After all, this is what I’m here for...
Track of my first flight! |
Since my last update I have passed my differences and PPL Air Law exams and completed up to lesson FK006! So far I
have learnt a lot in these six lessons from the effects of controls to climbing
and descending and onto stalling. Next things on the agenda are some more
stalling, circuits and then my first solo... exciting stuff!
We normally go in around 1.5-2 hours before our off blocks
time and do some preparation for the flight including getting the weather
forecast for the airport and the local area and completing the mass and balance
and performance of the aircraft. We then have a briefing with our instructor,
detailing what we will be covering throughout the lesson. Then it’s onto the
preflight checks of the aircraft; checking the fuel and oil quantity, testing
the fuel for water and sediment and a general walk around of the condition of
the aircraft are just a few of the checks before flight can commence. Then it’s
off to retrieve our instructor and get the flight underway.
So far it’s been quite overwhelming at times at the amount of things there are to remember to do with actually flying the aircraft, as well as adding in checklists to be completed and talking to ATC, however I have found it very enjoyable so far and I think most things will come with experience and practice!
Flight FK006 track, circuits at Matamata top right |
Raglan from the air |
Away from the flying we recently had a trip out to Raglan Beach for the day which is on the West coast about an hour from Hamilton. It’s well known as one of the best surf beaches in New Zealand, shame I can’t surf though! It was an excellent day out and it was absolutely boiling, it’s really weird having hot sunny weather at the end of November! On the way back we stopped off at Bridal Veil Waterfalls which were very impressive. On one of my lessons we actually flew over Raglan Beach which was amazing to see the sights from 2,500ft.
We also have been down the Waikato River a couple of times in inflatable dinghy's with a few beers, enjoying the sunshine. It's great fun and very relaxing!
Floating down the river |
I had the first of my PPL exams today, which is what I have
to take as a result of failing my Mass and Balance ATPL before coming out here
to New Zealand. It was Navigation and Flight Planning today and I’m pleased to
say I passed it with 82%, 4 more PPL exams to go! Hopefully, we should be finished them
by Christmas as we are doing one per week until then; and afterwards I can
focus all my attention on my ATPL resit in February.
I’m flying tomorrow for lessons FK007 and FK008 which are
Stalling 2 and Circuits 1… making quick progress!
Bye for now…