Good Day today. No Solo, but still great day.
This morning, I did some last minute revision for the Meteorology exam. I was expecting a 40-question affair like the Aviation Law one, but it was only 20 questions. The revision paid off with a 100% pass mark. It makes a such a difference if you’re interested in the topic.
Today’s lesson was about emergencies. I thought it was going to be “the first solo”, but apparently, they are only done at Carlisle (cheaper landing fees), and less pressure on student (negative r/t). But today was very interesting nonetheless.
A lesson takes the form of a briefing, sometimes with some work on the whiteboard from the instructor, or sometimes we’ll go through one of the many manuals. Here is one of the pages that the manual said for today……
Here is what was on the whiteboard…..
As I rode into the GA part of the airport, the helicopter was taking off with another student, so I cracked on with the Meteorology exam. Once that was done, I went to the observation part of the flight school and watched the Harrier pilot mess on with his a/c. Apparently, 2 Harriers had been flying in the vicinity and one had a bird strike. It was over at the main terminal part of the airport. The one in the photo below is the one with no bird guts in the engine…..
Both a/c had a full set of ordinance onboard (a/g bombs and a/a missiles)…
It was intriguing to watch him do his checks and then he got in the cockpit and seemed to wait for something. Eventually a Newcastle Airport Fire Engine turned up and he started his engines. I assume, because it was loaded with bombs that they play it extra safe. It was great watching him taxi away and then takeoff in what must have been less than 300m.
Perfect timing for Steve returning with a student and “my turn”. 
Steve debriefed the other student and then briefted me for the lesson.
We wheeled it over to the bowser for some fuel and then wheeled it back and then Steve left to book us out and I did the checks. Here’s G-MAVI (or Callsign = Northumbria01)
Checked over, I called for startup clearance, started her up and did all the checks bar the 2 where the rotor is going full pelt. I called for departure clearance and then awaited Steve. When he turned up, I did the last 2 checks with the rotor at full speed, called for taxi and we we’re off.
I did all the flying. In fact, assume I do all the flying now, unless I say otherwise. So, to the holding point, and then take off, left turn after the fire station and north to morpeth. The weather was absolutely perfect !!! And what was weird is that it seemed there was a circle around Newcastle of perfect weather, but Teeside and Alnwick areas were full of thunderstorms (Alnwick area visible in the photo above). When I say perfect, I mean perfect. The air was so still………..There wasn’t a bump of turbulence en route to the site.
We did a couple of autorotations en route, and then did one down to about 200 feet above the beach. I was desperately keen to do the whole “entering into autorotation” thing, as normally I don’t control the rotor speed, Steve beats me to it. With the exception of the first one, I did the rest and I was pleased with the whole thing.
Once they were done, we went over to the plateau and did some circuits (they were fine) with some fake landings/take offs 
. My takeoffs were much improved today throughout. My landings too, probably because the wind was only about 10-15 kts. We then did some more autorotations, but this time with turns to see the effect that had and Steve got me to follow him through as he controlled the end part where you recover with full power.
Fake Land/Takeoff, spot clearing turns to ensure no a/c in the vicinity (there was another fast jet today (RAF Hawk)), and then we flew back to Newcastle. Short wait for 1 landing and 1 departure a/c and then landing on 07. Hover taxi in. Not that graceful, but not bad and a nice enough landing apart from the position which was too far away from everything, my bad !!
All in all, a great lesson.
The next time it’s definitely solo. We’re going to Carlisle for the day on Friday (weather permitting). Full cross-country planning, flying, the works. Once there, cup of tea, and then circuits with Steve, and then he gets out, and it’s just lil’ole’me. Can’t wait. Then lunch, then plan flight back and it should be great
It’s been lovely weather – must be great flying in the heat! I like the look of “The YEEHAAA!” too; not long before you’re pulling stunts like that ;0)
How long before you qualify for a ‘copter PPL?
hehe
I’ve done about 13/14 hrs and I started about a month ago, need min 45 hours, but average for helicopter is about 55 hours, so roughly 1/4 of the way through ergo sum approx another 3 to 4 months, but of course it’s very weather dependent. So, it could be quicker or later.
I remember when I did my ppl(a) many moons ago, that I did everything apart from the final cross-country in relatively short order, but waited 2 to 3 months for the right weather for the Cross Country part of the certification. So, finger in the wind Tom, but happy with the pace of things so far.