Microlighters

I have just unpacked my last pax from the plane without flying her

If fact, I taxiied at about 11:40, down runway 24 for take-off, and then taxiied back again.... no flight. This with a German tourist, and about 15min after landing from my previous flight with a British tourist.

It had nothing to do with the tourist though, and thank goodness she is very understanding. Her friend is flying with David, and she will go when her friend comes back

This is the 3rd time in my flying carreer I have made the call not to fly... its a tough one First one was leaving Demon's plane for him where he did not expect it, second time when I was not happy with the Skydive C182, and now this...

On our last flight, it was getting guite bumpy. The wind is only about 10-15kts, but its incredibly thermic! A SouthWester came through earlier, and the lapse rate is such, that it is really hard flying. But its not conditions I have not flown before ... so why did I elect to sit out? You know, I can't explain it.

Gut feel.

That thing I always teach my students about, last check before take-off. The feeling down your spine.

I know I made the right decision (I think ), but it is a really, really difficult one to make .

Just thought I'd share this with you. For all the guys in future who has that gut feel... don't fly. It will probably cause self-doubt (more than likely - especially if others are flying), and it will probably eat into your confidence a chunk, but you'll get over it.

Making the decision to not fly today, means you are able to fly tomorrow.

Thanks for sharing,

I think it is good to always be a little nervous, not nervous as in scared but nervous as in respect if you know what I mean. Hopefully if I get that gut feeling I will act on it as you did and not try be clever.
I would assume there is more pressure to fly (from the average flyer like myself) when you have a pax that has arranged to come for a flip, set up a time and date etc. I guess that is when you really have to be decisive and sure of what you are going to do and not feel bad to cancell if you are not happy to fly?

Seems like it was a good call. David said the conditions between the coast and the airfield was 'violently turbulent' In 3500 hours I have only heard him use that term twice

Yip good call. I always say Better be carefull and live to fly another day. If in doubt there is no doubt. Happy flying

Always approach flying with apprehension. Complacency is a killer!

Seems like there was something in the air... We are about an hour into one of the most spectacular and wide spread thunderstorms I have seen in Natal. Driving back from Durban, it was daylight!

Diwali and Guy Fawkes does not have a touch on Nature's splendour

Johann Froneman always says that if you get that funnny feeling before a flight then don't fly - I believe in trusting your sixth sense 100%!