[Student Pilots]

Fortunately there's a campaign to try to get them to see the error of their ways. See http://www.seaplaneassociation.org.uk/a/index.htm

[Student Pilots]

Sadly float planes are a very rare sight in this country; I think there are only 5 registered in the whole UK, and all of them are in Scotland.

[Student Pilots]

Passed my PPL skills test today :D :D :D :D :D

And for extra cool, the diversion leg took us over the top of my house!! Yay! 8)

[First Flight Today]

You do get used to it, honest :) (it's a bit like finding your 'sea legs', but in the air) In fact the sailing analogue is quite good. Small boats are bounced about more than large ones by the chop and waves on the water, but they always right themselves and they don't sink. It's exactly the same with an aeroplane, the only difference is that you can't see the movement of the air. Regardless, it won't fall out of the sky. And actually, 'fighting' with the controls rather than letting the plane rock can make it worse rather than better.

If you think that was fun/scary, just wait till you do your first take off... and your first landing... and your first solo... (NOTHING can beat the feeling that you're in command on your own and the only way you'll get back on the ground is if you land it :D )

Tim (only one week away from my PPL skills test/check ride :shock: )

[Student Pilots]

That's easy: Get the degree. If you don't you'll regret it (I speak from experience). Many universities have an air corps you can join, which will also be beneficial should you choose to go for a career in the RAF or the commercial airlines. Another option is to get a 'Saturday Help' type job at your local airfield/flying club. They usually pay in flying hours rather than cash, but it can be a real boost, plus you pick up a lot of knowledge and can blag lots of right-seat flights...

[Student Pilots]

Well we had absolute perfect weather on Sunday:. 3500 - 4000 ft cloud base, 15 kt northerly winds @2000 ft and a visit from yellow Face :D So after an hour or so of general handling to blow the cobwebs off, it was all systems go!

The route was Wellesbourne (EGBW) to Leicester (EGBG) overhead, staying beneath Birmingham's airspace, then to Retford/Gamston (EGNE) for the first landing. This required a transit through the East Midlands CTA, which was granted Not Above 2500ft on the Barnsley Regional QNH - 1030mb. From Gamston to Peterborough/Conington (EGSF), keeping clear of several active glider sites. I had a Flight Information Service from Waddington (too busy for RIS) as well as MATZ penetration. Cottesmore was closed, so no permission required to transit their MATZ. I diverted around the North side of Peterborough, since there was active parachuting at Sibson, and a direct track would have placed me in range of the meat bombers. :shock: By now it was getting late (an inordinate amount of faffing seems to happen at airports!), and I had to push on in order to get back to Wellesbourne before they shut at 1730 (made it with 5 minutes to spare!)

[Student Pilots]

Right now the forecast is looking good for Sunday... 8)

[Student Pilots]

Since it's a bit quiet in here, I'll post a brief update... Right now my training is stalled, waiting for good enough weather to do the QXC (Wellesbourne -> Retford/Gamston (via Leicester overhead-- hi SeaKing :lol: ) -> Peterborough/Conington -> Wellesbourne). Sadly, okay very sadly, I've been in this position since December 30th. :evil: Of the two(!) days in that time when I could have done it, for one I there were no instructors available, and for the other I couldn't get the time off work!

When I eventually get to do this flight, all that will be left to do is revision and the skills test. Being positive, having three paydays since my last lesson means there's plenty in the kitty to do some flying when I've passed. :lol:

Okay, here's a gratuitous 'first solo' shot from back in July. As you can see from the glowering sky, it's a typical English Summer...