It was the 4th of March, when we made our way to Biggin Hill for a trial flying lesson; the most tedious part of the whole day was actually getting to Biggin Hill (I live in North London, and having picked up a sister-in-law on the way in Greenwich, it took over two hours to make our way through road works on the A2 and around the M25 to Biggin Hill.).
On getting there, really late, the staff at Civilair were very civil to us, and managed to get us signed in and briefed, myself, the flying instructor (a certain Mr Bennewith), Joanne, my (then fiancee, now wife), and her father were introduced to a Grumman Tiger AA-5B, with registration G-TYGA.
After the pre-flight checks and taxying around the field (which is quite something on an aircraft with no steerable nosewheel), we lined up for takeoff. I couldn't get used to differential steering with the brakes, and ended veering right along the runway. Thankfully, the instructor took over and took off safely.
"Look, I can see the seaside". That's me in the left hand seat, Almost all aircraft are 'left hand drive', and many have dual controls, to allow the co-pilot to fly the plane to a similar extent of control as the pilot. (Though some of the knobs, dials and controls may be positioned a little more appropriately for the left hand seat). Looks like a positively hair-raising experience to me.
Airbourne! This shot is taken flying over Tunbridge Wells. (I'd like to point out that my hands were too busy with controls to take the pictures - the pictures were taken by Joanne)
A view of the seafront at Bexhill / Hastings.
And low flying over the sea. You're allowed to fly low over the sea. This was approaching a danger area D044 at Lydd Ranges.
This is an aerial view of Winchelsea, taken shortly after heading inland from the coast, looking west.
Returning inland, we passed over, and flew a few tight turns around Bodiham Castle. In maneuvers like this you really get to appreciate that when you turn right, you need to use right rudder as well, the balance ball on the turn co-ordinator will show you the direction that your stomach contents is trying to go.
One hour and five minutes after takeoff, we touched down, just after a very slow flying Cessna 135.
[ Flying ]