Sloane Helicopters - Sywell
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
From: Berkshire
Sloane Helicopters - Sywell
I justed wanted to take time out to publicly than the guys at Sloane helicopters.
I flew in yesterday for a brief discussion with them re: courses and SFH having gained my PPL at another school. On departure 2 of their instructors who had just left the circuit were making haste to land back at Sywell as they could see the weather / wind and rain closing in from the South.
I had never been to Sloane before, yet they offered advice both over the air and back in the hangar - and a free cup of coffee to a low houred PPL who was trying to make his way back South.
Their reassurance that I had "done the right thing" in aborting the flight and advice on best course of action for the rest of the day was extremely helpful.
It was my first bad weather flight, first bad weather abort - and what became my first "away" refuel to cover any subsequent diverts / emergencies I may have during the return flight.....
The weather when I left first thing in the morning was clear and bright - I knew the weather would close in later - but thought I would be back before it closed in around lunch.
A day of firsts and some fantastic experience gained - but the point I wanted to make is - thanks to them for making what could have been a very stressful day into a much more relaxed occurence.
I flew in yesterday for a brief discussion with them re: courses and SFH having gained my PPL at another school. On departure 2 of their instructors who had just left the circuit were making haste to land back at Sywell as they could see the weather / wind and rain closing in from the South.
I had never been to Sloane before, yet they offered advice both over the air and back in the hangar - and a free cup of coffee to a low houred PPL who was trying to make his way back South.
Their reassurance that I had "done the right thing" in aborting the flight and advice on best course of action for the rest of the day was extremely helpful.
It was my first bad weather flight, first bad weather abort - and what became my first "away" refuel to cover any subsequent diverts / emergencies I may have during the return flight.....
The weather when I left first thing in the morning was clear and bright - I knew the weather would close in later - but thought I would be back before it closed in around lunch.
A day of firsts and some fantastic experience gained - but the point I wanted to make is - thanks to them for making what could have been a very stressful day into a much more relaxed occurence.
Last edited by Need money; 23rd November 2009 at 15:18.
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,669
Likes: 5
From: uk
Great call by you and the Instructors. 
It's a pity more people in the past haven't done exactly that as they may be with us still, but i'm sure VeeAny will be glad you're keeping his workload low, not having to edit his statisitcs webpage.
Live and learn, and never ever be afraid to stay on the ground if the weather looks iffy, even more so if you feel under pressure by friends and family etc.
It's a pity more people in the past haven't done exactly that as they may be with us still, but i'm sure VeeAny will be glad you're keeping his workload low, not having to edit his statisitcs webpage. Live and learn, and never ever be afraid to stay on the ground if the weather looks iffy, even more so if you feel under pressure by friends and family etc.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 396
Likes: 0
From: Warwick
Its those same two instructors who taught me to fly... and the healthy respect I have for the weather comes from them! I had also planned to fly yesterday, and did not... turns out it was a very good decision.
A good decision and glad the guys at Sloane's looked after you!!
A good decision and glad the guys at Sloane's looked after you!!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 141
Likes: 11
From: Matanuska Valley, Alaska (The mind wanders back to the village of Plympton Devon sometimes)
Brought a Smile to My face
Many years ago, in fact 35years ago I returned from the US with freshly minted certificates.
Out of money I used my last 3.50 and placed an add in Flight International for a sponsor.
Sloane came back to me 2 days after it posted and walked me through a validation with the CAA.
The then Peter Blyth Nutting (yes claims that he was descended from that Capt Blyth) gave me a room at his house, fed me and yes employed me. Yes they were desperate. David George was a gentleman and all the employees so very helpfull.
It seems a lot of years have gone by but their attitude and graceousness has obviously not changed.
Well done and thankyou Sloane.
Out of money I used my last 3.50 and placed an add in Flight International for a sponsor.
Sloane came back to me 2 days after it posted and walked me through a validation with the CAA.
The then Peter Blyth Nutting (yes claims that he was descended from that Capt Blyth) gave me a room at his house, fed me and yes employed me. Yes they were desperate. David George was a gentleman and all the employees so very helpfull.
It seems a lot of years have gone by but their attitude and graceousness has obviously not changed.
Well done and thankyou Sloane.
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 141
Likes: 11
From: Matanuska Valley, Alaska (The mind wanders back to the village of Plympton Devon sometimes)
Among Us
Spinwing,
Glad to hear DG is still with us,( and still a gentleman) really wasn't implying he had passed on. more like remembering him from 35 years ago.
We all can look back and see the lucky break we got in this industry and I can certainly say that without Sloanes I am not sure what would have happened or which career path I might have taken.
Again glad he is still with us.
Glad to hear DG is still with us,( and still a gentleman) really wasn't implying he had passed on.
more like remembering him from 35 years ago. We all can look back and see the lucky break we got in this industry and I can certainly say that without Sloanes I am not sure what would have happened or which career path I might have taken.
Again glad he is still with us.
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 172
Likes: 12
From: lake district
and if you fancy a holiday they have a fantastic flight school in majorca.
i go annually for lpc's its very friendly even more professional...
best of luck.... the reason we fly rotary is because if in doubt... PUT IT DOWN!!!!
i go annually for lpc's its very friendly even more professional...
best of luck.... the reason we fly rotary is because if in doubt... PUT IT DOWN!!!!
