From Zero to Forty Five - my PPL Diary
Spicy Meatball
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Waldo - good to have you with us! Hope you can keep us updated with how you get on 
I reckon I will be having my test in about 4 weeks (pending a few things) so am looking forward to that
I reckon I will be having my test in about 4 weeks (pending a few things) so am looking forward to that
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Completed QXC today!
Wel, I finally did it, after 2 non-starters due to weather.
But, almost a non-go today. Having planned Redhill-Goodwood-Southend-Redhill, there was too much cross-wind to land at Southend.
So, Redhill-Sandown-Rochester-Redhill instead. Lovely clear skies, and not too much trouble from the wind aloft. So, great viz, but will I spot the two grass airfields?! Yep, sure did, and without too much effort - I must be getting better.
Two concerns on the way: (1) I had the wrong frequency for Sandown -yep I used the freq from the 2004 Pooley's, but when it was all too quiet, a quick check on the map revealed all - one to remember in future. Concern number2 was the light. I had agreed a turn-back point with my instructor, and got there with 5 mins to spare.
Still, all in all, a lovely flight. Portsmouth harbour looked fantastic with the sun glinting off the water.
So, some revision to do now and then the skills test.
Safe and happy flying all.
C23
But, almost a non-go today. Having planned Redhill-Goodwood-Southend-Redhill, there was too much cross-wind to land at Southend.
So, Redhill-Sandown-Rochester-Redhill instead. Lovely clear skies, and not too much trouble from the wind aloft. So, great viz, but will I spot the two grass airfields?! Yep, sure did, and without too much effort - I must be getting better.
Two concerns on the way: (1) I had the wrong frequency for Sandown -yep I used the freq from the 2004 Pooley's, but when it was all too quiet, a quick check on the map revealed all - one to remember in future. Concern number2 was the light. I had agreed a turn-back point with my instructor, and got there with 5 mins to spare.
Still, all in all, a lovely flight. Portsmouth harbour looked fantastic with the sun glinting off the water.
So, some revision to do now and then the skills test.
Safe and happy flying all.
C23
Spicy Meatball
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Cricket - superb mate! What a great feeling eh? I was made up doing my QXC - I remember sitting in the briefing room a few months beforehand and thinking "How the hell wil I ever do that"?! Yet here we are, nearly qualified!
It's strange how we have to do Nav again in the test, having passed the QXC, which is the real navigation test - what are people's views on this? Would you rather it be a general handling/safety check for your skill test or do you agree with the current requirements?
Cheers,
Lee
It's strange how we have to do Nav again in the test, having passed the QXC, which is the real navigation test - what are people's views on this? Would you rather it be a general handling/safety check for your skill test or do you agree with the current requirements?
Cheers,
Lee
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Well, I am seeing my instructor tomorrow evening to make a plan of action, and it could very well be that I take my skills test within a few weeks or so...
We will basically decide whether there is anything else I need to do (got 40 mins solo left) and discuss whether I am happy to proceed with test etc. I have been reading up on the AFE book about the PA38 - it includes all the notes for ground calculations like weight and balance etc, and this will be a good revision for the "day" !
We will basically decide whether there is anything else I need to do (got 40 mins solo left) and discuss whether I am happy to proceed with test etc. I have been reading up on the AFE book about the PA38 - it includes all the notes for ground calculations like weight and balance etc, and this will be a good revision for the "day" !
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Wow!!! Go for it Maz. But does that mean this thread will end? The Private Flying forum just won't be the same without Mazzy's thread. 
Spicy Meatball
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I have been reading through the CAA website, and came accross this: http://www.caa.co.uk/application.asp...detail&id=1206
It's a PDF document detailing the skill test etc - a worthy read for anyone taking their test!
I spent an evening at the flying school last week, going over things with my instructor. I am booked in for this Saturday to go over a PFL and only have to do 15 mins solo before the test (which is booked)!
So, hoping to get a writeup done for you by Sunday
It's a PDF document detailing the skill test etc - a worthy read for anyone taking their test!
I spent an evening at the flying school last week, going over things with my instructor. I am booked in for this Saturday to go over a PFL and only have to do 15 mins solo before the test (which is booked)!
So, hoping to get a writeup done for you by Sunday
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[QUOTE=mazzy1026]I have been reading through the CAA website, and came accross this: http://www.caa.co.uk/application.asp...detail&id=1206
It's a PDF document detailing the skill test etc - a worthy read for anyone taking their test!
Lee thanks for that,I've decided on doing the JAR/PPL rather than the NPPL and I'm getting near the test so it should be a helpful read.
Good luck with yours!
Lister
It's a PDF document detailing the skill test etc - a worthy read for anyone taking their test!
Lee thanks for that,I've decided on doing the JAR/PPL rather than the NPPL and I'm getting near the test so it should be a helpful read.
Good luck with yours!
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It's good to be back...
Hello all,
Well I've finally managed to get flying for the first time since...28th of Jan!
I turned up at the club today not expecting to get flying. 10 knot crosswind, what seemed to be very low cloud with poor vis. Snow and rain showers forecast...it didn't look good. Never mind I thought, might as well go down anyway.
As soon as I arrived I got the ATIS, which was cloud at 3000, 20KM vis and 11 knot wind 30 degrees of the runway. Not too bad after all... So I got the wind and plotted my route. All was fine, but my FI was away examining somebody, so a stand-in checked everything over with me, and I was good to go. Rang Teesside tower, faxed Newcastle, and was about to step into the plane when I was told there's not enough fuel.
No worries, so we rang the fuel company and they said they'd be a couple of minutes....one hour(!) and another phone call later we were becoming annoyed, and make the choice to taxi to the helicopter area to refuel. So I got in the aeroplane to get it started. But for some bizarre reason it wouldn't! I played around, tried everything and after a while I was off.
Once I'd got enough fuel I started (which it did straight away making me a lot more confident - was going to call it off). Before I knew it I was whizzing along the runway and flying. Right hand turn, leaving Newcastles zone via the "Tyne Bridges". The route itselfs pretty straight forward - follow the A1 until it veers off to the West, at which point Teesside should be in front of you. Luckily I got there with no worries, and was given my instructions - left downwind for 05 - which was fine, but I was having trouble orientating myself. Couldn't work out if I was left or right for 23 or 05! Quickly got my pooleys photocopy out and got my head around it, luckily I ended up in the right place! There was a slight crosswind and Teesside too, but it didn't cause any problems, and I got her down nice and gently!
I shut down, and began the marathon to Teessides main terminal to pay the landing fee - really is a long way...
After a (minging) sandwich from the main terminal cafe, I was ready to go back to Newcastle. After a quick inspection from imigration I checked the aeroplane out, and got my taxi clearance. I got my departure clearance and was ready to go. Full power, everything seemed good, so off I went into the blue yonder. The cloud appeared to be lowering, so I decided to fly at 2100 feet, and was promptly handed back to Newcastle radar, and already I had the city in sight. It was becoming a little bumpy now, but nothing to worry about. One of my favoutie things when flying is coming back to Newcastle, being greeted by the Angel of the North, the Sage and Baltic...but most importantly, St James' Park. I know I'm home when I see that! But anyway, I was transfered to tower and told to orbit a while, when some airliners came into land. After a few minutes I was told to continue approach to right base, for 07. There was still a crosswind, but it had died down a little my now - in the region of 8 or 9 knots, so I elected to go in with full flaps. Now flyers from Newcastle will know what I'm talking about here: The aeroclubs "turn off" is pretty close to the threshold of runway 07. I've landed on 07 twice - both times dual and both times not managing to land in time to turn off. (If your not familiar take a look at Pooleys - runway 07 taxiway F.)
However, this time I was set up perfectly. Wing down to counter the crosswind, good speed straight down the centre line - I was going to do it - nice soft landing, flared a little too early but managed to stop before missing the turn in - YES! (To most pilots this will not seem like a big achievment - but I'm very proud of myself doing that, especially in a crosswind!).
So that was that. My first solo landaway and first time I've managed to not miss F! Very happy indeed tonight! Was great fun - after a fairly long time out I'd forgotten how good it is!!
Thanks all!
Mazzy - good luck with the test! And cheers for that link, haven't yet looked at it but I'm sure it's very helpful!
Someone mentioned earlier whether a navigation test should be needed saying as we'll have done the QXC. I've thought about this for a while, and I guess it's probably best to have a test - there may be a useless instructor sending his students away on the QXC who aren't good enough. Not very likely, but could happen. So I suppose it's right to have the navigation part of the flight test...in my opinion anyway.
Cheers and good luck everyone!
John.
Well I've finally managed to get flying for the first time since...28th of Jan!
I turned up at the club today not expecting to get flying. 10 knot crosswind, what seemed to be very low cloud with poor vis. Snow and rain showers forecast...it didn't look good. Never mind I thought, might as well go down anyway.
As soon as I arrived I got the ATIS, which was cloud at 3000, 20KM vis and 11 knot wind 30 degrees of the runway. Not too bad after all... So I got the wind and plotted my route. All was fine, but my FI was away examining somebody, so a stand-in checked everything over with me, and I was good to go. Rang Teesside tower, faxed Newcastle, and was about to step into the plane when I was told there's not enough fuel.
No worries, so we rang the fuel company and they said they'd be a couple of minutes....one hour(!) and another phone call later we were becoming annoyed, and make the choice to taxi to the helicopter area to refuel. So I got in the aeroplane to get it started. But for some bizarre reason it wouldn't! I played around, tried everything and after a while I was off.
Once I'd got enough fuel I started (which it did straight away making me a lot more confident - was going to call it off). Before I knew it I was whizzing along the runway and flying. Right hand turn, leaving Newcastles zone via the "Tyne Bridges". The route itselfs pretty straight forward - follow the A1 until it veers off to the West, at which point Teesside should be in front of you. Luckily I got there with no worries, and was given my instructions - left downwind for 05 - which was fine, but I was having trouble orientating myself. Couldn't work out if I was left or right for 23 or 05! Quickly got my pooleys photocopy out and got my head around it, luckily I ended up in the right place! There was a slight crosswind and Teesside too, but it didn't cause any problems, and I got her down nice and gently!
I shut down, and began the marathon to Teessides main terminal to pay the landing fee - really is a long way...
After a (minging) sandwich from the main terminal cafe, I was ready to go back to Newcastle. After a quick inspection from imigration I checked the aeroplane out, and got my taxi clearance. I got my departure clearance and was ready to go. Full power, everything seemed good, so off I went into the blue yonder. The cloud appeared to be lowering, so I decided to fly at 2100 feet, and was promptly handed back to Newcastle radar, and already I had the city in sight. It was becoming a little bumpy now, but nothing to worry about. One of my favoutie things when flying is coming back to Newcastle, being greeted by the Angel of the North, the Sage and Baltic...but most importantly, St James' Park. I know I'm home when I see that! But anyway, I was transfered to tower and told to orbit a while, when some airliners came into land. After a few minutes I was told to continue approach to right base, for 07. There was still a crosswind, but it had died down a little my now - in the region of 8 or 9 knots, so I elected to go in with full flaps. Now flyers from Newcastle will know what I'm talking about here: The aeroclubs "turn off" is pretty close to the threshold of runway 07. I've landed on 07 twice - both times dual and both times not managing to land in time to turn off. (If your not familiar take a look at Pooleys - runway 07 taxiway F.)
However, this time I was set up perfectly. Wing down to counter the crosswind, good speed straight down the centre line - I was going to do it - nice soft landing, flared a little too early but managed to stop before missing the turn in - YES! (To most pilots this will not seem like a big achievment - but I'm very proud of myself doing that, especially in a crosswind!).
So that was that. My first solo landaway and first time I've managed to not miss F! Very happy indeed tonight! Was great fun - after a fairly long time out I'd forgotten how good it is!!
Thanks all!
Mazzy - good luck with the test! And cheers for that link, haven't yet looked at it but I'm sure it's very helpful!
Someone mentioned earlier whether a navigation test should be needed saying as we'll have done the QXC. I've thought about this for a while, and I guess it's probably best to have a test - there may be a useless instructor sending his students away on the QXC who aren't good enough. Not very likely, but could happen. So I suppose it's right to have the navigation part of the flight test...in my opinion anyway.
Cheers and good luck everyone!
John.
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Hello all, just a very quick update, took (only my second) exam today - navigation - and passed with 80%. Hadn't done much of the confuser so was very unsure as to how I'd do, but I passed so I'm happy enough! Next is met - next week sometime. Then I can do my QXC.
Thanks everyone.
Thanks everyone.
Spicy Meatball
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You done well there John - I found Nav to be the most challenging exam of the lot (read my post on it) 
Now that I have finished the exams, I need something else to read - I quite enjoyed studying the subjects, on the train to work or of a night etc. Could always re-read Air Law
Now that I have finished the exams, I need something else to read - I quite enjoyed studying the subjects, on the train to work or of a night etc. Could always re-read Air Law
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Mazzy, if you want something else to read you could try "Mechanics of Flight" by A.C. Kermode which is an excellent supplement to the stuff you will have already covered.
Other books I read during my training include 'The Killing Zone - How and Why Pilots Die'
and 'Stick And Rudder'. Both are excellent reads.
BTW - I was out again the in DA40 last weekend and on returning to Sheffield found that the airport was CLOSED. Quickly had to identify a diversion airfield, calculate heading and distance, fuel remaining, and daylight remaining (only 45 mins!). Doncaster wasn't so far away so I would have gone there, I orbited for about 15 mins then Sheffield re-opened. There had been a training accident in one of the helicopters - I understand nobody was hurt. But it was good to see my diversion training being put into practice.
Although I had my trusty 1:500,000 chart, things were made easier with the dual Garmin GPS stack. A host of local airfields, ranges and directions was soon available
Other books I read during my training include 'The Killing Zone - How and Why Pilots Die'
and 'Stick And Rudder'. Both are excellent reads.BTW - I was out again the in DA40 last weekend and on returning to Sheffield found that the airport was CLOSED. Quickly had to identify a diversion airfield, calculate heading and distance, fuel remaining, and daylight remaining (only 45 mins!). Doncaster wasn't so far away so I would have gone there, I orbited for about 15 mins then Sheffield re-opened. There had been a training accident in one of the helicopters - I understand nobody was hurt. But it was good to see my diversion training being put into practice.
Although I had my trusty 1:500,000 chart, things were made easier with the dual Garmin GPS stack. A host of local airfields, ranges and directions was soon available
Spicy Meatball
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Hi Data
Yeah I have heard about a couple of those books, especially "Stick and Rudder", I will look into those....
Can I ask - what were you initial thoughts when you first realised the airfield was closed? Was there any initial panic, or was it simply a case of doing exactly what you had done in training? I suppose it answers my debate as to whether or not Navigation should be covered in the skills test!
Good work ....
Yeah I have heard about a couple of those books, especially "Stick and Rudder", I will look into those....
Can I ask - what were you initial thoughts when you first realised the airfield was closed? Was there any initial panic, or was it simply a case of doing exactly what you had done in training? I suppose it answers my debate as to whether or not Navigation should be covered in the skills test!
Good work ....
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"Stick 'n rudder"
Hi all,
I've read about half of this oft recommended book. and it certainly does explain the physics of flight in a rather different way! I'll let you decide, but it seems to fit the job better if you fly a tail dragger.
I've now been waiting to do my QXC since the 22nd December. I was away for much of January, but I've been booked in just about every day since the beginning of this month!! The weather in the Midlands has not been at all kind to aviators (especially solo studes), either too windy, too cloudy, too much rain/snow, or too little viz. The frustration has gone away now, and I'm resigned to waiting for better weather - I am, however, really looking forward to getting it under my belt, so that I can move on towards the "big" one!! Everything's plotted, and I'm rarin' to go.
Reading some of the reports on this thread, I am still a bit confused by the different rules applied by different schools. My school is a "stickler" for doing things right - they have a great safety record and are rightly proud of it. There is no way anyone can take any "short cuts", if that's the right phrase. I am however still intrigued that some schools allow a student to do the QXC with only half the exams done. Mine will not allow you to even do the solo landaway without everything but Aircraft Tech. under your belt, and that has to be passed before the QXC. I'm very pleased to say that all mine are well and truly passed now, though like Mazzy, I'm stuck for something to read now. I almost feel as if i'm being lazy 'cos there's nothing to swot up!!
Anyway, I've got lots of slots booked for next week, so hopefully will get the next step done (though the long term forecast is none too promising).
Good luck to everyone, and safe flying. I'l not be posting again on here until i have my QXC report to hand!!
CF
I've read about half of this oft recommended book. and it certainly does explain the physics of flight in a rather different way! I'll let you decide, but it seems to fit the job better if you fly a tail dragger.
I've now been waiting to do my QXC since the 22nd December. I was away for much of January, but I've been booked in just about every day since the beginning of this month!! The weather in the Midlands has not been at all kind to aviators (especially solo studes), either too windy, too cloudy, too much rain/snow, or too little viz. The frustration has gone away now, and I'm resigned to waiting for better weather - I am, however, really looking forward to getting it under my belt, so that I can move on towards the "big" one!! Everything's plotted, and I'm rarin' to go.
Reading some of the reports on this thread, I am still a bit confused by the different rules applied by different schools. My school is a "stickler" for doing things right - they have a great safety record and are rightly proud of it. There is no way anyone can take any "short cuts", if that's the right phrase. I am however still intrigued that some schools allow a student to do the QXC with only half the exams done. Mine will not allow you to even do the solo landaway without everything but Aircraft Tech. under your belt, and that has to be passed before the QXC. I'm very pleased to say that all mine are well and truly passed now, though like Mazzy, I'm stuck for something to read now. I almost feel as if i'm being lazy 'cos there's nothing to swot up!!
Anyway, I've got lots of slots booked for next week, so hopefully will get the next step done (though the long term forecast is none too promising).
Good luck to everyone, and safe flying. I'l not be posting again on here until i have my QXC report to hand!!
CF
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Mazzy
The flight last week was the very first time I had taken my wife flying, so when I found out the airfield was closed I wasn't concerned at all, but I think she was
At that time - I knew where I was (both on my chart and by knowing the surroundings outside), I knew where I was going, I had a good fuel situation, I had enough daylight. I also knew of 5 airfields easily in range that I could land at and had previous experience of landing at. I also had my mobile phone with me so that if I landed away I would be able to call Sheffield to come and collect me.
There were two others also heading for Sheffield and so I made contact and became aware of their positions as they too orbited. At the time the Sheffield radio was off air as the controller was at the incident so we were in contact with Doncaster - but keeping a listening brief with each other and Sheffield.
Now - if I'd been flying cross country to Lands End and got within radio distance to find it closed that might have been a different matter. I would have had to quickly review my chart to get a precise fix. Then review alternate airfields, calculate headings and distance, get information on each airfield etc. and then make a decision. I suppose that would be a whole lot more stressful. It reminded me why I always have my Pooleys to hand on longer flights!
The flight last week was the very first time I had taken my wife flying, so when I found out the airfield was closed I wasn't concerned at all, but I think she was
At that time - I knew where I was (both on my chart and by knowing the surroundings outside), I knew where I was going, I had a good fuel situation, I had enough daylight. I also knew of 5 airfields easily in range that I could land at and had previous experience of landing at. I also had my mobile phone with me so that if I landed away I would be able to call Sheffield to come and collect me.
There were two others also heading for Sheffield and so I made contact and became aware of their positions as they too orbited. At the time the Sheffield radio was off air as the controller was at the incident so we were in contact with Doncaster - but keeping a listening brief with each other and Sheffield.
Now - if I'd been flying cross country to Lands End and got within radio distance to find it closed that might have been a different matter. I would have had to quickly review my chart to get a precise fix. Then review alternate airfields, calculate headings and distance, get information on each airfield etc. and then make a decision. I suppose that would be a whole lot more stressful. It reminded me why I always have my Pooleys to hand on longer flights!
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Just had my cross country qualifier cancelled this morning, 33 knots straight down the runway but too much to let me buzz off to Southend and Cambridge on my own.
I could have done some other stuff that is non-essential at the moment ,but they are very busy today so I have the day off and will have to be patient.
Re exams etc,I asked the CFI yesterday about doing exams before first solo ,he said that normally they insist on Air law before solo, although there is no legal requirement to pass before solo and in exceptional cases would waive this.
I hope to pass R/T this week and then that's the lot done.
Oh well,might cut the grass if it's dry enough!
Lister
I could have done some other stuff that is non-essential at the moment ,but they are very busy today so I have the day off and will have to be patient.
Re exams etc,I asked the CFI yesterday about doing exams before first solo ,he said that normally they insist on Air law before solo, although there is no legal requirement to pass before solo and in exceptional cases would waive this.
I hope to pass R/T this week and then that's the lot done.
Oh well,might cut the grass if it's dry enough!
Lister