With the availability of cheap airfares currently, people are flying more than ever. I love just hopping on a plane and taking off for brief getaways. For me, half of the fun of a holiday, is the flight. I am fascinated by flying. Although I have taken numerous long and short distance flights, I still become excited by the prospect of boarding that big silver bird, speeding along the tarmac and soaring into the sky, climbing with such exhilarating propulsion.
My fascination with flying began as a child after experiencing my first flight at the age of 8. I flew to Perth with TAA (Trans Australian Airlines). I stared out the window in wonderment, for the entire journey. My ambition at the time, was to become an “Air Hostess” (as they were called in those days), but in that era the airlines had height restrictions, I was deemed too short.
When I turned 40, I finally pursued my dream, and decided to learn to fly.
My first experience was with an ultra-light plane, I remember the pilot equalising the weight by placing 2 telephone books under me. It was an awesome feeling, hovering like a bird.
My next lesson took place at the Schofields Flying Club, located on the outskirts of Sydney. My first plane was a Piper Warrior 2 seater, and later I advanced to a 4 seater.
The course was designed extremely well and I learned to do pre-flight checks on the exterior and interior of the aircraft before even considering taking to the skies.
To achieve your restricted pilots licence you are required to complete all 3 phases of the pilot training course and to pass examinations.
Phase 1 of the course prepares you for your first solo flight.
You are instructed on the effects of controls, flying straight and level, climbing, descending, turning, stalling, circuits, circuit emergencies. Typically 10 hours dual instruction.
The theory training is designed for you to gain the knowledge to pass the ‘Pre First Solo Aeronautical Knowledge' examination.
Phase II of the course prepares you for your First Area Solo
You are familiarised with the circuit area, you learn emergency landing procedures and advanced turning. The training involves - 6 hours of dual instruction & 4 hours of solo flying.
On your first area solo, conducted in the training area, you learn to find your way back! I even flew over my place of work.
Phase III prepares you for the Training to General Flying Proficiency Test
You fly advanced circuits, learn introductory instrument flying, bad visibility procedures and advanced emergency procedures which involves 9 hours of dual instruction & a 1 hour solo flight.
Your theory training prepares you for your - 'Basic Aeronautical Knowledge' examination. GFPT (Flight Test) 2 hours dual.
When you pass your first Pilot's Licence, it allows you passenger carrying privileges in circuit and training areas.
My Experience – Spiralling to our peril!
After completing a number of flying hours, I was feeling quite confident about my flying abilities and had advanced to a 4 seater Piper Warrior aircraft.
Given that we had spare seats in the back, Mr J and our son TJ agreed to accompany me on one of my training flights, although, I must admit, they were a tad hesitant.
The take off went well and we began our training manoeuvres, turning a sharp left and then right, resulting in the plane tilting dramatically. Under instruction, I turn the engine off enabling us to practice our emergency procedures such as stalling. Apparently, unbeknown to me, Mr J and TJ were terrified - I didn't realise that my instructor and I were the only ones wearing headphones, therefore we were the only ones able to communicate. Mr J and TJ panicked, they couldn’t hear us and thought that we had really stalled the engine and were spiralling down to our peril.
Finally, to their relief, we eventually landed safely. Mr J’s complexion was decidedly green by this time, and as soon as the pilot unlatched his door, Mr J hastily climbed over from the rear seat, and scrambled OVER the instructor to be first out the door. Needless to say...they NEVER flew with me again.
