First Flights
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A chipmunk at the Flying Selection Squadron RAF Swinderby in the 80s. I thought I'm never going to hack this as I made my first approach: hands and feet thrashing around all over the place. Not a lot has changed with my technique since. 
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10 years old in a Cessna out of Portsmouth (1967) sadly closed for years led me finnaly to a PPL. Then a glider solo in the ATC no longer political correct I think>
Last edited by Dysonsphere; 27th Jun 2013 at 18:23. Reason: Forgot Something
Thread Starter
There are some excellent memories of "first flights" here, and, may I say many that bring back a few memories for me. Thank goodness for the Air Training Corps, I may well have ended up being a farm labourer. Danny, your experiences and recollections are well covered in " Gaining a Pilots Brevet in WW2.... ", thanks for your input. My own experience is that some of us have that first flight, and, become consumed with aircraft. I was happy just to be allowed to become a Halton Apprentice, and then an RAF Tradesman. I never thought of flying when I joined the service, but, as a result of my ATC experience, never missed the opportunity to act as , ballast, self loading freight, a pair of eyes out of the window, someone to fill in your Flight test report sir. Blimey, I can't remember the excuses I used to " get a trip", Maybe volunteering to be the "rescue dummy" for 84 Squadron at Akrotiri in 1973 was a bit dodgy. To this day I believe that whilst flying for some can be seen purely as a way of making money, I will always look upon my flying experiences as great times. Not sure if I mentioned it before but my first solo, in an ASK21 at RAFGSA Centre Bicester, was probably my greatest experience. I think it was around 20 minutes after landing that I realised I had actually flown an aircraft as its Captain, crew etc etc. I know chaps, get a life, but it was big for me, and cost some beer.
As a follow up, how about some of you Fast Jet/Single seat drivers sharing your first experiences at the point of the spear. I couldn't imagine being sent solo in a Spitfire, Meteor, Swift, Hunter, Lightning or Typhoon. Likewise, how is a dual crew aircraft first solo accomplished ? Be interesting to hear from some Navs/WSO's (did we have such animals ?).
Smudge
As a follow up, how about some of you Fast Jet/Single seat drivers sharing your first experiences at the point of the spear. I couldn't imagine being sent solo in a Spitfire, Meteor, Swift, Hunter, Lightning or Typhoon. Likewise, how is a dual crew aircraft first solo accomplished ? Be interesting to hear from some Navs/WSO's (did we have such animals ?).
Smudge
Last edited by smujsmith; 27th Jun 2013 at 20:51.
It was a pleasure taking the ginger-beers up in the back cockpit. I made a point of not making them sick. I remember one who asked, after 5 minutes airborne:
"Can we go supersonic, Sir?"
"We are"
"Can we go supersonic, Sir?"
"We are"
Thread Starter
Fox3,
Whenever I was given the chance of a flight I would take it. I respect that you, and your fellow professionals didn't try to make the likes of me Ill. in my experience many of your counterparts had that attitude, and made the likes of me very much happier for it. I'm sure a fair few Groundcrew requested selection for aircrew training on the basis of such happy "adventures".
PS. I was only ever airsick once, whilst doing my 5 hours duration soaring flight for my Silver certificate Gliding. If it can be blamed on the pilot, then for once I will happily take the blame.
Smudge
Whenever I was given the chance of a flight I would take it. I respect that you, and your fellow professionals didn't try to make the likes of me Ill. in my experience many of your counterparts had that attitude, and made the likes of me very much happier for it. I'm sure a fair few Groundcrew requested selection for aircrew training on the basis of such happy "adventures".
PS. I was only ever airsick once, whilst doing my 5 hours duration soaring flight for my Silver certificate Gliding. If it can be blamed on the pilot, then for once I will happily take the blame.
Smudge
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Smudge, I too well remember going solo in a T21 'barge' at RAFGSA Centre Bicester in '66.
Had a cable break on the second launch (pulled back too hard) and just made it back round. Gliding at Weston-on the -Green was good fun.
Had a cable break on the second launch (pulled back too hard) and just made it back round. Gliding at Weston-on the -Green was good fun.
The dual crew solo on the F3 was a LL wazex round Wales, where the AD backseater draws a route, insists on navigating, takes you straight over a red dot within 2 minutes of entering low level, say "ah,**** it, you've got a map haven't you?" and sticks to playing with the radar & similar toys whilst Driver, Airframes navigates for the rest of his AD career.
To be fair, the early radar and looking out took all his attention, and I think every crew in the early days had the pilot doing the nav, especially at low level.
As for first solo hovering, opinions varied as to whether to do the checks 3 times, or once very slowly and carefully, because once you move the throttle you will have zero spare capacity for anything.
To be fair, the early radar and looking out took all his attention, and I think every crew in the early days had the pilot doing the nav, especially at low level.
As for first solo hovering, opinions varied as to whether to do the checks 3 times, or once very slowly and carefully, because once you move the throttle you will have zero spare capacity for anything.
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What was it like on your own first time ?
Smudge,
Your #48 is a deceptively simple question. I can only answer for all my training aircraft and a Vengeance, Thunderbolt, Spitfire, Hurricane, Vampire and a Meteor, but think it might hold good for anything else which came later, and of course other people may remember their experiences quite differently.
The very first time my instructor climbed out of our Stearman, I'm "on the spot". You just can't crawl out after him - or you're finished for all time. It's "###t or bust !" So you take it away, for better or worse.
When soloing on something on which you've had dual, then of course it's fairly easy. You know how to fly the thing, there can't be any surprises.
The s/seaters where there is no dual are a bit different. For the first few seconds (perhaps even minutes), it's almost like learning to fly again: there's a weird sensation of moving a control and then something happening in consequence (as it were) - almost a two-part procedure. This very soon wears off, and you're flying instinctively again. (I'd be interested if other people felt this sensation).
Old story from WW2: General visits Spitfire Station, is shown round a Spitfire. "Do your Officers fly these things ?" ...... "Yes, Sir"......"Then where does the NCO sit ?"........"There isn't one, Sir"......."Do you mean to tell me that you let an Officer up in these without a competent NCO to advise him ?"
Agree, "aerobatting" an inexperienced passenger is simply cruelty, and deserves punishment.
Danny.
Your #48 is a deceptively simple question. I can only answer for all my training aircraft and a Vengeance, Thunderbolt, Spitfire, Hurricane, Vampire and a Meteor, but think it might hold good for anything else which came later, and of course other people may remember their experiences quite differently.
The very first time my instructor climbed out of our Stearman, I'm "on the spot". You just can't crawl out after him - or you're finished for all time. It's "###t or bust !" So you take it away, for better or worse.
When soloing on something on which you've had dual, then of course it's fairly easy. You know how to fly the thing, there can't be any surprises.
The s/seaters where there is no dual are a bit different. For the first few seconds (perhaps even minutes), it's almost like learning to fly again: there's a weird sensation of moving a control and then something happening in consequence (as it were) - almost a two-part procedure. This very soon wears off, and you're flying instinctively again. (I'd be interested if other people felt this sensation).
Old story from WW2: General visits Spitfire Station, is shown round a Spitfire. "Do your Officers fly these things ?" ...... "Yes, Sir"......"Then where does the NCO sit ?"........"There isn't one, Sir"......."Do you mean to tell me that you let an Officer up in these without a competent NCO to advise him ?"
Agree, "aerobatting" an inexperienced passenger is simply cruelty, and deserves punishment.
Danny.
Last edited by Danny42C; 28th Jun 2013 at 00:54. Reason: Typo/
Mention of the airsickness brought on to non pilots by the 'driver' reminds me of my first such experience. It was in Chipmunk WK628 of DUAS at RAF Usworth.
The pilot asked me if I would like to do some aeros, to which I readily assented.
After a few loops rolls etc he checked if I was all right. My reply was to ask for a repeat performance . I knew then that I would never be airsick and never was despite a career 'down the back' of Albert on some less than smooth trips. My first solo was in a T21 from RAF Ouston whilst with the ATC.
The pilot asked me if I would like to do some aeros, to which I readily assented.
After a few loops rolls etc he checked if I was all right. My reply was to ask for a repeat performance . I knew then that I would never be airsick and never was despite a career 'down the back' of Albert on some less than smooth trips. My first solo was in a T21 from RAF Ouston whilst with the ATC.
Gentleman Aviator
Excellent stats teeteringhead - was the bench seat in the cockpit or the Zephyr ?
ISTR two pairs of seats (which might have been bench) opposite each other with a table in between - like on a train. Perfect for Mum, Dad, Bro and self.
I'm leaning more towards the Consul, as it seems "Quatorze" was so branded for only a year or so, and a bit earlier than I remembered. It was then re-painted as "City of Leicester" ..... how are the mighty fallen.
Strange thing memory is - I can remember the VRNs of the Consul (RYW 914) and the Zephyr (593 AXC), but not what I had for breakfast yesterday!
Thinks: both cars were bought new (only the first and second new ones Dad bought), so the VRNs, coupled with "Quatorze"'s dates, might give me an exact date - or at least year. Or I could finally dig that old box of photos out from the loft .....
Last edited by teeteringhead; 28th Jun 2013 at 09:49.
Ah gents...........I love threads like this, but they make me dewie eyed! First flight December 1969, aged 5, in a Laker 707, Manchester to Tenerife. The trip to the flight deck will stay with me forever.......that's where I fell in love with flight. However, looking back, THE biggest mistake I ever made was not joining the ATC.......I wanted to, but none of my mates did so I put it on the back burner! Fast forward to dec 1984........OASC Biggin Hill.....I still have the rail warrant. Long story short, not good enough for pilot or nav........so they said, and I quote because these words will stay with me forever, "we think you're an excellent prospect for NCO aircrew.....have you considered ALM?"..........a job I knew nothing about! Second biggest mistake I ever made........and I quote, "no thanks, I'd like to try again for pilot!"
Returned to OASC Biggin Hill, July 1986, looking the biz in my Billy Ocean double breasted suit.......clutching my flying log book complete with my recent solo from Sherburn aero club (sent solo by Sqn ldr Ken Jackson of BBMF fame!), and didn't get offered a bloody sniff! For years after, I almost felt physical pain at my monumentally stupid decision during that first visit to OASC! Having read all your posts, and generally hanging around this forum like a bit of a saddo, it is clear to me now that I missed an amazing era of flying in the Royal Air Force. I did eventually get into uniform............a firefighters uniform! Not the same but I've had a great time in a job I love, but it's almost time to go now.........and I'm glad because, like the air force.........things just ain't the same anymore......the really good times are over for all of us..........but at least we HAD the good times. I'm afraid things are just waaaaay too serious these days!
Apologies for the thread drift and massive respect to all you guys who took the Queens shilling.........you did, and indeed do, a brilliant job despite the politicians!
Rant over.........and I'll get my coat!
BTW flew on Concorde just before the Paris crash.......so glad I did......wouldn't have missed it for the world!
Stay safe
Dave
Returned to OASC Biggin Hill, July 1986, looking the biz in my Billy Ocean double breasted suit.......clutching my flying log book complete with my recent solo from Sherburn aero club (sent solo by Sqn ldr Ken Jackson of BBMF fame!), and didn't get offered a bloody sniff! For years after, I almost felt physical pain at my monumentally stupid decision during that first visit to OASC! Having read all your posts, and generally hanging around this forum like a bit of a saddo, it is clear to me now that I missed an amazing era of flying in the Royal Air Force. I did eventually get into uniform............a firefighters uniform! Not the same but I've had a great time in a job I love, but it's almost time to go now.........and I'm glad because, like the air force.........things just ain't the same anymore......the really good times are over for all of us..........but at least we HAD the good times. I'm afraid things are just waaaaay too serious these days!
Apologies for the thread drift and massive respect to all you guys who took the Queens shilling.........you did, and indeed do, a brilliant job despite the politicians!
Rant over.........and I'll get my coat!
BTW flew on Concorde just before the Paris crash.......so glad I did......wouldn't have missed it for the world!
Stay safe
Dave
My first ATC camp at Hawarden in about 1954. They told me that I wouldn't be allowed in a Chipmunk because I hadn't passed my proficiency. That was OK by me, an Anson would be fine for my first flight.
We were marched down to the dispersal and someone called my name. Put a parachute on they said. What? You don't need a parachute in an Anson do you?
I put on the parachute and was bundled out to a Chipmunk which already had the engine running and, hang on, already had a cadet sitting in the back seat. I tapped him on the shoulder to ask what it was like. When he turned to face me it became rather obvious that he had been sick in his oxygen mask and it was all over his hair.
The aircraft had to go away to be cleaned and, when it returned, there was disinfectant swilling around everywhere. The cockpit stank.
Well, I was sick too but at least I got it all in the bag.
We were marched down to the dispersal and someone called my name. Put a parachute on they said. What? You don't need a parachute in an Anson do you?
I put on the parachute and was bundled out to a Chipmunk which already had the engine running and, hang on, already had a cadet sitting in the back seat. I tapped him on the shoulder to ask what it was like. When he turned to face me it became rather obvious that he had been sick in his oxygen mask and it was all over his hair.
The aircraft had to go away to be cleaned and, when it returned, there was disinfectant swilling around everywhere. The cockpit stank.
Well, I was sick too but at least I got it all in the bag.
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1st ever time airbourne was in a British United Airways Britannia, Stanstead to Nicosia, in the 60's. 1st RAF flight was in a Hastings, Akrotiri to El Adem in '66. Convinced me to apply for aircrew, many wonderful years and various type experiences, foremost being a sortie in the Lancaster, and a rearseat ride with the Reds, during one of their Far East tours.
Thread Starter
Mopardave,
I suspect that your thinking on modern services, be they military or civilian emergency services, may well be correct. I will be presumptuous and thank you for your compliments towards the posters on PPRUNE Military, who " took the shilling", I'm sure many if them would join me in similarly recognising the importance and sacrifices made by our firefighter colleagues. Like you, I never got employed, professionally, in a flying capacity, despite a try at Biggin. But I'd like to think we all at least tried to do our bit.
Smudge
I suspect that your thinking on modern services, be they military or civilian emergency services, may well be correct. I will be presumptuous and thank you for your compliments towards the posters on PPRUNE Military
, who " took the shilling", I'm sure many if them would join me in similarly recognising the importance and sacrifices made by our firefighter colleagues. Like you, I never got employed, professionally, in a flying capacity, despite a try at Biggin. But I'd like to think we all at least tried to do our bit.Smudge
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Can't resist throwing in a pic...
SLF: Loganair Short 330-200, Edinburgh - Prestwick, 1979. (Either in G-BGNA or G-BIRN).
Air Cadet (CCF RAF): DHC-1 Chipmunk T10, No.12 AEF, Turnhouse, 1982. (WK585)
P1: PA-28-161 Warrior II, East Midlands, 1995. (G-CDON)
SLF: Loganair Short 330-200, Edinburgh - Prestwick, 1979. (Either in G-BGNA or G-BIRN).
Air Cadet (CCF RAF): DHC-1 Chipmunk T10, No.12 AEF, Turnhouse, 1982. (WK585)
P1: PA-28-161 Warrior II, East Midlands, 1995. (G-CDON)
Last edited by rab-k; 6th Jul 2013 at 04:41.
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Ohhh CDON 
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Was 20 amazingly enough when I lost my flying cherry. Rollason Condor out of Cranditz. £7 an hour for flying tuition, May '76.
Gave that up when I was posted shortly afterwards to RAFG. Flew in a variety of mob tubes including a Hastings and then took up gliding. First flight K21 at Cosford April 90. Solo K13 May '90. Will never forget the scream of 'Yeeeeeees!!!' as I released the cable. Did my silver 'c'. Been glidering since.
First solo powered was in a 172 April 2011. I might add with undue immodesty on my sixth powered flight with 4.30 in my logbook. Did my skills test in the minimum time. Night and IMC rating followed in quick succession. Have to say that the powered solo was just another flight really, will never forget the first gliding solo though, can remember every second of it.
High points are flying with my daughter who was so terrified of flying she had to have medication when we went to Oz a couple of years ago. She has since sat in the RHS with me and after patient explanation of what to expect and gentle handling on my part she now loves flying, plus my grandson who is seven can now fly straight and level and knows the effects of controls, can't reach the rudder pedals yet though. I'm thinking of building a set of wooden leg extensions for him.
Gave that up when I was posted shortly afterwards to RAFG. Flew in a variety of mob tubes including a Hastings and then took up gliding. First flight K21 at Cosford April 90. Solo K13 May '90. Will never forget the scream of 'Yeeeeeees!!!' as I released the cable. Did my silver 'c'. Been glidering since.
First solo powered was in a 172 April 2011. I might add with undue immodesty on my sixth powered flight with 4.30 in my logbook. Did my skills test in the minimum time. Night and IMC rating followed in quick succession. Have to say that the powered solo was just another flight really, will never forget the first gliding solo though, can remember every second of it.
High points are flying with my daughter who was so terrified of flying she had to have medication when we went to Oz a couple of years ago. She has since sat in the RHS with me and after patient explanation of what to expect and gentle handling on my part she now loves flying, plus my grandson who is seven can now fly straight and level and knows the effects of controls, can't reach the rudder pedals yet though. I'm thinking of building a set of wooden leg extensions for him.
Thread Starter
Thing,
My first solo, gliding, was in a K21 from Bicester on a joint services gliding course. The chap who sent me off on my own was himself a student pilot at Cranwell at the time, and was very much involved in "aerobatics on instruments" ISTR. Your kids, epic, I never had the pleasure of taking mine gliding. My daughter did come to Gib with me, I was the GE and she was on an ATC "air experience flight" (thanks Captain Tim). Heady days, and Its nice to know you are still flying.
Smudge
My first solo, gliding, was in a K21 from Bicester on a joint services gliding course. The chap who sent me off on my own was himself a student pilot at Cranwell at the time, and was very much involved in "aerobatics on instruments" ISTR. Your kids, epic, I never had the pleasure of taking mine gliding. My daughter did come to Gib with me, I was the GE and she was on an ATC "air experience flight" (thanks Captain Tim). Heady days, and Its nice to know you are still flying.
Smudge