My Brother-in-law Matthew and his wife Aline were back from Australia for a short spell visiting and had dropped in on their way through from a week in Cornwall with my other Brother-in-law Chris. Matthew has had a passion for flying for a while now and dabbled in the arts of flight simulators and Chris is pretty much up for anything. Aline on the other had was a bit apprehensive, understandable really seeing as I hadn't yet qualified as a pilot. So it would take some good scenery to win her over.
Because I wasn't type rated or qualified I had Chief pilot Gary with me. He introduced himself the the three in the back once they were strapped in. "Hi folks, I' Gary, I'm here because Chris doesn't have a type rating in this aircraft however Chris will be doing the flying." I piped up as I climbed in , " this is probably not a good time to let you all know I've never flown this helicopter before" this was met by nervous laughter. "No, really. I haven't flow this before".... Silence.
We got G-SKPP fired up and then we were off. A wobbly start compared to the Schweitzer as everything was so responsive and tight.
After clearance our route took us south from the airfield to the coast and then left towards Hurst Spit at the western approaches to the Solent. We crossed the narrows and swing round for a couple of orbits over the famous Needles Light house then back along the coast to the west past Sandbanks, and orbit over Old Harry Rocks. From here we mad a shortened route back for a rejoin from the west as some thunder clouds were coming in from the west and had the ability to cut us off if we continued out current track.
As we approached the airfield Gary instructed me to do a low flyby of the offices at Bournemouth Helicopters where Sally and my son Basil were waiting for us. This went down well in the back and gave Sally a fright on the ground. From here we did a tight couple of orbits then we had a quick low level to north of the airfield without telling Matthew Chris or Aline. This could have gone one of two ways. 1- no issues 2- Alina vomiting down my back. Fortunately it resulted in No.1! We finished off with a low pass into a rapid climb and then stall turned and headed back to land at Company.
As we shut down the guys in the back were very happy. Aline said it was really good...apart from the last bit. I think if that had been at the start of the flight she would have asked to get out.
All in all a very enjoyable flight and what an incredible aircraft to fly. All I have to do now is rob a bank, win the lottery or start busking at the local shopping centre to afford the type rating.
If you get the chance to fly other craft if even for only one flight, grab it with both hands and run. It really enriches your flying experience. Not just when flying the other aircraft but also when you back to your rated craft. You see it in a different light and it can help you appreciate the handling characteristics and 'witticisms' of the design.
Right this may well be my last post of the year, he's I know I've been totally rubbish with posts and also posts of any flight academia merit, but I will endeavour to sort it out. I'm changing jobs at the end of January from a full time instructor to being a full time Helmsman (the person in charge of the lifeboat for rescues) on a shift pattern so I'll have some more free time in between shifts.
My game plan is to start studying for my commercial during this job so while studying I'll share the love and any handy tips etc.
If you have anything you want to tell everyone, tips tricks, things to be awair of or just some stories of your experiences flying or training then pop into the Your Say section and type as much or as little as you want.
Safe flying!
