Partial power failure scenario. Connor's point landed: just because some power's left, doesn't mean it's staying. Treat it like it'll fail completely any second. Find an into-wind field, commit, and glide. Don't bargain with an engine that's already told you Read More 15 Likes
Five years ago today I flew an aeroplane on my own for the first time. One circuit of Elstree in G-KIKI, fifteen minutes in the book, and the loudest empty seat I've ever heard. James got me there, Ivan checked Read More 6 Likes
Second circuit. Something settled. Connor called it: reading the situation better, adjusting as it changed, being patient with her on the flare. After the rust of being out of the seat, hearing "much more controlled" was the small win I Read More 2 Likes
The impossible turn. Every student hears about it. Connor's version was blunt and I liked it. People say they'll get back to the runway from low altitude. They won't. Pick a field roughly ahead, 30 degrees either side, and fly Read More 8 Likes
Went for lunch at the Aerodrome Cafe yesterday and couldn't get near a table. Took me a minute to work out why. The national press has only gone and discovered the little cafe at the end of my runway. This is Read More 4 Likes
PFL drill with Connor. The engine "goes" and the brain has to do five things at once. 73 knots. Trim. Where's the wind from. Pick a field. Mayday. Fuel checks. All while the ground keeps getting closer. First time back Read More 1 Comments
