Just got back from my second flight. This time I was in Piper Warrior G-BSAW as the Cessna was in for maintenance. It started of with a more in depth talk on the effects of all the controls building on from last time. Then we went out to the aircraft, quick walk round with the checklist and got strapped in. After starting the engine I taxied out to runway 10 where we did the power checks, again still followng the checklist. Takeoff was at about 60 knots, slightly faster than the little Cessna I was in last time. Immediately after getting airborne it was obvious it wasn’t going to be so bumpy! We turned left towards Wolverhampton, I caught a quick glimpse of Ounsdale School as we passed over Wombourne then followed the M54 West towards Telford. Ahead I could see a big hill sticking up in an otherwise flat landscape, The Wrekin! Overhead this we turned South towards Bridgnorth and the airfield.

On the way I was taken through all the primary and secondary effects of the controls at both high and low speeds. Then went through and practiced trimming the aircraft at various attitudes before moving onto the effects of flaps. This was a slightly more strange feeling then everything so far; as I pulled the flap lever up (it’s similar to a handbrake on a car) the plane shot up as more lift was generated. Going back down the opposite happens, if you put the flap up in one go it causes a small drop in altitude.

After this we were heading back towards the airfield to join for landing. Away in the distance towards Wolverhampton it looked a bit grey, there was a threat of storms like yesterday and it had started to get a bit more bumpy. On the final approach we were a bit high, I was still doing most of the flying with the instructor guiding it in places and suddenly we hit the ground with a small bump, hold the brakes on and turn off to the right to taxi back to parking.

Another good flight! Hoping to have another booked soon, possibly next week.

Today, I took the first step towards becoming a pilot! I flew a Cessna 152, G-BNMF (as pictured below) from Halfpenny Green Airport. I arrived at the flying school a few minutes early, and was briefed by the instructor on the effects of the various controls of the aeroplane and what we would be doing once we got airborne. After this, we went out to the aircraft and I was strapped in the left hand seat. Once I had familiarised myself with the controls from what we had been talking about inside, I turned the key and started the engine. After testing the breaks, I was shown how to taxy and made my way to the runway.

C-152 G-BNMF

Once at the runway holding point, there were some final checks to make sure everything was ok before we received clearance to take off. I slowly pushed the throttle all the way forward and felt the engine propelling the aircraft down the runway. After a few moments, the wings were starting to generate lift and we made it into the air with a bump.  The altitude indicator started slowly moving clockwise indicated we were climbing, passed 400, then 500 feet and upwards. It was evident at this point that the air was quite turbulent, and I was advised this was due to thermals as it was quite a warm day. Still in control, I was instructed to turn back towards the airfield to fly overhead and on towards Wombourne. We flew over Wombourne and I could see the Ounsdale field, and the village green and Baggeridge ahead. Then I saw the side of my house looking down the road. We flew a couple of circles over the house then headed out towards Dudley. On the way, I was shown how to do balanced turns using the rudder, climbing and descending. Before I knew it, we were over Bromsgrove following the M5 South, then turned back towards the airfield. Next I was shown the effects of adding and removing power, and introduced to using trim. It was still very bumpy so it was quite difficult to do anything!

After all this, I turned back to the field and we joined the circuit overhead with a descent on the deadside. As there was a few minutes left the instructor decided we would do some circuits, so reported final behind another aircraft. He was barely off the ground before we touched down, and the crosswind made it quite difficult but I landed it (with a bit of assistance) and we took off again back into the circuit. As we were climbing out I noticed a glider up above, obviously taking advantage of the thermals I had been feeling all along. We turned downwind, then final and were advised that the glider was orbiting just ahead. Another landing, then I taxied back to the apron and shut down. First flight over!

I hope to be booking some more lessons soon!

Taxiing In

I haven’t posted in here in a long time, something to do with having not a lot of time probably. I might get round to doing some updating in the new year. I’ve just updated to Wordpress 2.7 which is very flashy and nice, so I might make some changes to things over Christmas.

Anyway, I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy all things festive.

I’m currently doing a young firefighter course with WYAT at Wombourne Fire Station. We’re just over half way through the course, and have done things such as hose running, spraying large amounts of water under high pressures, hydrants and learnt some things about how fire spreads. Last week we used the hydraulic cutting equipment to cut up a car, which was loads of fun.

Here is a video of a chip pan demonstration we did last night.

Today I played my bagpipes at the final funeral for the Warwickshire Firefighters who were tragically killed a few weeks ago. The whole thing was very moving. It started off marching the family from their house the short distance to the fire station, where the hydraulic platform was waiting with the coffin, flanked by Firefighters in ceremonial dress. We let the procession down the road to the church where the service was to be held. After the service, we played the coffin out to Flowers of the Forest, a very nice slow air. We then had a police escort to the crematorium (that was fun and scary having Police bikes whizzing past) where we played outside as people entered and again as they left.

Last week I also played at the first of the four funerals, doing a similar thing. Both funerals were very individual, and a very fitting tribute to those brave young men.

Video of me on the BBC news. If you can’t recognise me, I’m the piper on the left of the screen (on the right of the procession). This was broadcast on the BBC evening news last Friday. I was also on BBC Radio 1 news playing the bagpipes. That’s my moment of fame for this year!

Last weekends I played at the Remembrance parade in Birmingham with my pipe band. Here is a video of me playing the Lord Mayor of Birmingham onto the parade ground..

Today I finally got my hands on my 21st Birthday present – an hour in a full-motion 737 simulator in Yorkshire.

I arrived at the flight centre at about 2.15, my flight starting at 2.30. I filled in a form with my details and was taken into the simulator. On first impressions, it seemed very small and cramped as I expected it to. I took my place in the left hand seat, and my instructor sat on the right. I was given a quick briefing of all the controls and gauge, then the instructor placed the 737-200 aircraft on runway 16 at Aberdeen. I pushed the throttles all the way forward and started accelerating down the runway, feeling every bump of the rough surface before finally getting airborne. The instructor called “positive rate” and raised the landing gear which locked in place with a clunk. After my initial comments about being able to feel all the bumps from the turbulence, the instructor took great delight in making the rest of the flight pretty bumpy which was a nice touch, but made it difficult to hold a steady rate of climb or descent.

I flew round in a circuit given headings by the instructor to establish on the ILS for runway 16 to make my first landing of the day. I kept on the power till over the numbers, then quickly retarded the throttles to idle to make a nice firm landing. I then taxied round back to the runway to make another takeoff. This time shortly after takeoff the instructor cut the number 1 engine, which caused me to apply a boot full of right rudder and went round to land on the single engine. I think I made a pretty good job of this one considering the situation; at least I made it onto the runway! Next up was a landing in low visibility. I managed to get established onto the ILS just inside 4 miles after a few problems relating to my inexperience and after a bit of wavering around managed to put it down just before the runway started – doh! Considering it was probably about 200 m visibility, I don’t think it was that bad for my third landing! Next up I did another few landings, including one in about a 15 knot crosswind which I managed to get down just right of the centreline.

All in all, a truly fantastic experience. To anyone who thinks they can fly an aircraft because they can use flight simulator – I say rubbish! It is so different being able to feel the aircraft moving in response to control inputs you make.

Just noticed I haven’t posted an awful lot over the last month of so. Probably due to the fact that I haven’t done an awful lot either. When I got back from the Jamboree I helped out with KOSSMIC for the last two weeks of the summer holiday which was good. Since then I have just been chilling and relaxing and looking for a job. I’ve applied for a number of jobs in numerous different positions, none of which have been successful yet. Guess I’ll just have to keep looking, I’ll find something interesting soon.

So, if anyone would like to employ me (I’m really good, honest!) don’t hesitate to contact me!

I’ve just uploaded some photos I took at the Jamboree into the gallery. I took over 200 so it was a bit of a job selecting the best ones, but I think I’ve picked a few of the most interesting.

This is my last message from the 21st World Scout Jamboree! The closing ceremony is this evening, starting at 2100. I am supposed to be leaving tomorrow morning at 1100, so hopefully should be home sometime not too late tomorrow.

I’ve had a great time, got loads of photos which I will put up as soon as I can, and loads of souvenirs with good memories.  I expect I’ll be telling people all about it, so don’t worry!