In 4 years of flying out of Bournemouth as a PPL, I kept promising myself to have a go at an X Channel excursion but wanted to take someone along with me (not for the flying part, but more for the where and how to pay fees and what to put on drawback forms, how to file plan for the return trip, etc). Never quite got it together enough to do it with someone elese, so finally decided to go for it with a couple of pax in a PA28 (niece was newly qualified PPL at the time). Filed plan, then went to check aircraft - it was iced up, with -3 deg C and no sun on it. Went and drank coffee for 2 hours in vain hope that it would warm up, but no sign of any rise above -1 deg. Eventually had to give up and go home; that's the closest I ever got to an LFAT trip. I now live a bit far away to consider it easily.
Sam - I'd countenance going for it. Take Keef up on his offer if you have the slightest doubts (I might well do it if I lived closer). It will build confidence, but like all things in aviation (and life in general) -
if your gut instinct tells you at any point that 'this isn't right' or 'I shouldn't be doing this' or 'I'm uncomfortable with the conditions, aircraft, etc' - BIN IT!!. A little frisson of excitement, even nervousness, is good - liquid adrenaline and pushing on against all odds is bad.
Enjoy - it could be the best adventure of your life so far!
