First solo, T21, RAF Sealand, 1973, 20-something dual launches in my book if I recall. Westerly winch launch, right hand circuit. "OK bloggs, top of the launch, turn right. At the downwind turn, if you have 900 ft or less (IIRC), turn downwind. More than 900 ft, turn 270 dgrees left to downwind to lose the extra height."
By heck the T21 went up a bit quick with 9st of Bloggs and no instructor. Launched into the smog and heat from Shotton Steelworks, turned crosswind, climbed (?) to 1200ft at the top of the downwind leg. Did a 270 - 1400 feet.
With the breathtaking logic of the bright Air Cadet, I do another 360. 1500 ft (I couldnt centre in a thermal even then) but the whole sky was going up with the heat from that steelworks)
Im now halfway downwind but at 1500 ft when a wee lightbulb goes on and I reach for the spoiler.
Pete Eyes, I so much enjoyed that course; Jim Chaplin thanks for sending me solo. Isnt it amazing how we can re-live our first solo in such detail, so many years later.
Anybody know where I can find a barge to go fly 'for old times sake'?
