Neil_S

Hi Doug,

So where did you live "close by" Southend? I used to live in Leigh-on-sea, and used to go flying from Southend with a mate in various Pipers/Cessnas (he is now an A330 pilot).

Cheers

Neil

Hi guys,

Just wondering if any of you are going to the Point Cook Air Pageant 2010 on Feb 28th?

Lots of interesting aircraft including Mustang, Spitfire, Kittyhawk etc will be flying.

Details here :-

RAAF Museum: Royal Australian Air Force

Also, as a member of the Friends of the RAAF Museum, I can highly recommend a look round the museum which has loads of wonderful old aircraft on display. You should also look in on the Restoration Hangar where a WWII Mosquito is currently being restored.

A must for your diaries! :big_grin:

Cheers

Neil

Hi DeskPilot,

Yes - a worthwhile cause!

When I was in the UK last year I went to see another Vulcan restoration project at Southend Airport in Essex. They are not planning to get it flying as that would cost too much, but they want to get it to taxi condition so they can take it up and down the runway at Southend. On the day I went we were lucky enough to have a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Spitfire and Hurricane on their way back from an event on the south coast to their base in Lincoln too.

We were able to go into the cockpit and have a look around as well as hear some interesting Vulcan history from one of the restoration team. Remarkable stuff!

Cheers

Neil

Hi Keith - congratulations! You will certainly remember that first solo!

Keep us posted with your progress ....

Cheers

Neil

Hi Keith.

Same as you, mate! Always wanted to learn to fly since I was a kid, but only started lessons at 53, and recently passed my test at 54. You are definitely not too old - I have met lots of pilots older than myself, and some started much later than you or I did.

Congratulations on your solo - it's a great feeling, isn't it? Good luck with the rest of your flying - keep us posted.

Cheers

Neil

Hi,

Can I have 2 please, both without my username.

1. Get High....Go Flying

2. Break the law of gravity......Go Flying

Thanks

Neil

That looks really cool! :thumb_up:

Hi Darky,

I am also vertically challenged, only about an inch taller than you, which is OK when flying a Texan as it has an adjustable seat, but when I fly the Gazelle I have a cushion under and behind. No science, just bought a couple and my wife put a cover over them so I can carry in one piece and just sling into the plane. Just gives a slightly better view over the nose, and allows better rudder/toe brake control.

WRT takeoff I agree with Tomo - keeping an eye on the ASI and horizon should allow you to climb out correctly - seems to work for me.

I also remember on my first couple of solos there was a big difference without my instructor - I weigh about 62/63 kilos, which is not a lot over the minimum weight, and he had warned me the Texan would climb very fast with only me in it! He was right! I was at circuit height in no time, and was 100ft+ above it almost without realizing! But after a short while it was easy to control with suitable anticipation of reaching the circuit height and then trimming - APPT - Attitude, Pause, Power, Trim. It's amazing what difference that trim makes!

You will get there, no worries, and who cares how long/short it takes? You are doing this for fun!

Fly Safe

Neil

Thanks for the kind words, folks!

Bryon & GraemeK - I am kinda hoping my wife might go up for a nice gentle flight on a calm day with my instructor, who has zillions of hours flying commercial jets. Unfortunately she doesn't like the big perspex doors in the Gazelle, so the Texan looks a better bet. I will keep you posted on that one!

Cheers

Neil

Hi rescue,

Good move! I started learning at 53 and just passed my test the other day (at 54). Should have done it years ago! You will definitely enjoy it, and you will get lots of support from the guys at this site.

Fly safe!

Neil :thumb_up:

After waiting nearly 6 weeks for reasonable weather, the CFI, and myself to coincide I finally took my RA-Aus test yesterday. My landings were pretty average, not sure if that was nerves or wind shear, but fortunately I still heard the words "congratulations - you've passed!"

Now looking forward to flying some more hours and getting my PAX endorsement so I can take my daughter up (my wife doesn't like "small" planes!), and then doing my Navs.

Only took around 40 years to get there......:big_grin:

Cheers

Neil

Hey! Congratulations! That first solo is great - especially if you are, like me, vertically challenged! That's why we short people like to fly - our only chance to look down on others (that's my excuse anyway). Keep up the good work.

Cheers

Neil

Hi Guys! These two get my vote (as they would catch my attention in traffic) :-

• Alcohol gets you drunk, Flying gets you high
   
   
  
• Break the law of gravity. Go flying!
   
   
  

Fly safe!

Neil

Got mine from Amazon, but I agree - the Booko site is excellent!

Good luck with your helicopter training, Brett! I am sure it will be great fun as well as challenging. I had a "trial session" in a helicopter and it was great. Tried hovering, but couldn't manage to keep it steady - nobody does until after a number of hours I was told. I think when you finally manage to hover it is one of those "hallelujah" moments!

Keep us posted on your progress.

Great pics, Tomo! As you say - the only way to see the country.....

Hi Tony2,

Thanks for this info - like you say, useful stuff, if US-based.

Rgds

Neil

Hi Guys, I have only a few hours in the logbook so far since starting flying in January, and am enjoying each lesson. I'm sure I will have a few "newbie" questions to ask so hopefully someone out there can reply! I am learning on a Texan.

Looking forward to reading all the info on this site.

Cheers!