Observations of an Appie Pilot

[Morph]

I received this from a fellow aviator who wishes for the moment to remain anonymous

My first post to microlighters via one of our esteemed colleges
I started flying in August 05 went Solo in March & got my MPL on weight shift in May 06. Every minute has been a learning experience – bring it on…
My experiences so far,

SOD’s Law Z$10.00
3 cracked engine mounts – check them guys as part of pre flight without the motor running and then stand back I look at it with the motor running. All 3 were picked up pre flight but must have happened during flight.
Hooked the hem of the bottom of my trousers on the rear throttle lever (dual control) not once but 3 times in 60 hours…
Flew from calm conditions and landed 3 minutes later in conditions where I could not keep the hanger swing doors open. Fortunately my Instructor saw it coming – keep your eyes open for incoming weather.
Stripped nut or bolt that holds the bottom of a cable between the back of the keel and engine mount. This happened in flight overhead the airfield, the cable hit the prop a couple of times, I thought it was bird strikes and did an emergency landing cross runway with the engine on idle. The landing was instinctive and in my opinion evidence of repetition during training.
Flat left back tyre on landing, an interesting experience as it was like being on rails; the front wheel had minimal traction on the grass. Fortunately landing into wind and at low speed made the situation easier to deal with.
Cutting it fine at sunset, don’t kid yourself, the sun is shining at 1500 AGL, but not at ground level. Our Aeries do not respond significantly to extra throttle. A good tail wind saw me right on that day.
Failure on one of the mags – discovered on the threshold after ½ hour drive to airfield, ½ hour preflight & fueling (both of which I consider like foreplay). What a downer. I have the habit of checking them hot on the runway after landing.

Other – US$ 1000.00
Going Solo – I only realised halfway through my first Solo circuit I was alone and trusted with this equipment & my own life. Nothing can describe that feeling!
Friendship – meeting people of like mind who always have advice and war stories – listen to them well and ask questions, the old timers have a wealth of experience and will share it at the drop of a hat. The youngsters ask the dumb questions we can’t answer and have not considered for years.
Fly ins and breakfast – awesome.
EAA and air shows
Microlighters web site – what a wealth of info
SA Flyer, African Pilot – I even read the adverts!

Last Sunday morning overhead the dam at 1000” AGL at 06:05, the dam like glass no wind or turbulence, landing one hour later and arriving home at 08:30 smelling of two stroke, eating cheese omelets, wors, tomatoes, chips and drinking pukka coffee served by my ground crew still in her jammies….*&#$% PRICELESS.

[Morph]

......arriving home at 08:30 smelling of two stroke, eating cheese omelets, wors, tomatoes, chips and drinking pukka coffee served by my ground crew still in her jammies….*&#$% PRICELESS.

I need to have a serious talk with my ground crew

[The Agent]

Ja Boet now you are amongst the ranks of many people who enjoy and also make mistakes just like everyone else.
Happiness bru.

[salem]

And the air is crisp and the wind is keen
And the clouds are filled with a silvery sheen
It's the finest sight I have ever seen
For there's nothing on earth so fair!

For now we're up in the air my lad
We're care-free men of the air my lad
And I am the King of the Air my lad
Yes I am the King of the Air

A C Kermode[/i]