Flying during the working week I had a day off in lieu due to me because of working the previous weekend, so with an eye on the weather forecast arranged to take it at short notice. With all three of the club PA28 aircraft either being booked or away for servicing, the only choice left to me was the smaller Robin HR200. I’d completed the differences training on it back
Continue readingPansghanger, North London
A trip to North London Andy and I had discussed flying again together this weekend, but this time he’d take his family in the Arrow while I would fly to the same destination in the Warrior – a sort of “mini-club-flyout” if you like. I was actually quite keen to fly both legs if possible, to continue to increase my hours towards the 100 PIC that I need to be
Continue readingILS practice at Coventry
A bank holiday and reasonable winter weather conditions meant there was an early opportunity to fly in the New Year. With many airfields closed, including Kemble, the choice of destinations was more limited than usual. I’d been in touch with Andy and we had arranged to fly up to Coventry and practice our IMC skills. With a revalidation test due for him later in the year, Andy wanted to refresh
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2011 Summary
Looking back at my first year as a fully qualified PPL, I’m very pleased with how much I’ve managed to achieve. The major hurdles included: – Gaining an IMC rating. Undoubtedly the most difficult thing I’ve done in flying so far. Frankly this took far longer and cost much more than I had expected. Being able to start my training at Lyneham, which had all the instrument approaches and facilities
Continue readingTo Gloucester and back in IMC
An experienced eye I’d met a private pilot with lots of experience and had discussed the possibility of his coming along in the right hand seat. I’ve realised that there’s plenty to learn from other pilots, much of which isn’t in the textbooks or official training, and was hoping to pick up some hints and tips. It was clear from the outset that this wouldn’t be an instructional flight, or even
Continue readingIMC, IR(R) and Instrument Ratings for UK private pilots
The rules and regulations concerning the UK private pilot for flying in clouds have several options, and this note is aimed at any UK private pilot with or seeking an IMC, IR(R) or IR rating. This is published only as a guide and with no warranty or guarantee of accuracy or completeness. You are strongly recommended to double check what is written below. UK IMC Rating continues indefinitely The IMC
Continue readingHenstridge and Swansea round trip
Last minute arrangements The forecast for Saturday was very promising, CAVOK and little wind, with a suggestion of light rain to come through sometime during the day. For this late time of year, a surprisingly good conditions which I wanted to make the most of. Not expecting the weather to be so good, I’d not planned ahead, so it was Friday afternoon before the emails and messages were passed around
Continue readingOld Buckenham at 140 knots
A solo flight from Kemble to/from Old Buckenham (near Norwich) in a club PA28. Windy indeed Winds aloft were forecast at 30-40 knots but surface winds were a more reasonable 10-15, and straight down the runway too. The weather forecast for the weekend had looked dubious all week, and I’d not expected to be able to do much today. I hadn’t arranged to share a flight with another pilot or
Continue readingCompton Abbas on a blustery day
Pretty windy but in the right direction Strong winds this weekend, especially over the north parts of Britain, didn’t sound promising. However, the south of England was clear with good visibility and the stronger winds from WNW didn’t mean too much of a crosswind. I’d arranged to take an old friend up for a flight with his young lad, who has always been keen on airplanes. It was very much
Continue readingFrance for Lunch
Pea Soup for Breakfast Perhaps this weekend’s flight was just too ambitous.The intention was to reward my family for indulging me in my hobby by flying them to France. Being so close to the shortest day in the year, and not operating from an airfield with lights meant that it would be much more enjoyable to stay overnight. We originally intended to go to Le Touquet, but very few hotel
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