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It has to be said that my good friend John
Pugh, seen second left in this picture made my venture into the unknown so
much easier because he is himself working towards his PPL and is a regular
visitor to the club. |
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In we go into what was once the headquarters of Cambrian
airways many
years ago. [see below] The staff and atmosphere are friendly and efficient.
Garry
Hillard wrote: 'It was built in 1962 by Cambrian Airways and was their
Headquarters with the hanger at the side, now demolished, till British
Airways pulled out of Rhoose in the 1980s, see my website'
www.unforgettable.org.uk/cambrian |
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From the small balcony we can see some of the clubs
aircraft. |
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Bill Dyer capturing the arrival of a 'mytravel' plane. |
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Now wouldn't it be nice to have a go at one
of those... |
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The new terminal just across the airport
from us. |
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Time to don our high visibility jackets and head for our
aircraft. This machine has a self explanatory purpose. Although no doubt 110% airworthy, it does have a slight
home built look about it to me. |
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Michael is now alongside 'his' Warrior II. John Pugh was
just a little envious that I was getting a flight in this four seat aircraft
rather than the more normal Piper Tomahawk. |
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Biggles Baker gets in... |
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The really good news was that my wife was
allowed to accompany us and act as second unit photographer.
No back seat driving Jean. |
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Now where are those seat belts? |
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Pre flight checks over, time to start up the 160 BHP
engine. Two magnetos, two sets of spark plugs and two fuel tanks all combine
to ensure maximum confidence in the passengers. Correction, instructor,
student and students wife. |
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Now, lets get to grip with the controls. |
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Not quite like the Audi dashboard. Oh, and no
clutch pedal. |
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So, you just point it down the runway and
open the throttle. Well, a bit more than that. |
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V1 V2, rotate. Well, that's what they say on
the big flight decks. |
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In just a few seconds we are up and away
over the green fields of South Glamorgan. |
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This is my first glimpse of my village of Aberthin. The
Downs are on the left as we approach from the North East. |
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Chez Nous is just left of centre. |
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The centre of Aberthin. The residents will
make more of this than the casual viewer. |
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Heading south towards Cowbridge. The Comp
upper right near the flyover. |
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Not too long afterwards we approach the Severn Bridge(s)
The new one in foreground, or is it forewater? |
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Shortly after this shot, Mike (Trainer) demonstrated a 3G
turn that was, shall we say, interesting! |
