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