Some thing to put down in your "look aheads". Should be a nice little event.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b217/CH2/Ventureflyin.jpg
Bicster
9th Jun 2011, 04:34
I hope im not asking a daft question but I was lucky enough to get a gliding scholarship while at 196 SQN ATC flying the Venture T2 from RAF Cosford with 633 VGS. I later went on to serve in the RAF for 14 years as an MTD and was medically discharged after an unprovoked assault for being in the RAF. I flew solo as many others did in the Venture at the age of 16 and completed my BGT. I would love to be reunited with a Venture and if it would be possible to even have a sit back in the cockipit of an aircaft that is very dear to my heart,
My memories of my solo circuit of Cosford are:
Green light from tower
Push the throttle in gently
Check RPM
Wings level, stick back to take off position
Go up like a rocket (it felt like that as no instructor and im a featherweight)
Nose down and climb to 600 feet
Turn right crosswind leg at 600 feet towards a white farm house and continue climb
At 900 feet over the white farm house turn right downwind leg
Heading, the old Officers Mess
Engine off, check prop is horizontal
Start descent aiming for 600 feet to turn for base leg (tapping altimeter as it sticks)
Base leg 60 knots looking for 300 feet to turn for final approach
Turn onto final approach and level out
Spoilers, nose down, just above the deck stick coming back as airspeed decreases, spoilers fully open
A nice smooth landing
What an aircraft, to look out and see those spoilers bending in the airflow would be a dream. Sorry to waffle on but ill be there with my missus with a huge smile of pride