Weather was good, instructor looked happy - he didn't shook his head when I did the superman pose, claiming that I just left my cape at home. All systems good then :-)
I was briefed about all possibilities, we went through solo checklist. Since the QXC route for EFG is Biggin->Goodwoods->Lydd->Biggin, I'll be joining from Sevenoaks. I've done this few times already on dual navs - so this was mainly a recap and bunch of safety tips.
Sevenoaks is pretty clearly visible, with big town, three large bodies of water and a massive junction on M25. The junction is rather important, as it's the edge of the Gatwick zone - same with M25 west to it.
Runway 03 was in use again Today, so we took off. Standard departure - 1nm and then right turn to the west. This keeps us just on the edge of Orpington, by by now we're 2000ft AMSL or more. On initial climb out I went up to 2500ft, before realising that LTMA is just about to start. Ooops.
We got to Sevenoaks and started routing slightly to the east - instructor demonstrated me how I can use VOR at Biggin to to make sure I won't bust LTMA to the north and how I could find my way back if I get lost, just by following 270 radial TO Biggin. That 'TO' is rather important :-)
We also practiced QDM, which I of course screwed up by saying "Practice QDM G-XXXX Practice QDM", rather then the expected "G-XXXX Practice QDM G-XXXX". But it worked, we got back the heading back to Biggin from where we were, so we just started following it back.
After landing, I dropped the ballast (i.e. the instructor) and went on to do it by myself. Instructor just told me to "have fun, go to the east and practice some turns etc". I was happy to oblige.
Same thing on the way out - this time by myself. I decided to stay at 2000ft. Went to the east, had a bit of a play with VOR. The rejoin itself would make the flight be about 10 minutes, and I need some solo time. Followed some turns and some heading changes, etc. Just basic stuff - but it was nice to do it by myself. All my previous navs or circuits were aimed at fulfilling a certain mission. So it was nice to do few general manoeuvres instead. I did the whole HASELL checklist and went on to do some steeper turns. Picking reference on the ground and trying to circle it evenly around. Worked rather well. I also managed to take some photos - because why not.
After about 20 minutes I had enough and decided to turn back with uneventful return to the apron. This time I asked for backtrack on main runway. Instructor wasn't expecting me so early, and in any case - he said that I should have enjoyed full taxy back - since this still counts to my solo time. Good point, but I think I can taxy well enough - thanks very much :-)
I just remember being extremely elated followed by feeling of extreme tiredness. I pretty much went to sleep once I got home and ate something for dinner. Apparently it's normal - and in any case, I've done full day of work before - even if it was just a desk job.
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| Three lakes at Sevenoaks |
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| The massive M25 junction. We're just turning back to Biggin |
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| Beautiful views with sun hiding behind clouds. |
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| Overhead biggin, about to turn Downwind for 03 |
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| I was rather pleased with myself |
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