From Zero to Forty Five - my PPL Diary
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BIGGLES 77 : You are going through nothing unusual,if you read back this thread you will find everybody has the same things to go through at roughly the same times in their training as you progress, it is a natural thing and a good thing to be aprehensive and thing's will become second nature after a while but complacency should not be.
You will get there in the end as we all have/ or are in the process of...
Regards all
GT
You will get there in the end as we all have/ or are in the process of...
Regards all
GT
Spicy Meatball
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Firstly, apologies for not posting in so long - I changed my address in my profile and the activation email didn't come through for about 2 weeks!
davidatter708 - thanks for the post mate, how are you getting on since your last post?
Paul - how's the flying going, got your poo wallet yet ?
Lee
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davidatter708 - thanks for the post mate, how are you getting on since your last post?
Paul - how's the flying going, got your poo wallet yet ?
Lee
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Hi all
Wasn't sure whether to post this here or on Ben's, so I thought I'd go for the original.
Skills test, Sunday July 30th. The nav section was at first glance fairly easy from Wellesbourne to a overhead a grass strip near Bristol and then to a Valley town in South Wales. I must admit I was nervous for the first section despite everyones words of encouragement, including the examiners. The weather didn't help, it was pretty bumpy and with the cloud base at just over 3000 ft I couldn't climb above it for the nav section and had to fly most of it at 2500. Height control was not easy it was thermic and windy so take your eyes off the horizon say for a FREDA and by the time you got back to the altimeter you had a height correction to make. With this and being so nervous I felt as if I was 10 seconds behind the aircraft untill I got to the grass strip and positively identified it. We were early which may also may have made me feel slightly behind the aircraft, but I did recognise we would be early and gave a revised ETA on the outward leg. After that I calmed down and flew the second leg better, positively identified a waypoint and then came the diversion.
The diversion was to another grass strip more or less on the way home and with a lovely range of hills, the Malverns, to aim at to confirm my heading the diversion was easier than expected. Luckily I spotted the wind was almost on our tail so I got the ETA pretty well spot on.
I was quite pleased with my general handling, I was just asked to do a second steep turn to the right, and that one went pretty well, oh and I had to use my undershoot field on my PFL but the examiner said I would have got in OK.
The circuit work was hard work. It was so
choppy on final approach that I forgot to select second stage flap I was so busy trying to keep the aircraft on line and steady in the approach. I think because I was tired after 2 hours of flying in bumpy conditions and because the approaches were difficult my landings were not as good as I would have hoped but they were sound.
The main thing is I got a pass
and I've been wearing this big silly grin since.
Regards Chris.
PS Would love to fly in to Tattenhill on the 19th but I will be driving down to Devon.
Wasn't sure whether to post this here or on Ben's, so I thought I'd go for the original.
Skills test, Sunday July 30th. The nav section was at first glance fairly easy from Wellesbourne to a overhead a grass strip near Bristol and then to a Valley town in South Wales. I must admit I was nervous for the first section despite everyones words of encouragement, including the examiners. The weather didn't help, it was pretty bumpy and with the cloud base at just over 3000 ft I couldn't climb above it for the nav section and had to fly most of it at 2500. Height control was not easy it was thermic and windy so take your eyes off the horizon say for a FREDA and by the time you got back to the altimeter you had a height correction to make. With this and being so nervous I felt as if I was 10 seconds behind the aircraft untill I got to the grass strip and positively identified it. We were early which may also may have made me feel slightly behind the aircraft, but I did recognise we would be early and gave a revised ETA on the outward leg. After that I calmed down and flew the second leg better, positively identified a waypoint and then came the diversion.
The diversion was to another grass strip more or less on the way home and with a lovely range of hills, the Malverns, to aim at to confirm my heading the diversion was easier than expected. Luckily I spotted the wind was almost on our tail so I got the ETA pretty well spot on.
I was quite pleased with my general handling, I was just asked to do a second steep turn to the right, and that one went pretty well, oh and I had to use my undershoot field on my PFL but the examiner said I would have got in OK.
The circuit work was hard work. It was so
choppy on final approach that I forgot to select second stage flap I was so busy trying to keep the aircraft on line and steady in the approach. I think because I was tired after 2 hours of flying in bumpy conditions and because the approaches were difficult my landings were not as good as I would have hoped but they were sound.The main thing is I got a pass
and I've been wearing this big silly grin since.Regards Chris.
PS Would love to fly in to Tattenhill on the 19th but I will be driving down to Devon.
Fixed+Rotary (aircraft, not washing lines)
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Mazzy's famous thread refuses to go away! 
Chris - congratulations! Well done, it can't have been easy. I was up in the air over the weekend, at 4000ft it was smooth flying but descending through 3500ft it was some of the choppiest weather I've ever been in. My approach and landing at Sheffield was 'interesting'. I wouldn't like to have done my skills test in such conditions.
Chris - congratulations! Well done, it can't have been easy. I was up in the air over the weekend, at 4000ft it was smooth flying but descending through 3500ft it was some of the choppiest weather I've ever been in. My approach and landing at Sheffield was 'interesting'. I wouldn't like to have done my skills test in such conditions.
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Well done Chris,it takes a while to sink in before you realise exactly what you have achieved.
Did with me anyway!
Paid for my share in the Cub last night and will be doing my tailwheel conversion the weekend after next,I was in the hangar late afternoon inspecting the aircraft in the diffuse sunlight and it made me realise why I had learnt to fly.
Lister
Did with me anyway!
Paid for my share in the Cub last night and will be doing my tailwheel conversion the weekend after next,I was in the hangar late afternoon inspecting the aircraft in the diffuse sunlight and it made me realise why I had learnt to fly.
Lister
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Thanks guys,
MyData I was pleased to hear you say it was choppy on Sunday, I thought it was me! I did 3 solo circuits on Saturday to get in the groove for Sunday because I hadn't flown for nearly 3 weeks and severely dented my confidence because it was difficult to fly the circuit accurately perhaps it was choppier than I thought!
Got to do my RT practical, then I can send off for my licence. Scary thought I can take non flying pax, and I feel I know nothing.
Still grinning though
Regards Chris
MyData I was pleased to hear you say it was choppy on Sunday, I thought it was me! I did 3 solo circuits on Saturday to get in the groove for Sunday because I hadn't flown for nearly 3 weeks and severely dented my confidence because it was difficult to fly the circuit accurately perhaps it was choppier than I thought!
Got to do my RT practical, then I can send off for my licence. Scary thought I can take non flying pax, and I feel I know nothing.
Still grinning though
Regards Chris
Spicy Meatball
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Chris - very well done to you
The feeling you get after taking your first passenger is superb - it all fits into place then on what you have achieved!
No, that's before the test !
Cheers,
Lee
The feeling you get after taking your first passenger is superb - it all fits into place then on what you have achieved!
await the poo brown package to arrive
Cheers,
Lee
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Woot!
Hi everyone,
I've got my first flying lesson this Monday at 1500 with Liverpool Flying School. I'm really excited! After reading almost every post on this epic thread, I feel like I've known some of you for years!
So if anyone will be at EGGP Monday afternoon and fancies buying me a beer for being a piloting virgin, let me know
I'm off to run around the house with my arms outstretched making aeroplane noises...
-J
I've got my first flying lesson this Monday at 1500 with Liverpool Flying School. I'm really excited! After reading almost every post on this epic thread, I feel like I've known some of you for years!
So if anyone will be at EGGP Monday afternoon and fancies buying me a beer for being a piloting virgin, let me know
I'm off to run around the house with my arms outstretched making aeroplane noises...
-J
Spicy Meatball
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Mersey - welcome! Suppose the thread isn't what it used to be, as so many of us have passed but glad you found it a good read...
Who is your instructor?
Cheers,
Lee
Who is your instructor?
Cheers,
Lee
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Hi Mazzy,
I spoke to Bill on the phone yesterday, but I don't know if he's going to be my instructor.
Understandably this thread isn't what it was two years ago, but I know a few people who've trained with LFS have posted, so I decided to share my excitement
Besides, this thread has got a reputation for being "the thread that wouldn't die", which needs upholding
-J
I spoke to Bill on the phone yesterday, but I don't know if he's going to be my instructor.
Understandably this thread isn't what it was two years ago, but I know a few people who've trained with LFS have posted, so I decided to share my excitement
Besides, this thread has got a reputation for being "the thread that wouldn't die", which needs upholding
-J
Spicy Meatball
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hehe cheers
Bill is a top bloke but unfortunately doesn't instruct anymore - he works the desk. There are some very good instructors there, if you manage to speak to Dennis, give me a mention
Bill is a top bloke but unfortunately doesn't instruct anymore - he works the desk. There are some very good instructors there, if you manage to speak to Dennis, give me a mention
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Hi guys,
RT practical done and dusted, log book checked, stamped and verified. All forms filled in, signed with log book, medical certificate and passport all on it's way to the CAA.
Still grinning
Regards Chris
PS As this thread refuses to lie down and stay down. What is everyone now doing post PPL? Mazzy any more stripping?
RT practical done and dusted, log book checked, stamped and verified. All forms filled in, signed with log book, medical certificate and passport all on it's way to the CAA.
Still grinning
Regards Chris
PS As this thread refuses to lie down and stay down. What is everyone now doing post PPL? Mazzy any more stripping?
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Me, post PPL:
1) Numerous flights over Sydney Harbour for various people. I really really need to find something new to do.
2) A couple of 'for the hell of it' jollies in company with some mates in other aircraft, or just around to the nearest couple of airports for 'something different'
3) Scared the bejeebus out of myself in an aeroplane at least once
At the moment - flying just enough to stay competent (as opposed to 'current'), aiming to move on to taildraggers in the near future (once the required $$$$ come through!)
1) Numerous flights over Sydney Harbour for various people. I really really need to find something new to do.
2) A couple of 'for the hell of it' jollies in company with some mates in other aircraft, or just around to the nearest couple of airports for 'something different'
3) Scared the bejeebus out of myself in an aeroplane at least once
At the moment - flying just enough to stay competent (as opposed to 'current'), aiming to move on to taildraggers in the near future (once the required $$$$ come through!)
Spicy Meatball
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Mazzy any more stripping?
Well if you remember a few pages back I made a rather sad post about my father, well his funeral was on Monday, so in short, the past 12 months have been the worst of my life - it's funny because I have also achieved some good things, but not been able to celebrate them as much as I would have liked to.
As a result, I only have 4.5 hours total, and have not been up in about 8 weeks, simply not had the time with recent events etc and lack of motivation at losing my Dad so young.
Anyway, things are settling down somewhat now, so my aim is to get up with my instructor soon and get my currency back, before taking to the skies once more (and give some better replies on here - again, lack of time to pretty much anything!)
Sorry for the negative post, just wanted to get a few things off my chest (you know what I am like for doing that
)Best wishes,
Lee
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Mazzy - sorry to hear the sad news.
On the post-PPL front I've carried on learning and looking for opportunities to improve my flying:
- Started IMC training and have five hours under my belt. I'd recommend this to many people as it is a great way to hone your flying skills and improve your safe flying.
- Flown family and friends all over Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
- Spent last weekend circuit bashing (I kid you not). I found I was lacking confidence in some of the basics after doing lots of flying around so hired a machine and did some circuits, slow flying and PFLs.
- And to top it off I'm now learning in helicopters, with 2 hours so far. Now there is a challenge for anyone, hovering is sooooo difficult to master, I'm up to 45 seconds before the thing decides to oscillate wildly and its time to say 'You have control' to the instructor!
Kookabat
That sounds awesome, but I know what you mean about finding something new to do. Our nearest big landmark is the Humber Bridge with a span of about a mile. It is cool to see it from the air the first time, but after taking everyone for a flight there I'm starting to feel like a tour guide and looking for somewhere else to go.
On the post-PPL front I've carried on learning and looking for opportunities to improve my flying:
- Started IMC training and have five hours under my belt. I'd recommend this to many people as it is a great way to hone your flying skills and improve your safe flying.
- Flown family and friends all over Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
- Spent last weekend circuit bashing (I kid you not). I found I was lacking confidence in some of the basics after doing lots of flying around so hired a machine and did some circuits, slow flying and PFLs.
- And to top it off I'm now learning in helicopters, with 2 hours so far. Now there is a challenge for anyone, hovering is sooooo difficult to master, I'm up to 45 seconds before the thing decides to oscillate wildly and its time to say 'You have control' to the instructor!
Kookabat
Numerous flights over Sydney Harbour for various people. I really really need to find something new to do.
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Condolences
Hi Mazzy,
I'm really sad to hear your father has passed away. I spoke to Dennis on Monday, and he said he saw the obituary in the paper and wanted to pass on his condolences to you. You're right, he's a top bloke.
My first lesson was absolutely superb. We flew over the Wirral and along the North Wales coast, before turning back at Llandudno. There's an awful lot to take in, but Dennis's calm demeanour put me at ease right away. We were no. 5 as we were coming in, so it was 10 minutes of orbiting around the garden festival; 30 degrees bank is much steeper than I thought! I'm not sure I'm looking forward to doing steep turns
And to top it all off, I picked up the complete set of Trevor Thom books from eBay for £50
I hope your skies get clearer from now on, Mazzy; it'll be great to see you back in the air.
Sincerest regards,
-John
I'm really sad to hear your father has passed away. I spoke to Dennis on Monday, and he said he saw the obituary in the paper and wanted to pass on his condolences to you. You're right, he's a top bloke.
My first lesson was absolutely superb. We flew over the Wirral and along the North Wales coast, before turning back at Llandudno. There's an awful lot to take in, but Dennis's calm demeanour put me at ease right away. We were no. 5 as we were coming in, so it was 10 minutes of orbiting around the garden festival; 30 degrees bank is much steeper than I thought! I'm not sure I'm looking forward to doing steep turns
And to top it all off, I picked up the complete set of Trevor Thom books from eBay for £50
I hope your skies get clearer from now on, Mazzy; it'll be great to see you back in the air.
Sincerest regards,
-John
Spicy Meatball
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Thanks for the kind words all
John, we really must meet up! Don't worry about 30 degrees, and when you come to do steep turns, just remember one thing (well a few things) you need to increase your power to counteract the loss of airspeed as a result of increasing the angle of attack! That will make more sense in later hours and as you read on, but that's what is being looked for in the flight test (as well as being safe throughout your flying days of course).
PM me your email and I will be in touch...
Cheers,
Lee
John, we really must meet up! Don't worry about 30 degrees, and when you come to do steep turns, just remember one thing (well a few things) you need to increase your power to counteract the loss of airspeed as a result of increasing the angle of attack! That will make more sense in later hours and as you read on, but that's what is being looked for in the flight test (as well as being safe throughout your flying days of course).
PM me your email and I will be in touch...
Cheers,
Lee
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Skills test
A fantastic thread- can't believe that I've never seen it before!!!!
I know it's a bit of vague question, but....
I've just completed my QXC (Barton-Wolverhampton-Blackpool-Barton) and after an hour or so of 'brushing up' I'm going to do my skills test next week.
However, I'm a bit unsure of weather I'm ready for it. All of my instructors say that I am (about 6 in total!!!) but since I (obviously) haven't done the skills test before, I don't know exactly what standard is required and what to expect.
Did anyone elese feel the same or is it just me?!!!
EK
I know it's a bit of vague question, but....
I've just completed my QXC (Barton-Wolverhampton-Blackpool-Barton) and after an hour or so of 'brushing up' I'm going to do my skills test next week.
However, I'm a bit unsure of weather I'm ready for it. All of my instructors say that I am (about 6 in total!!!) but since I (obviously) haven't done the skills test before, I don't know exactly what standard is required and what to expect.
Did anyone elese feel the same or is it just me?!!!
EK
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I'm probably not the most qualified person on this thread, but it sounds like you've just got pre-exam nerves. Your instructors wouldn't say you're ready if you're not, they don't gain anything by it. It seems everyone who's got to this stage and have posted on this thread, have gone through exactly the same feelings of unpreparedness. Most of them surprise themselves by performing well on the day, but even if you do fluff up some parts of it, you can still get a partial pass, which gives you the opportunity to brush up on the bits you failed on and take the remainder.
If you're really feeling unready, then another option may be to ask one of your (many!) instructors to take you through a mock test, just so you can get a handle on what you need to do, and any sticking points you might have. If your instructors are anything like mine, they'll want you to pass.
Go on, you can do it. No, really, you can!
-J
If you're really feeling unready, then another option may be to ask one of your (many!) instructors to take you through a mock test, just so you can get a handle on what you need to do, and any sticking points you might have. If your instructors are anything like mine, they'll want you to pass.
Go on, you can do it. No, really, you can!
-J