FIRST FLIGHT BACK
MET INSIGHT
this time checking everything in microscopic detail. I check the pitot tube with my phone torch to ensure nothing has decided to move in there, the tyre treads and pressures, the fuel three times each side (just to be sure there is definitely no water in it), I use the screwdriver on the end of the fuel sample tester to check every screw is tight, then ‘burp‘ the Rotax and check the oil, remove the chocks and stand back; she looks perfect and I am going to fly her — right now. I give the canopy a good clean and get in.
I set up my phone with the SkyDemon App and load the local route I had planned, plug in the headset, get the checklist and carry on with the internal setup, then it’s time to start the engine. After nearly 90 days sitting in a cold hangar, she starts on the first turn and I study the gauges, nursing the throttle as she comes up to temperature.
I set up the radio and call for airfield information; hearing the familiar voice from the tower is comforting and I write it down and repeat it back. As it’s the first day back after a fairly long lay-off I start my taxy slowly, checking the brakes and steering and all feels great. The adrenaline subsides fairly quickly into a feeling of familiarity as I trundle along the taxiway focused on the task ahead.
'I take a good look at the approach to check for other aircraft'
We are blessed with a massive concrete runway at North Weald, and for this aircraft I would normally start my take-off run at an intersection, but not today; today I call for a back-track — I want the whole length. Pausing at an area at the side of the runway the run-up checks are performed with sharp concentration and then, finally, it’s time to go. I take a good hard look at the final approach to check for other aircraft, announce my intentions and line up on runway 20. One last careful study of the instruments and everything is in the ‘greens’, so a gentle application of power and release the brakes. As I start accelerating the airspeed comes alive immediately, fortunately there’s a stiff breeze straight down the runway and I’m airborne in what feels like moments. Immediately, I find I’ve set the elevator trim a little too far back and I’m having to hold the nose down, so I adjust the electric trim to reduce the stick force. With the wind unexpectedly gusty I get a flap over- speed warning so quickly bring them in as
Fuel checked three times — just to be sure
I’m already at circuit height. I scan the area for traffic then begin my left turn and hit a large pocket of turbulence which almost lifts me out of my harness as I gain an instant 200ft; I realise I really have to think about what I’m doing.
As the aircraft settles I notice the GPS on the multi-function display has lost its signal — typical… But I also have my app for navigation, and of course my chart, for navigation and airspace, the sun is shining and the view is wonderful with the skyscrapers of the City of London standing out beautifully as I reacquaint myself with all the familiar sights — oh, how I have missed this! With lockdown still in place at the time of writing, this maintenance flight will be the last for at least a month under the current rules, though with luck it looks likely to resume soon. But today was something special, today brought back the thrill of flying, reminded me just how involved it is and how much thought needs to go into it after a lay-off — but above all it’s made me appreciate what we do so much more. With all the chaos, turmoil and worry over the last few months, the thought of jumping into a small aircraft again and just climbing away from it all, even if only for an hour, fills my heart with joy.
Oh, how I have missed this...
The sun is shining and the view is wonderful
SPRING 2021 CLUED UP 13
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24
