Tiger Moth
I had last instructed on the Tiger Moth G-ANTE over 30 years ago when, last year to my surprise, my sons presented me with a Delta Voucher and I was astonished to discover that they had just refurbished that very aircraft. Sywell airfield was made for Tigers so equipped with suitable warm layers of clothing and gloves, but overlooking a scarf, I made the journey from Manchester on a misty Autumnal day to be greeted with a warm welcome by the Delta staff, and just about every one else on this friendly airfield.
After some 12000 hours flying larger aircraft in the intervening years I had forgotten all about the open cockpit, the rush of air around the neck, the thrill of the takeoff and the rudder stick coordination so essential for flying this little bird. Marvellous, just like going solo again.
The Tiger Moth reminds you of the principles of flight that you had to learn about in the beginning but which perhaps had not been that easy to demonstrate in modern aircraft, the rudder as an example suddenly becomes your best friend along with the Turn and slip and with no VSI things get busy. It always did sort out the men from the boys !!
They also video the flight just in case you might have missed something in the excitement, and there is plenty of that. Enjoy it, savour it and treat your benefactors to a good meal for a brilliant idea afterwards!
Should you wish to self-brief I can highly recommend The Tiger Moth Story by Alan Bramson.