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