SS ,
I did say that "for the first four years" I was non-radio. Regrettably, for the many, many, years since then I have fallen from the the noble heights of scarf & goggles, eyeball with no radio, to the more common shirt sleeves, 2 x VHF, 2 x COM, ADF, 2 x GPS and a transponder. Ever since I have been more scared by radio procedures and ATC than I ever was by being non- radio. But then, I was a lot younger and life was simpler.
I can't help wondering if students taught in a non-radio environment develop better sense of airmanship than those who find radio essential. It's so long since I flew non-radio that I do not include myself in that bracket as I think my airmanship has deteriorated. Maybe I'm just getting older
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As for joining the circuit, unless the PPR tells you otherwise, it's a standard overhead join but you have to look at the signals square to get the information you require. If there is ATC you look out for pretty lights from the Tower. Incidentaly I suffered a radio failure a few months ago and it was like old times, getting a green light from the Tower at an International Airport
As for what I did. Your are mostly correct. I joined base, staying at circuit height, ready to go around if necessary. You could do this easily in the Tiger because we always did glide approaches and you could lose a lot of height very quickly with a lot of sideslip (Oh how I miss that!). I did get a green from the Tower so completed the landing.
Incidentally, after landing I taxied up to the pumps where there was a huge queue of Spamcans waiting. The wonderful old chap on the pumps was so pleased to see a Tiger Moth that he ignored them all and gave me priority
Andy ,
I would be very interested to know how you would have left the circuit under those circumstances. Not trying trap you. I am interested to learn from others.