Thu Feb 26, 2015 1:43 pm
#1356276
I did not imply any criticism of the pilot, he did a fine job.
I am struggling to find the right words to express what I mean.
I can only say that I find an act of self preservation ,even when carried out to this degree of success the most natural way to address the situation in hand . He deserves praise, I have no problem with that but to what level?
I lost the engine in the Prentice crossing the north Kent Coast . I radioed a mayday to Southend who told me the danger area was active and turn back. I ignored their advice and just made it on a dead stick into Southend. My prime concern was to get down in one bit. I knew that if I did I could sort out the paperwork and fall out from the CAA afterwards. If I didn't make it it wouldn't have mattered. ( well ,not to me anyway! ).
The Prentice wasn't exactly a good glider and was a bit of a beast as aircraft go. Lady luck was with me on that day and I did what I had to do. Did it make me a hero? No it didn't even make the News.
I don't see it being so dissimilar to this event.
Please don't hang me out to dry, I have only posted this to express my own personal thoughts,which is after all what forums are for. I have told the story so that anyone reading my original post can understand where my thoughts are coming from.
Before any one accuses me of willy waving let me say , a problem arose, I dealt with it as best I could, I got lucky .
End of !
Trying to keep my total of takeoffs and landings equal