Model Boat Mayhem

Mess Deck: General Section => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: fatcat123 on July 07, 2011, 10:58:55 pm

Title: Flying
Post by: fatcat123 on July 07, 2011, 10:58:55 pm
(thread given the ok by Martin as per PM)

Hi Folks,

I have been busy the last month learning to fly! I managed to gain my PPL in 3.5 weeks. The rumour on the airfield was that i am an ex RAF pilot. I took to it like a duck to water.

Next steps are to hour build and start my commercial license and eventually become an instructor. I'll never fly for airlines but would stretch to business jets. Thats all in good time though.

I won a flying scholarship with these guys - http://www.toreachforthesky.org.uk/ (http://www.toreachforthesky.org.uk/) after my big accident a few years go changed my life forever. I went to a selection board at RAF Cranwell in april and started my training on 6th June at Wellesbourne airfield. I was followed along with two other scholars by a film crew - details of which i will post when i know air dates, basically to promote the charity. My sponsors were the Battle of Britain memorial flight and i was invited to RAF Coningsby a while ago to have a VIP tour and to sit in a Spitfire, Lancaster and a Hurricane.

I passed all ground exams and both navigation and general skills tests with 3.5 weeks which surprised many.

Few Pics.

Dan
Title: Re: Flying
Post by: nhp651 on July 07, 2011, 11:05:19 pm
very well done dan...........it's a good job you can't see the other side of the screen...........green with envy,

you looked at home in the spit, that's for sure.
neil.
Title: Re: Flying
Post by: gribeauval on July 07, 2011, 11:06:35 pm
Jumbo might not be enough Dan, how about an Airbus 380 !!!!!!!! {-) {-) {-) {-) {-) {-) {-) {-)




Mike










p.s.   well done mate !  :-)) :-)) :-))
Title: Re: Flying
Post by: stoney on July 07, 2011, 11:07:26 pm
 Well done Dan  :-))

 Paul
Title: Re: Flying
Post by: wartsilaone on July 07, 2011, 11:17:55 pm
Nice one Dan. I'm a little Jealous. :-))
Title: Re: Flying
Post by: adam_goodin on July 07, 2011, 11:33:08 pm
Well Done. I always wanted to learn to Fly ... maybe!  :-))
Title: Re: Flying
Post by: Bee on July 08, 2011, 12:00:06 am
Peak oil,  Global warming - you do have a backup career plan?
Title: Re: Flying
Post by: carlmt on July 08, 2011, 12:46:31 am
Congratulations Dan - a very good effort and a good 'advert' for the charity........and the flying scholarship scheme generally......

I sat the RAF selection board years ago when it was at Biggin Hill - passed after the 2 days, but was only offered navigator (I wanted pilot on hercules or other multi engined transport to gain multi time for the airlines when leaving the RAF). Unfortunately I didnt accept their offer and became an architect instead (bloody fool!!!!).

Took my PPL back in 1996 at Bournemouth with the local club on a Cessna 152 Aerobat - my instructor was a keen aerobatic pilot so all the lessons ended with 10 minutes of throwing the plane around the sky - perfect.

Unfortunately, I let my licence lapse some 6 years ago.....................................miss it terribly at times!!!!!!

Enjoy the flying - and damn good luck with the hour-building toward your career.  Get yourself in with a Group - it is the cheapest way to fly and build those hours.....

Carl
Title: Re: Flying
Post by: andyn on July 08, 2011, 03:54:10 pm
Here's me when I used to go flying 6 years ago... Just prior to doing some aerobatics over Blackpool {-)

(http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll184/andyn_01/Picture090.jpg)
Title: Re: Flying
Post by: carlmt on July 08, 2011, 03:55:14 pm
ATC-AEF?
Title: Re: Flying
Post by: andyn on July 08, 2011, 03:57:08 pm
Atc, yup. Was only with them for a year or so though.
Title: Re: Flying
Post by: rmaddock on July 08, 2011, 06:47:43 pm
Very well done indeed Dan.
I'm the proverbial colour of envy.
I was once, about nine years ago now, within weeks of starting my own PPL with much the same aims as yourself. Unfortunately, child number two then came along and spoiled the finances. <*<
He's got a lot to make up for!
Robert.
Title: Re: Flying
Post by: essex2visuvesi on July 08, 2011, 11:01:42 pm
Something I always wanted to do but never had the money.  :((

Also Im not certain of this but I think my colourblindness would have stopped me as well
Title: Re: Flying
Post by: fatcat123 on July 09, 2011, 03:29:38 pm
Jumbo might not be enough Dan, how about an Airbus 380 !!!!!!!! {-) {-) {-) {-) {-) {-) {-) {-)




Mike










p.s.   well done mate !  :-)) :-)) :-))

I've been thinking for days about a comeback for this comment but i simply can't think of anything so you win  {-)

I'm fat i know but atleast the gym has started again, I'll be as thin as you one day Mike.  :-))
Title: Re: Flying
Post by: fatcat123 on July 09, 2011, 03:31:21 pm
And thanks for all the well dones  :-)

Its an amazing experience and so onwards and upwards we go.  :-))

Captain Cat.
Title: Re: Flying
Post by: gribeauval on July 09, 2011, 03:50:42 pm
Welcome to the wok smugglers club Dan !!   {-)


Mike