Flight One
9th January 2008
Pilot: Sqn Ldr Bradshaw
Aircraft Type and Number: Tutor GBY VW
Duration : 30 Minutes
No 1 AEF

Flight Description

Today conditions weren't that great for flying although all 6 of us had a flight.

My flight was at 13:15. We taxied out onto the runway awaiting clearance. The pilot asked me about my previous flights and what I had learned from my experience so far.  We took off and cruised to 1500ft where I was handed control to head along the coast. We flew around Nash Point and into Porthcawl. Here we did a series of sharp turns which were excellently instructed by Sqn Ld Bradshaw. We pulled a G-force of around 3G, and the feeling was great. We did a series of these and some barrell rolls. After this and showing the pilot my skills of the turns and using the trim wheel, we headed back to St Athan.  When we arrived back at St Athan, we had to wait about 5-10 minutes before we could land because a VC10 landed and some debris fell off it.  We eventually landed into a crosswind but was awesomely handled by the pilot.  Another good day flying with ATC.

Thank you Keith, Paddy, and all the Officers and Staff at AEF No 1 St. Athan

My pilot told me he loves the feeling of aerobatics, and as he pushed the throttle to full took the aircraft through an aerobatic sequence over Oxford.  I then attempted the same with the aid of the pilot.  As we headed back the pilot said he was going to do a practice forced landing.  This is basically cutting the power all the way down and go around the runway and still land the aircraft.  The pilot did this to perfection which just amazed me at how great these pilots really are!

Dominic's Flying Log 2007