Na Zdrovje!

I’m unsure why, but several Russians are reading my blog. Greetings. It’s been a while since the last post and I assure you I am still flying. Some stretches of poor weather have gotten in the way. I’ve another three lessons under my belt so things are coming along nicely.

  

My logbook so far. Many blank pages to fill.

Since previous lessons I have revised previous skills, rehearsed the landing procedure and flying with flaps. After flying the circuit I put in my first decent quality landing which felt really great. I’m doing some of the radio work now too.

Checking the oil. 

Also I’m doing the pre flight ‘walk around’ check. Making sure everything that should move moves, everything that shouldn’t move doesn’t.

It uses plenty of this (sorry tree huggers)

The following lesson was not so great. This was an introduction to slow flight. It is useful when following a slow plane or when visiting the drive thru. RPM back, nose up and just cruise along. Easy(ish)! However, the weather was really rough. Constantly being buffeted around can wear you down. By the end of the flight I was ready to redecorate the cockpit. Sick bags are available on this flight but not required today.

A few days later I got the opportunity to revisit skills learnt previously and get it right. Fine weather and a keen attitude saw me through nicely. Also some cracking new mnemonics learnt: HASELL and BUMFSLAM – oh yeah!!!

At home I’ve been learning the joys of Aviation law. There are some seven written exams on the PPL syllabus and an element of private study is required. The text book seems well written and, more importantly, has lots of pictures. There aren’t too many long words either.

Right – O. I’ve the next lesson booked for tomorrow. Weather pending. The unspoken caveat of all aviation matters. Tara for now.

Andy

The first four lessons

Lesson 1 – Gentle Handling

Intended as an easy going introduction to flying, the first lesson involved simply handling the aircraft and making some simple turns. My instructor monitored the radios, Navigation and performed takeoff/landing. The rest of the flying was down to me- yikes. After departing the airfield we turned south and gained some altitude. The aim was to keep the ‘plane pointing straight whilst holding the same altitude. It was far trickier than expected, but we didn’t crash into anything so I must’ve done okay.

It became apparent that there are many aspects to handling an aircraft that are not obvious to a non - pilot and I learnt that there are lots of things I don’t know (does that make any sense)?

 About half way through the lesson we flew past Dunsfold Airfield – made famous by Lord Clarkson, Captain slow, the hamster and his royal Stigness. Also seen was the Ockham VOR – a landmark of interest for other aviation geeks/spotters.

  

The most important lesson learnt today was that flying is damn good fun and I couldn’t wait until the next session.

Lesson 2 – The effects of the Controls

After a 20 min classroom briefing on some aerodynamics and lots of pointing at a wooden model I set off for my second fix. There was no rush today so I participated in the ground checks, ensuring the engine is running nicely, correct amount of fuel on board etc. This time I ‘sort of’ controlled the plane through takeoff.

Heading south again towards Top Gear world my instructor took over and demonstrated how each control has obvious immediate effects, but also unexpected secondary effects. We mucked about with flying fast, then slow. This highlighted more changes in control effects. On return to the airfield I observed how to fly ‘the circuit’ which is the traffic pattern used to safely approach and land.

Lesson 3 Climbing and Descent

It’s Sunday afternoon and the weather is just fine all over. In addition to the lesson today I am ‘Back seating’ another student and watching for their mistakes. In the briefing we learnt D-A-B-L-E which is a mnemonic (or is it an acronym?) for the things to check during a climb or descent. Pilots just love remembering things by mnemonics, and let’s face it, who doesn’t? I took the driving seat first while the other chap, Chris, sat in the back and watched.

Whilst on the gound you steer with your feet.

  

I did the takeoff all by myself this time. Going up in the world, eh? The whole flight comprised of climbing to a level, then descending to another level, up and down, up and down.

An unusual phenomenon that occurs to engines at altitude is ice forming in the carbs. This must be prevented by periodically introducing warm air into the intakes (there’s a lever on the dash) and melting it off.  Frozen carbs stop engines!

On return to the airfield I 'sort of’ landed. Well, I handled the controls but all the decisions were made by my instructor so I can’t take full credit. After the flight we had a cup of tea, switched places and I got to ride in the back. My hands were far from the controls and free to take some video. Roll VT!!

Going through a few pre- flight checks.

This is the takeoff roll from runway 24. Excuse shakey camera skills. I’m training to be a pilot, not a movie director.

… And safely back to Earth.

Lesson 4 Turning

An opportunity to backseat another student today, Howard. We did the pre flight briefing but unfortunately the turning mnemonic is disappointing. B-B-B. The weather was completely clear, however, there was a strong wind and this would make the flying bumpy. Howard is far more experienced than myself so I got to see the effect of having had more hours and witness some more advanced flying.

Then it was my turn. We got airborne and revised climbing and descent for the first half. Then we threw in a few turns. I found it hard to remember which heading to turn off at, or which altitude to climb to. For fun we did a climb & turn simultaneously. Again I sort of landed. Doesn’t really feel like I am controlling the aircraft as we land but I was making all the control inputs. Not a smooth touchdown. I’ll blame the strong winds.

                Whilst out and about in the Surrey area we are tuned to Farnborough ATC. For a brief period of todays flight they imposed a temporary airspace restriction around Farnborough airport. This means a VIP is landing and as it is near Windsor it was most likely the Queen. Probably.

               

So folks, that’s lessons one to four. I’m still enjoying myself and looking forward to the next one. No real wobbles or blips yet so I’m feeling positive. I will start putting in less detail in future blogs but aim to get more photos for you. I believe a picture really is worth a thousand words.

Keep watching the skies,

Andy

Welcome!

I have decided to make an attempt at becoming a private pilot and I thought it would be a good idea to share my progress with you. Learning to fly is a challenging and interesting experience, from which I hope to have plenty of stories and photos to share along the way. So far I have had three lessons over the past month, details of which I'll post separately.

Why flying?

Throughout the course of my life there has been some sort of connection and interest one way or another with the world of aviation. In recent years I have become even more closely connected and decided it was about time to get hands-on and have a go gaining the coveted Private Pilots Licence.Put simply, it is just something I want to do. At the end of it all you get to say "I'm a pilot"!!

What’s it like?

Flying a small aircraft is a fully immersive experience that stimulates all the senses intensely.  It is not enjoyable to all people and fragile or sensitive characters ought to remain earth-based. Actually, I took my first flight when I was quite young, at 18. I found the experience overwhelming and decided not to persue it. But 11 years later I have learnt to love the droning of the engine, the smell of the fuel and the background buzz of air traffic control chatter in the ears. The physical sensation is not easy to describe in words, but as the 'plane lifts off the runway an involuntary grin forms across ones gob.

Fairoaks Airport. The clubhouse is located by '06'

The Aircraft, the club, the licence.

I went to recce a few airfields to find out how it all works. Settling on my nearest airfield for convenience I chose LTFC http://www.ltfc.org.uk/ at Fairoaks airport as a place to fly from. It located about 10 miles SSW of Heathrow airport and the airspace is rather busy with several restrictions. The club there is friendly and has a no nonsense attitude that impressed me.  After an initial meeting with an instructor and an introductory flight I was set.

My aim is to train and reach a standard so that I can pass the practical test giving you licence to fly at your own leisure, much like the UK driving test. There are 7 theory exams and a practical test. If I pass this then I can fly on my own or with passengers, but only for fun. To earn money flying you require an expensive commercial pilots licence. Lets not go there!

The aircraft of choice is the Piper Warrior PA-28. It’s the Vauxhall Astra of the Skies! Built and designed in 1960s America , reliability,  ruggedness and simplicity are key principles making this 4-seater a popular choice for most trainee pilots. Another option is the lighter, smaller Cessna 152 but I looked at this and it looks too small!

So what’s next? 

Well, there will certainly be many more lessons to come. Whats not certain is how long it could take. Some people spend a couple of years learning before they accumulate the required 45 logbook hours to attempt the test. Hopefully I can keep updating this blog with photos and brief reports on a regular and predictable basis. I doubt there’ll be a shortage of things to say. I try to keep it short n’ sweet because I know your time is precious. But do try to stay watching this space. I’d like to encourage people to comment. All I ask is you refrain from spooky anonymous posting. Do enjoy and be in touch.

Bye for now,

Andy