Continuation

Sunday the 18th of October 2009, I had the biggest pleasure in my pilots life.

After passing Air Law exam in 15 minutes with 97.5% , after congratulations from my Instructor, he took me for a few more circuits.

We were taxing back to the Club. Taxiway was not the usual one and we stopped. Right then I knew! Still, very surprised, thinking “NO, NO, NO, I’m gonna miss my train to London”. “Your call-sign will be GOLF BRAVO X-RAY TANGO YANKEE Student Pilot” were his words.

Both the Instructor and my two backseaters disembarked and I was alone. Just me, “Tango Yankee” and Controller on the other side of the radio.

Now, it still really didn’t sink in. but like they say, I will never forget my first solo.

Time to do some real flying! No panicking Instructors hands, only “my” control!

Two weekends ago, I have finally got around and applied to an FTO to start my pilot training.

I am currently learning how to fly in Bournemouth with Bournemouth Commercial Flight Training for the PPL (A) license. Doing only weekends with a few hours flying on Saturday and Sunday and I have to say that it’s not only nice organization but also very kind and accommodating staff.

I have currently started flying circuits and have air law exam next weekend! Oh and I’m on P28A. Had one flight in C172 ( Stalls ) and I’m not a fan of C172 … just one more lesson in it ( Spins ) and I hope that’s it.

As mentioned in a previous post, I had a trial flying lesson booked for last Sunday. And it all went through, weather was really nice.

It was kinda crazy fast pace ( faster than what I would expect ). I met my Flight Instructor and strait away he started telling me about the basics of aircraft control. Minutes later we were on our way to the aircraft. A couple minutes later we were strapped in the seats and FI was doing some checks and starting the aircraft engine.

FI requested taxi and I was taxing … what ?! We got to the holding position and waited for runway to be vacated, a few more more checks and radio exchanges later and we are speeding on the runway … I didn’t realize that steering can be so sensitive at speed and for a while we where chasing snakes … then positive climb in the air. Woohoo! I’m kinda speechless. When we reached our intended altitude, FI shown me aircraft reaction to controls and then instructed me to take control.

I was feeling speechless, really. Listening to FI , following instructions, like a dream with an inexperienced execution on my behalf.

What really surprised me, was how much control and hands on I had during that flight. I even did approach for landing , maneuver which I always thought was damn hard and I would not be able to execute it. But with some, apparently discreet, help from FI we landed.

It was only after I left the Club for train station, it occurred to me that it was exactly the same when I had my first driving lesson. No BS, full dive in to a whole new world.

I really want to go back there, really. What is funny is that I realised that, after I landed.

What is next ?

I have delegation hanging over my head, so I will have to wait until I’m back from India. Then, quick booking for medical check in Gatwick ( I will go for JAR 1 Class ). If I get the cert I will have to take some time to find a suitable Flight School which eventually will get me on the commercial road. If not, BAFC will see me back, strait away.

Flying is great!

PS. I had a pleasure of flying Piper PA28-161 Warrior with Mr. John Hartill from British Airways Flying Club.

Just been reading some blog on how boeing screwed the 737 and I’ve noticed great logo of the website.

It’s not great as a logo ( as I have not clue about the values there ) but as a comparison of the size of aircraft. Hope it’s all in scale.

http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/flightblogger/

I have a huge back log with sharing info .

Enjoy some of the photos from Bowling night outing with On-line team at the end of August.

I will try to find time and will to put more on the web , but when it comes to photos, my F-Spot is broken ( due to some Sqlite, Mono missed love ), may take some time…

I have got my ati-drivers back working in my system ( gentoo ) but I was playing too much with GL libraries and GLX is still on Mesa , will need to look at that.The problem was discovered when I tried to play Flight Gear ( which was recently updated and I can see some air traffic now! ).

I was just amazed by this years Farnborough International Airshow. Taking off fighter jet ( I believe it was Hornet ) seen/heard from around 100m is stunning.

Some Photos