Written by: The Proficient Airman, Mubashar Yasin.

Aerobatics with a member flyer – airfield

Recently, I met a member flyer at the airfield. As I was heading to the hanger to push out his plane, I took the opportunity to get to know him and ask him about his experiences as a long-haul pilot. Soon after he was kind enough to offer to take me up flying. It was a great opportunity I couldn’t miss – so it was a resounding yes! A small conversation and genuine admiration really goes a long way!

Pre-flight checks

It was my first experience flying on a tail-wheel aircraft, it was definitely an interesting experience. Initially, Ron and I did a pre-flight walkaround outside – we were inspecting the control surfaces (such as ailerons, rudder and the elevator). As well as the aircraft frame and the wheels. We also inspected the propeller looking for cuts and nicks – this is because during flight stress is placed on the prop, particularly where the prop is absorbing the vibrations of the engines power and the oncoming airstream. These areas of stress are particularly concentrated where there are nicks and cuts. These are known as stress enhancers – these eventually cause the blade to weaken and fail. So it’s just as important to do a pre-flight walk around as it is to do a check of primary flight displays in the cockpit to find anything that might not seem ‘normal’.

After shouting “clear prop” the engine was started. Inside the cockpit we checked the various controls and the primary flight display. We set the altimeter to QFE and set flaps for takeoff. Once clearance was received for taxi we began taxiing to runway 29 for takeoff.

Takeoff

We initiated the roll out for takeoff. The takeoff run on a tail wheel aircraft differs to a usual aircraft roll. Full power was applied at the start of the takeoff roll and forward stick pressure was applied until the tail was lifted off the ground. In effect the tailwheel was level with the main gear and the pitch attitude was held throughout the takeoff roll. Right rudder was applied through the takeoff run to counteract the P-factor. Before we knew it we were airborne!

In the air

We exited the circuit and there was an initial flight restriction at 2,500ft. We then flew to 3,800ft later on. Just after takeoff I gained controls and retained it throughout the whole flight up until the landing phase. We flew towards Stokenchurch and Didcot where we then did some steep turning climb. You could definitely feel the G force pull as soon as we started the climb. We also did a few full rolls – here the pilot took back control and did the turn. It was amazing doing a full loop and reminded me of being an RAF air cadet again where I flew the Grob Tutor T1. It was amazing being able to experience it once again. After flying for 45 minutes, I made my way back to base where we joined the circuit again and gained permission to land. I passed controls back to the pilot to commence the approach and landing – it was a fantastic landing! Cannot expect nothing less for a Boeing 767 pilot who has flown for 20 odd years!

Reflecting to my childhood

For someone who cannot afford to go flying often – the feeling of gratitude of just being in the air once again is one I’ll never stop experiencing. Every time I’m up there it reminds me of when I was a kid and wanted to fly but instead my parents signed me up for a monthly flyers magazine to compensate as money was incredibly tight then – which they didn’t have to do given their financial situation. I cannot thank them enough as it was something I’d look forward to each month as a child and have learnt A LOT just by reading these magazines. I still hold every single one to this day.  It’s true to say for those that love flying their home lies in the skies.

What I learnt from this experience

I learnt a few things:

1. Practising what I learnt in theory – At the age of 14, I began making notes on the theory side of flying using the Pooley’s books. I knew I wouldn’t be able to fly anytime soon and I really wanted to learn everything there was to flying – so I managed to get hold of some free PPL guides and slowly went through them. Being able to apply what I learnt is an incredible feeling and has helped consolidate what I already know to be true. An example of what I learnt is as follows:

•  for example, applying right rudder during takeoff – I remember reading this in order to counteract the left yaw. Left yaw occurs due to the slipstream effect generated by the propeller (moving clockwise) – this hits the left side of the aircraft tail, creating a yawing motion and making the aircraft yaw left. So it’s important to counteract this by applying slight right rudder during takeoff.

• Another example is applying side-specific rudder when turning to the intended side. It is important when turning to only apply rudder when initiating the turn and not for the whole turn. So bearing this in mind when initiating a right hand turn let’s say – I would apply right rudder when initiating the turn. I learnt this from reading ‘Stick and Rudder by Wolfgang Langewiesche’.

Overall, it was a fantastic experience and I’m incredibly grateful to Ron for taking me up. What an incredible man with some amazing experiences and flying hours under his belt.

A final food for thought I would like to leave all you folks with is as follows – everyone will have their own style when it comes to flying. I was flying with a man that owns the aircraft and has done much work to it. He also has flown for 20 years with various aircrafts, including the Boeing 767 to various locations. There will be certain approaches and styles he has that will be different to another pilot – it’s important to be able to question why and how. This helps you learn and be able to apply certain aspects that you think and see fit – there will be certain aspects that give you a whole new perspective to it and expands your learning. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! And most importantly don’t be afraid to challenge what you think you know and what is actually happening in the cockpit. As a pilot you’re always learning!

A pilot once said to me when you start flying – First the plane will fly you. Eventually you will become level with the plane and only after then will you be in control and it will be you flying the plane. After intense learning and re-learning only then you will truly be in control of the aircraft.