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Old 14th Oct 2002, 11:20
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Whirlybird

The Original Whirly
 
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Belper, Derbyshire, UK
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I think this is an EXTREMELY good point.

Emergencies can and do happen, particularly the blocked runway scenario. Some of us learn at one runway airfields; I learned at Welshpool, and my GFT lasted for ages because a student crashed (he was unhurt) and the runway was blocked, and we had no option but to divert or keep flying; I did lots of circles around Long Mountain and heard lots of stories from the examiner. It COULD happen. I think at the very least students should have practised PFLs, including EFATO, before first solo. Yes, someone could lead you to another airfield; they can't land the aircraft for you.

When I did my first helicopter solo, we certainly practised autorotations first. And I do wonder how many of these pre 10 hour solo pilots have done enough of that sort of training. I never worried at the time. Now I know more.
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