30/07/2005

Victor 1 with twiddly bits

For a treat for my brother and nephew who are currently in Australia, I offered to take them for a scenic flight over Sydney. Whilst I've done the scenic flight a few times before now, I decided to have a go at doing the optional orbits over the harbour. I've been reluctant in the past as it involves a bit more radio work as you have to get permission from the guys at Sydney International Airport to be able to do this.



Anyway, whilst the radio was certainly busy, I managed the calls okay and even got back to Camden before dark. I later learnt that my flying instructor was in one of the other planes flying around the harbour. It was perhaps as well I didnt know this was the case until after the flight!











15/07/2005

Back in the air, just...


After a month in the UK, and finally having a few cents in my pocket I managed to reach to the skies again to fly a few circuits.

Today there was a bit more wind than the last time I flew, which actually helped on the landings. On my previous flight, the wind was 'light and variable' and I was cought out on one circuit with a clight tail wind. With a few knots of headwind today, and a slight cross wind at times, it lead to some better circuit practice.

Take-off was delayed a bit though through a faulty aircraft. On switching on the Masters to lower the flaps prior to my pre-flight inspection the usual whir of the Gyro's was not present. A phone call to the engineer soon sorted this. I'm pleased I noticed the problem as the flight could certainly have been a bit too interesting with only some of the flight instrucments working!
The flying school has now added a new online booking system to its website which makes booking even easier - its just like booking a flight online with Virgin Blue :)