Sat Dec 15, 2018 12:24 pm
#1657966
Not that new, Andy.
In 1986 I did Blackpool to Carlisle and the instructor pointed out Walney Island as we passed. My QXC soon after was Blackpool - Walney Island - Carlisle - Blackpool. Not difficult nav, on the way out sea to the left, land to the right, reverse for return leg. I didn't think I even needed a chart, so simple was it.
The only problems on my QXC were entirely self-generated. Due to a change of schools I had never flown a PA28 solo prior to my QXC so the CFI suggested I did a quick circuit and, if I lived, I could continue on my way. I survived the circuit but almost not the climb out after it. The houses got very big before I realised that in my excitement, I had neglected to retract flaps and was trying to climb out with full flaps. This does not work well.
On approaching Walney Island the controller asked me to report at a VRP and so I turned to get my chart so that I might identify it and it had slid off the seat and was now in the rear footwell just out of reach whichever way I turned. The recovery of the chart necessitated a climb into the rear seat which gave a brief but very interesting view of a PA28 with no-one in either of the front seats, merrily flying itself across Morecambe Bay.
I was very young and even if I was still that stupid now, I couldn't climb into the back of a PA28.
I hope that NewFlyer78 enjoys his/her QXC and that it is memorable for all the right reasons, unlike my own.
In 1986 I did Blackpool to Carlisle and the instructor pointed out Walney Island as we passed. My QXC soon after was Blackpool - Walney Island - Carlisle - Blackpool. Not difficult nav, on the way out sea to the left, land to the right, reverse for return leg. I didn't think I even needed a chart, so simple was it.
The only problems on my QXC were entirely self-generated. Due to a change of schools I had never flown a PA28 solo prior to my QXC so the CFI suggested I did a quick circuit and, if I lived, I could continue on my way. I survived the circuit but almost not the climb out after it. The houses got very big before I realised that in my excitement, I had neglected to retract flaps and was trying to climb out with full flaps. This does not work well.
On approaching Walney Island the controller asked me to report at a VRP and so I turned to get my chart so that I might identify it and it had slid off the seat and was now in the rear footwell just out of reach whichever way I turned. The recovery of the chart necessitated a climb into the rear seat which gave a brief but very interesting view of a PA28 with no-one in either of the front seats, merrily flying itself across Morecambe Bay.
I was very young and even if I was still that stupid now, I couldn't climb into the back of a PA28.
I hope that NewFlyer78 enjoys his/her QXC and that it is memorable for all the right reasons, unlike my own.