Sunday 27 May 2012

MOT Masterclass

My Permit to Fly re-validation (aeroplane's MOT, if you like) has been nagging for over a month and what with one thing and another it couldn't happen until today, two days before the old one was due to expire. But Craig Whipps and Brian Smy really came through for me today; Craig inspected and Brian check-flew. And G-MYWT passed with flying colours.

The process felt like a bit of a masterclass. I took a paperback, intending to leave Craig to do his thing, but I couldn't miss out on the chance to watch and learn. I took lots of notes, both from Craig and later from Brian....and now have a list of adjustments to do and techniques to apply. Brian said it best when he said the point of what he does is not to catch people out but to get them back in the air.

There is nothing like learning from experts. So from now on I will regard the inspection not as something to dread but an opportunity to learn. And, putting what Craig and Brian taught me today into practice, I am going to become much better at maintaining and understanding my own aeroplane.

Brian was very complimentary about my Quantum's handling. I can't claim any credit for any of that, of course, but it was gratifying to hear it. I have had a lot on my mind recently, but all that was eclipsed by my glorious evening flight, when I sang at the top pf my lungs all the way to the coast and back :)

Sunday 6 May 2012

Finally, after weeks of rain, a slot in the weather, which I filled. Flew for 1 hr 15mins. Flew through rain but there was little wind. Viz was poor.

Great to get a flight in.

Also met James, owner of the other Quantum in the hangar; friendly chap.