commencing flying training until end of May, booked some time off work and crammed in as many lessons as possible in 10 days, in order to get my training currency back and make some proper progress. It worked and yesterday I completed my solo cross country qualifier (QXC). Next some revision lessons, last 2 ground exams, before my skills test.
The point of my uninvited ramble is: stick with it and trust your instructors - when they think you’re ready to solo, they’ll let you. Sometimes it’s just a small, repeated improvement to your flying that shows them you’re ready - you might not even notice it yourself! Good luck and take the patience and tenacity as one of the many skills you’ll learn when learning to fly.
After that C19 happened, managed about 8 hours last year, which coupled with some terrible weather the previous year (plus grass runways).
This year I delayed commencing flying training until end of May, booked some time off work and crammed in as many lessons as possible in 10 days, in order to get my training currency back and make some proper progress. It worked and yesterday I completed my solo cross country qualifier (QXC). Next some revision lessons, last 2 ground exams, before my skills test.
The point of my uninvited ramble is: stick with it and trust your instructors - when they think you’re ready to solo, they’ll let you. Sometimes it’s just a small, repeated improvement to your flying that shows them you’re ready - you might not even notice it yourself! Good luck and take the patience and tenacity as one of the many skills you’ll learn when learning to fly.
Edited by T-bagger on Wednesday 16th June 21:12
Edited by T-bagger on Wednesday 16th June 21:13
Well yet another lesson under my belt. Weather today was disgusting in Kent. Wednesday night through to Friday torrential rain, with thunderstorms at times. Today dawned as no rain but very low cloud & very grey. Lesson was booked for 16:00 but phoned the school at Rochester & told circuits OK, come down straight away.
When I get there, cloud base still low but OK for circuits. Quite cold 14 Deg. bit different to Tuesday when it was mid 20s, bit of wind around 10kts.
So did 7 Landings & take offs more take offs & landings, much smoother, definitely came together & got a "Well done, good lesson" from my instructor. Did 3 Flapless as part of it.
Flying 02 at Rochester is interesting as there are a lot of trees on the approach.
I was getting frustrated as circuits seemed to have been going on for ever, but today it definitely took a step forward. I am a lot happier now. Next lesson Tuesday but the advance forecast on Metcheck looks grim, lots of rain.
So now 24 lessons & 24 hours 25mins in.
When I get there, cloud base still low but OK for circuits. Quite cold 14 Deg. bit different to Tuesday when it was mid 20s, bit of wind around 10kts.
So did 7 Landings & take offs more take offs & landings, much smoother, definitely came together & got a "Well done, good lesson" from my instructor. Did 3 Flapless as part of it.
Flying 02 at Rochester is interesting as there are a lot of trees on the approach.
I was getting frustrated as circuits seemed to have been going on for ever, but today it definitely took a step forward. I am a lot happier now. Next lesson Tuesday but the advance forecast on Metcheck looks grim, lots of rain.
So now 24 lessons & 24 hours 25mins in.
Quite right I haven't updated it for ages, this will be Looooonnnnggg so here goes.
I have done 7 out of 9 exams, so just Met (yuk) and Nav to do. I have until March next year to get them completed.
As for flying, I am still on circuits, as it just won't click so no solo yet. I have just checked my logbook 32 lessons of circuits to the point where I am sick to death of it & thought about quitting a month or so ago. Got dissuaded by the wife & others (I am on the student flyer section of Flyer forum, which I do keep updated).
Went on a recent holiday to Jersey & managed to book a lesson there in a PA28, very difference experience, Class D airport so flying with the big boys & also tarmac runway that seemed to be miles long! Did a good hour lesson there with some good landings.
Coming back from Jersey got a phone call from the flying school that the C172SP I had been flying had been involved in an incident & wouldn't be available. Which of the other two did I want to transfer to? I have gone to an older C172S that I started my lessons with. It turns out that the SP was the one that crashed (fatally) in Ashford, Kent on the 10th Sept. It won't be coming back.
The change to the different aircraft seems to have helped my landings are better! The take off & climb out are painful though, two biggish blokes & lower power mean a slow climb to height. I think it's meant to be 160HP but a lot of the gee gees seem to have escaped the stable. The SP was 180HP & FI so much faster.
My instructor tries to keep me interested with other things, such as. On my many circuits I have done 4 EFATO & 2 radio failures. The 1st EFATO was a massive cock up. The FI thought I was doing something & I thought he was doing it, We laughed afterwards & agreed that we'd misunderstood each other. The next I went into "Stuka" mode when he called fanstop! :mrgreen: In other words pushed forward much too hard.
The other two were fine, the last one I spotted two horses in the field I had chosen. But had got speed under control & said that I'd call mayday, squawk 7700 if time & close fuel cock. Also pull ICO. Personally I'd want master switch off a well, but that is low down the list.
Rochester, because of its location we can only do EFATO on 20, that goes over the M2 & lots of woods. None of the "emergency" areas are great but the only options. 02 is over the houses & a real EFATO on that runway would be exciting.... Can you land on a school playing field? That's the biggest bits of grass. :shock:
The radio failure I've had 2. Asked what do I do? Squawk 7600 then I call blind & he primes the tower to do red light... Go around & then Green light.... Land on.
Good practice & it gets away from the tedium of circuit after circuit.
Last lesson was:- And another entry for my logbook for yesterday. Somehow have hurt my back so mild sciatica doesn't help the concentration. Osteo today so hope that will relieve it.
Cracking weather, very light winds & pretty much straight down the runway. Flying off of 20 so can do EFATO etc. But the FI didn't. Did a mix of normal & flapless approaches. Went pretty well, got low & slow on one just before the threshold but sorted that out. Was consistently doing circuits starting at 1000ft on the downwind then ending it at 900ft. That got picked up by my instructor, fixed that thereafter. Just need to sort out the actual hold off. So pretty happy. 1:00 for my logbook.
So now 44 lessons & 43 hours 25 mins in.
Was booked today but cancelled as that would have been in another C172 so binned that one off. Next lesson Tuesday & Wednesday next week.
I have done 7 out of 9 exams, so just Met (yuk) and Nav to do. I have until March next year to get them completed.
As for flying, I am still on circuits, as it just won't click so no solo yet. I have just checked my logbook 32 lessons of circuits to the point where I am sick to death of it & thought about quitting a month or so ago. Got dissuaded by the wife & others (I am on the student flyer section of Flyer forum, which I do keep updated).
Went on a recent holiday to Jersey & managed to book a lesson there in a PA28, very difference experience, Class D airport so flying with the big boys & also tarmac runway that seemed to be miles long! Did a good hour lesson there with some good landings.
Coming back from Jersey got a phone call from the flying school that the C172SP I had been flying had been involved in an incident & wouldn't be available. Which of the other two did I want to transfer to? I have gone to an older C172S that I started my lessons with. It turns out that the SP was the one that crashed (fatally) in Ashford, Kent on the 10th Sept. It won't be coming back.
The change to the different aircraft seems to have helped my landings are better! The take off & climb out are painful though, two biggish blokes & lower power mean a slow climb to height. I think it's meant to be 160HP but a lot of the gee gees seem to have escaped the stable. The SP was 180HP & FI so much faster.
My instructor tries to keep me interested with other things, such as. On my many circuits I have done 4 EFATO & 2 radio failures. The 1st EFATO was a massive cock up. The FI thought I was doing something & I thought he was doing it, We laughed afterwards & agreed that we'd misunderstood each other. The next I went into "Stuka" mode when he called fanstop! :mrgreen: In other words pushed forward much too hard.
The other two were fine, the last one I spotted two horses in the field I had chosen. But had got speed under control & said that I'd call mayday, squawk 7700 if time & close fuel cock. Also pull ICO. Personally I'd want master switch off a well, but that is low down the list.
Rochester, because of its location we can only do EFATO on 20, that goes over the M2 & lots of woods. None of the "emergency" areas are great but the only options. 02 is over the houses & a real EFATO on that runway would be exciting.... Can you land on a school playing field? That's the biggest bits of grass. :shock:
The radio failure I've had 2. Asked what do I do? Squawk 7600 then I call blind & he primes the tower to do red light... Go around & then Green light.... Land on.
Good practice & it gets away from the tedium of circuit after circuit.
Last lesson was:- And another entry for my logbook for yesterday. Somehow have hurt my back so mild sciatica doesn't help the concentration. Osteo today so hope that will relieve it.
Cracking weather, very light winds & pretty much straight down the runway. Flying off of 20 so can do EFATO etc. But the FI didn't. Did a mix of normal & flapless approaches. Went pretty well, got low & slow on one just before the threshold but sorted that out. Was consistently doing circuits starting at 1000ft on the downwind then ending it at 900ft. That got picked up by my instructor, fixed that thereafter. Just need to sort out the actual hold off. So pretty happy. 1:00 for my logbook.
So now 44 lessons & 43 hours 25 mins in.
Was booked today but cancelled as that would have been in another C172 so binned that one off. Next lesson Tuesday & Wednesday next week.
Gassing Station | Boats, Planes & Trains | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff