Sra
I had a bit of a problem yesterday on my first land away to Cambridge, the visibility was excellent with some scattered cloud at 1500 ft.
Approaching Cambridge from the east I could not locate the airfield, I over flew Cambridge and although I knew where it should be, I was concerned about the patchy lowish cloud and thought it best not to fly around hoping to locate the airfield in busy airspace.
I called Cambridge and explained my problem, the tower asked me to squawk and gave me an SRA bearing to steer for the airfield, I ended up at the airfield and had a trouble free landing.
The Tower was very helpful and I think (hope) I was calm re the SRA guidance.
After landing the tower spoke to me and asked what the problem had been and I explained that my navigation had been spot on to Cambridge but I just could not see the airfield, although I must have flown almost over the top of it!
I was told that it happens about once every weekend and was asked to call my instructor before I departed to make sure they were happy for me to continue the exercise.
They were happy and so was I, and the rest of the flight worked out according to plan including a MATZ penetration over Lakenheath.
When I got back I was half expecting some sort of talking to but not at all, I was de-briefed at length and told that I had done exactly the right thing, if in doubt don’t fly around hoping it will all somehow work out OK.
So how do I feel about it all?
I am a bit disappointed ,feeling a bit low and it has dented my confidence, not so much in my navigation, which has been spot on to date, but in my awareness of the terrain.
I told my instructor I would like to do the Cambridge trip again although not to land, I think it will restore my faith in myself.
He does not think it necessary but said if it made me happier then it is no problem but it will just cost me a bit more, although I need the solo hours anyway.
I spoke to a friend who is an airline pilot also ex instructor ,he told me I had done the right thing and that it happens to everyone sooner or later so it was good experience.
Lister
Last edited by Lister Noble; 30th January 2006 at 09:52.