Looks like the aviation gods were kind on me today, on my 6th attempt I've finally managed to start and complete my QXC.
Despite the start of the day being OVC009, it cleared up to be FEW025 then CAVOK. At least this time the vis was 9999, rather than 2000, and the plane I had didn't have a broken nose wheel oleo seal.
This was EGSC -> EGBK (via Silverstone), EGBK -> EGSF (via EGBG and Spalding) then EGSF -> EGSC in G-SHWK.
A few memorable moments:
- Having to fly directly over the CIT beacon at Cranfield to avoid jets
- Turning overhead Silverstone
- A "positive" landing at Sywell, but followed by fantastic food there, and a nice show from the blades who were doing a corporate day
- Wittering Zone being unresponsive
- Waddington Zone not being able to see my squawk for about 10nm
- An inversion layer at around 3000' creating some interesting horizon effects
- A report of traffic, 10 o'clock, 5 miles, same level, closing track, and seeing nothing due to the above for what seemed about 5 mins, but was actually 30 seconds or so.
- A very warm welcome at Conington
- A nice right base join on my return to Cambridge
Now just a couple of paper exams, my radio practical, some revision and a skills test! All in time for summer