EK,
I was very worried before my skills test and managed only a few hours sleep so was really tired before I started.
It is a long test around 2.5 –3hrs and although my navigation section was OK I was absolutely knackered when we got to the flying exercises and only managed a partial pass, thankfully when I re-sat the failed section it was OK second time round.
I wish I had taken a mock exam of the whole skills test, having said that, I never asked and I suppose if I had it would have been allowed?
Anyway wishing you good luck.

Mazzy,
I’m sorry for your distress and know a little how you must feel.
My father died when I was 18,and I still miss him,my mother died when I was around your age so for a lot of my life had no parents to share things with
We had a small engineering business and dad would have been interested in my journey through life, I really missed not sharing my various exploits into sailing, motor racing, now the flying and of course also my career which although agriculture based has also been strongly linked to engineering..
Luckily I have had fantastic friends and partners, and now a good wife who has shared a lot of my pains and pleasures over the years.
I’m afraid I don’t believe in the afterlife but know that we live on through our deeds, so your father will live on for you through his influence on your life.
My best wishes for the future
Lister

Mazzy, I really am sorry to learn about your Dad. I paid for my PPL training with my inheritance following my Dad's death, he never knew his son was a pilot. I bet your Dad was really proud of you!

EK4457, If your instructors reckon you are ready you'r ready. It's like your QXC, only you have a passenger. If you would be uncomfortable with the weather for a solo flight don't go. You are the Captain, it's your call. If you drift from height or heading put it right. If you make changes to height, heading ETA tell him and tell him why. If you see other aircraft tell him.

It's a long flight without a break and with general handling at the end you will need to brush up PFL's, EFATO's, slow flight, stalls, steep turns etc if you havn't done any for a while. Plus a few circuits with normal , flapless and glide approaches. It dosn't have to be perfect, just demonstrate that you are safe.

I was really nervous for mine but in hind sight it was because it is the first excersise you do without practicing with an instructor. You'll be fine:ok:

Regards Chris

EK I will second exactly what Mersey has said, and no matter how much prep you do for it, you somehow never feel ready. No matter how many times you go over the mock, like Mersey said, you are being sent for it because your instructors think you are ready. You won't do anything in the test that you haven't already done in the training (well, that's not quite true for me!).

Best of luck and let us know how you get on,

Lee :ok:

Edit: Guys, looks like were posting at the same time - I really do appreciate those kind words, they mean a lot....

Mazzy, I'm so sorry to hear of your sad loss. Your dad would be proud as punch of you anyway, I'd bet your exam and PPL success just added to that pride. He'll be smiling down on you from IMC land somewhere!!

Hope to see you back in the air very shortly, mate.

Thanks guys,

Just wanted to know if it was normal to be a bit apprehensive. Seems it is!!

Mazzy, I don't belive in the afterlife either, but your old man would most definately have been proud.

EK

Skills Test Duration...
 

You can request to do the skills test in 2 parts. I did due WX; but you can request to do the nav on one day/trip and then the general handling on another.

Got it!!!!
 

Hi all,

Just to let you all know I am now the proud posessor of a CAA poo coloured wallet complete with PPL.

Now what do I do?

Regards Chris

many congratulations.
now go and get a 100 quid burger.

Top notch 1d ! Now get out there and take your first victim flying!

How did the test go ?

Lee :ok:

1d2d..

Congratulations. I bet it wasn't as bad as you were expecting!

I completely failed to report my ppl pass on here. It was back on one of those incredibly hot days in July. Had a brilliant NAV section in the morning, followed by a general handling session during which I entered a spiral dive from my first attempt at a steep turn and nearly exceeded Vne on recovery:suspect:

Nonetheless, my examiner clearly thought I got enough right to pass me. The circuit work was very interesting, because it was so hot that my pa28 was practically scraping the trees at the end of Wycombe's runway, during the touch and goes.

I have taken two victims flying so far - a friend who had flown quite a lot before, followed by my father in law, who was pretty nervous.

My wife wants a trip next week - but she's always really calm, so should be fun.

I think it's really important to select your first passenger post qualification carefully. You will be a little tense yourself (all that new responsibility) and the last thing you want is to get distracted having to calm someone down. If you can, I would really recommend choosing someone who is comfortable flying in small aircraft and knows what to expect.

Mazzy, sorry to hear about your dad. My dad passed away long before I took up flying, which was a shame because he was in aviation himself. He worked on the Comet testing programme and Concorde development at Farnborough.

Happy flying everyone.

HH

Thanks HH - I am sure these things are either punishment, or something that is sent to test us - perhaps a bit of both!

Cheers,

Lee ;)

Thanks all

Mazzy I reported on my GFT a page back. Got an aircraft booked for Sunday morning for my first flight as PIC on my own license, Wx permitting, but the forecast is pretty good so far.

Regards Chris

:\

Sorry 1d - slip of the mind there!

I always find that a great part of the flight is when after you have landed, and you disembark the spamcan, and just take a step back and reflect on what you have just done!

Enjoy!

Lee :ok:

Bet you got a shock then when you got the email telling you about a new post in here ;)

The reason I am re-incarnating this thread temporarily, is because I am about to host this diary on a site of my own.

I have thought of a lot of ways of doing this, and have come up with a few ideas. Originally I was going to display all of the diary posts of my own, I.E those which documented all my flying. However, I thought it would make more interesting reading, if I simply posted everything by everyone.

So - would anyone object to me doing this? It will show your usernames....

BRL - any objections from you or the powers that be?

How are we all doing? Feel's like years ago since I last posted here :ooh:

Lee :ok:

No problem with me Mazzy. What are you up to now? Keep us posted.

I have not flown for over 10 weeks because of knee surgery. I've only flown twice since my skills test:{ . Still I've got a check out tommorrow so should up up and away from now on.

Regards Chris

Cheers Chris :ok:

Well what a year it has been! Lots of good and plenty of bad!

I now work in Deeside - North Wales (yehaa) in a Pharmaceutical firm (Every time I meet another pilot they are never surprised I work in IT :rolleyes: )

So far, I am averaging an hour a month, which I am happy with considering I bought the house in May. It is just a money eating machine! It is difficult keeping up the hours, but all the more enjoyable when you do fly. Hope your doing ok with the knee recovery...

Hope you are all well,
Lee :ok:

Hi Mazzy,good to hear from you and no probs at all with me and your proposed website.
Re - flying I now have approx 85 hours total including 28 hrs solo in PA28-180 and Piper Cubs.
I'm averaging around 1 hour per week in the WW2 Piper Cub of which I have a very small share!
Mostly local flights around East Anglia but it really is great fun and well worth all the stress,hassle and expense of getting there.;)

Best wishes ,good luck in the new job and keep us posted
Lister:)

lo mazzy,
no problems here either. For those that care, I'm just getting towards the end of my commercial training, got just over 200hrs now, currently 2-3weeks away from the IRT :yuk: Passed my CPL test in September so am now offically a commercial pilot :ok: Hope your all good and enjoying your flying!

Hi All

Checked out by AME so my medical is revalidated and had a club currency check today which was ok so I can now go flying again:p

Chris

Mazzy's proposed diary
 

Mazzy

I was a lurker and possibly rare contributor to your thread, but I really enjoyed it. I've put all my own lessons on a public website, which is actually pretty bold as the domain name is my name (those were more innocent days). According to the pprune forum rules I'm not allowed to use my real name here, so I guess that means I can't post a link to my site :confused: .

I have nearly 40 hours, but stalled somewhat after a runway excursion landing after my first area solo (blooming tailwheelers).

Vey interested in Lister flying around in a Cub, as on Flight Sim I find the Cub harder to handle than the Citabria I use.

Actually I'll be back in Blighty in a couple of weeks (mainly Scotland). What's the weather lilke for flying in the middle of winter? I might just try a 172 out of Cumbernauld or somewhere for perspective and to remind me what I'm missing. And at least it won't try to swap ends on me :bored: .

Let me know when your diary shows up. If anyone wants a laugh at mine they can pm me.

Good to see you guys doing well - Lister, I am very jealous of your achievements, I would give my left arm for a decent share like that at Liverpool! There are one or two, but training is the problem (I.e. Chipmunk). If the Citabria ever comes back to Liverpool, then I am right in there!

Chris - feels like years since I saw "Blinkz" on here - glad the training is going well, and don't forget my jump-seat ride when you reach the top :ok:

Ding - I haven't seen such a ruling that doesn't allow you to post your own name! Send me the link to your diary and I will check it out...

As far as my online version goes, I have spent what seems like an eternity, organising and sorting out the diary. When I eventually get round to generating this site, there may well be a facility for you all to put your own up there - watch this space .....

Cheers
Lee :ok:

P.S. I was gonna give a few insults to Neil (DiscoChocolate) to once again see if he is still lurking about in here - Chris - if you chat to him, please pass on my good compliments :p

Mazzy

I've no problem with my contributions going on your diary. You might just want to get confirmation from the PPRuNe powers that be that you can effectively lift and drop content from this site to yours.

My diaries are also on-line (a search for my PPRuNe name will find the site), the PPL one is complete but now I'm doing IMC and PPL(H) which is keeping me busy as the posted diaries need to be tidied up and edited.

Went for a 'short' flight from Sheffield to Hucknall at the weekend, but the long way - tracking VOR radials across South Yorkshire / Derbs / Notts. And a land away at a small grass field - great fun! I've around 75 hrs now and 8 on rotaries. Slowly but surely making progress with no great rush.

MyData,
I enjoyed reading your PPL(H) diary. ;)

Hiya Helen ;)

Data - I must be in the wrong job - what have you done in life to be able to afford all that :confused: :ok:

Whirlybird - glad you liked the diary - I really do need to tidy it up now that I know you are reading!

Mazzy - same line of work as you, but with a few more years behind me :(

Hi Mazzy

Feel free to use whatever I have posted. I have not made it up to Speke yet, but will soon I hope. I'm up to 146 hours TT now and bought an old aeroplane in August. It's a 1967 PA-28, but it does have a rather nice 6 cylinder 235hp donkey. Tis a bit thirsty though at 48l/hr leaned, but hey. Done 25 hours in it since August.

Pure luck that it came up for sale at Shoreham, my home airfield, and with a place in the hangar. The previous owner had just finished building a Europa and so didn't need the PA-28. He still flies it occasionally as do the other two guys who rented it before, so it helps with the fixed costs.

I have not started my IMC rating yet due to lack of time, but did venture across the Channel for the first time last Saturday. Went to Le Touquet via Lydd and Cap Gris-Nez. Loveley weather going out at FL55, with a bit of rain over Boulogne, but nothing much. Decided to return direct from Le Touquet to Seaford and ended up dodging about between rain clouds at 3,000ft, but no real issue. We couldn't make a full day of it, of course, because of the light, but it's another box ticked :)

Good wishes to one and all

Lysander

Hi Mazzy. Thumbs up from here regarding lifting the thread but you will need permission from all who have contributed, that is the difficult part!

The rest of you who have other sites, you can link to them in your profile so when someone clicks on your name, they can click on the weblink there. :)

Hi
 

just thought i'd say Hi and introduce myself, I'm currently at around 13 hours on my PPL course and am doing circuits in a PA28 -160 at Newcastle airport.

I've only just started reading this thread today and i have to say its excellent, its really helped me to see I'm not the only one making mistakes and of course get things right!

A big congratulations to all who have passed their PPL's - I hope to one soon! :D

cheers

Craig

MyData,

Please don't worry, I only skimmed it, and probably won't have time to do much more than that. And I certainly won't have my critical instructor's hat on when I read it, I promise!!! ;) :)

Hello again!!
 

Hi everyone, it's been months since I posted on here, and I'm pleased to see the Mazzy thread is still going strong. Firstly Lee, I'm so sorry to hear of your fathers passing - it's something we all have to face at some time, and I know what you are going through.
I hope you get your flying activities up and running again soon. I too have not spent too much time in the air since achieving ppl, averaging only about an hour a month, simply following my Garmin 296 around the Midlands. As such, I was falling into the trap of just flying to stay current, which is easy to do, so decided I needed to do something to get motivated again. Hence I've embarked on the IMC course, again out of East Midlands.
Guy's, I can thoroughly recommend the IMC course, it's absolutely fantastic!
I've had just three hours to date, flying on instruments alone and navigating by way of VOR's/DME, The best bit so far? Two full ILS approaches into East Mids in rain and poor light/viz. What an experience, I felt like a Boeing pilot!! I was allowed to look up, only at decision height. It took a few seconds for my eyes to settle to the outside world again.
I have found that the many hours I've spent on FS2004 doing blind approaches in virtually zero viz has given a tremendous grounding and understanding to instrument flying.
I have found it really sharpens up your flying - you HAVE to maintain steady height and direction, though with constant scanning, it's actually easier than when flying VFR. The first 30 seconds after entering cloud is quite strange, almost claustrophobic, and it is of course 100% essential you believe your instruments, no matter what your body senses are telling you. To date, I've had no attack of the leans, though it's probably only a matter of time!!
I can thoroughly recommend this course - it's exhilerating and great fun, but I do find at my age, I'm pretty tired after an hour of staring at instruments alone.
I was due up today for my third lesson, but my instructor was off with family problem, but I'm up again next week, so I'll update you. He reckons I should be ready at the minimum 15 hour stage - hope so, to keep the costs down.
Once again, I cannot recommend the IMC course enough - It's worth having a go!!

Chequered - I'd concur 100% with what you say about the IMC. I've had around 10 hours now and it is such a good way to consolidate the PPL experience.

Doing ILS approaches is very rewarding - I use Doncaster rather than East Midlands and have been fortunate enough to have some of my lessons in real IMC conditions where focussing on the instrument scan is vital (I have veered off the straight and narrow a few times - it is so easy to do!).

I had the leans just the once. On about my third or fourth hour. We were in contact with East Midlands and heard the Emergency Response Helicopter crew return to base due to poor viz. I was being tossed about, in cloud, no reference to the ground and not feeling so great - then the leans kicked in. Quite unsettling!


Whirlybird - No problem, once it is tidy and more complete you can read at your leisure. :-)

'Scuse my ignorance - what the hell are 'the leans'? :confused:

Kev.

Cheers BRL - I think for now I will do just mine, then perhaps a link where it will be possible to download the 'lot'! And you still owe me that pint ;)

Craig - I am shocked. A new member to my diary, not had that for a very long time! Thanks for posting, glad you enjoyed the reading - feel free to let us know how you get on - you can be in the 'New Breed' :ok:

Cheq/Data - Very tempted to sign up for the course having read what you have said (stop getting me to spend more money on training!). Thanks for that, sounds excellent....thanks for the kind words also Cheq...

Kev - from what I understand, the leans is when your body tells you that the aircraft is doing one thing, when in fact it is actually doing another. Think of VFR flying, when you look out the window, your brain and your vision will match, as you can see out the window. However, when your in cloud, you don't have the vision to rely on and MUST trust your instruments. I have never experienced this myself, but try putting your head down and staring at the floor in a moving car (not while your driving of course :uhoh: )

Cheers all - good to be back :ok:

And a big thumbs up from me for using my posts on another site.

another delurk....just fnished reading this thread with much interest

am currently about eight hours into my ab initio training and it is nice to have been able to gain some insight into the road ahead...

I am splitting my training between two flying schools - in melbourne and sydney as my current work commitments keep me split between the two cities - I have been managing to squeeze a couple of hours a week in the evenings after work.

Shemy/Miraz - welcome :cool:

Shemy - drop me a line next time your down, I will nip over to Ravenair ;)

Miraz - Kookabat is the guy to talk to about flying in Australia :ok:

Thanks - I've been reading his postings, I am sure you don't want another bitching session about the glacial state of CASA's licensing process....been waiting over a month for my student license, security check, etc to go through - current estimate is another 6-7 weeks.

I have another round of circuits booked for tomorrow afternoon down in Melbourne...nice way to spend a Friday evening.

I used to fly Gliders in the UK many years ago, which is helping immensely with the basic handling training...it is interesting learning to fly repeatable manouvres by the numbers, and adopting a different mind set about flying the a/c. I have discovered that a sharp intake of breath from the RHS on final approach means that I have judged my flare for a glider with no undercarriage. :-)

Correct! I experienced this during my IMC course, and I think most people do.

All your built in sensors (middle ear etc) with no visual references will tell you that the aircraft is banked left or right (most commonly) or even climbing or descending (less common) but your instruments tell you different!

You HAVE to trust the instruments, and sometimes it ain't easy!

Good luck with the IMC course anyway! :ok:

Do this is cloud - total visual sensory deprivation from the outside world. No cues of up / down or straight / level...


Ears and stomach say: "We are turning left, make a correction to maintain heading"

Eyes: "No, we are straight, and level"

E+S: "No, can't be, I can feel it, put some right stick in"

Eyes: "No, look, the heading bug isn't moving"

Cue battle of the senses, until the newbie VFR PPL makes the common sense judgement and turns the aircraft to the right.

E+S: "There - thats better we are flying straight and level now"

Eyes: "Oh no we're not, look we are turning"

E+S: "We can't be turning, this 'feels' nice and straight, I'm not leaning due to turning forces anymore"

Eyes: "Look, there, look, we *ARE* turning, the AI says so, the HSI says so, the compass says so"

E+S: "Mmm.. you may have a point there..."

Another battle of the senses, IMC student takes over and turns the aircraft to the left to align the instruments. Maintain the instrument scan. Everything is OK again.

E+S: "Woah! Don't like this, we are turning again, look, I'm even leaning over to counter the forces"

Eyes: "Aw, just shut up and look at the instruments"


And so the battle continues... all the while the instructor is probably having a quiet chuckle.

But it does get tiresome and confusing. And it is so easy to get out of line if you don't maintain that instrument scan all the time! Even short actions such as radio changes and VOR idents etc. can throw everything off course.

Awww geees I'm not THAT cynical am I???? :O :O :* :E


See what bringing the thread back to the top will do... suddenly we get all the Prooners who joined since it was last 'in swing', so to speak, de-lurking. Good stuff!!


Meanwhile, I'm off to watch the Ashes :D :E