Sunday, November 13, 2005
Dizzy
And so we return to circuits: just like those at the gym but more exhausting for body and mind. These are to hone your discipline and skills around the airfield. When coming into land you don't just aim for the runway, you have to join a well-defined, height-regulated and Air Traffic Control (ATC)-controlled pattern. Circuits helps to speed that process up by taking off, joining the circuit and coming into land before, without stopping, powering up again and taking off.
Each circuit around Biggin Hill takes, I suppose, around 8 minutes. I say I suppose as I'm not really aware of time, just tasks. When taking off you have to maintain a certain speed in the climb and turn at the right point and at the right height. Then there's the strict circuit height (as other aircraft may fly overhead), keeping distance from and looking out for other aircraft who may be joining the circuit from other airfields, usually from 'deadside'.
On the downwind it's checks time and BUMFFICHHL: dab the Brakes, check Undercarriage if not fixed, fuel Mixture to rich, check Fuel is sufficient for a go-around and that the pump is on, set Flaps as required, check Instruments and that the directional indicator aligns with compass and that temperatures and pressures are green, turn Carburettor heat on, ensure Harness is secure, that Hatch and windows are closed, that Landing light is on. Oh yes, and you need to advise ATC of your position. Oh... and fly the damn thing of course.
By the time that's all done it's probably time to turn onto base leg. Here you're really getting ready to land, the flaps go down to improve lift while slowing the plane's speed. Descending, descending to a turn onto final... the details of which I'll leave til another day...
After 5 or 6 of these I was dizzy enough combined with my head spinning from task after task. And I'm paying for this?! Still, a circuit will be my first solo activity so, in spite of exhaustion, I feel a whole lot more confident at the end of the day than at the start.
// posted by Paul Campy @ 10:34 pm 
