You can read here the latest update in the flight training progress of Multiflight Flight Training Centre student Adam Rahnavard. Adam completed his Private Pilot’s Licence at Multiflight flying school in Leeds earlier this year and is now working towards starting his Commercial Pilot’s Licence at Multiflight.
Adam writes: “A lot has happened since my last update and it’s hard to believe where the time has gone this year: it has literally flown. My last update finished with being mid-way through my ‘differences’ training. Having graduated on the smaller two-seater Robin aircraft it made sense to have a few hours’ tuition on the large 4-seater PA28 Aircraft. My licence will happily let me fly both (both single engine) but as with the important safety rules and regulations to move on to a different type of aircraft requires some training and to be signed off as competent by an instructor. In addition, and in order to complete my Night qualification, it was suggested this would be better completed in the larger aircraft that has more space and equipment to facilitate night flight.
The weather in October was starting to go down hill so there was a delay in completing the differences training. However my Multiflight PPL instructor Paul duly obliged once we had a decent day and conducted my training on the PA28 over a few hours. Apart from the obvious differences and features we went through Practiced Forced Landings (PFL), general handling, stalls, take offs/landings and a number of other key tasks. The process concluded with circuits. Paul confirmed he was happy and signed my log book authorising me to fly the PA28. This was great as I really enjoyed flying it and pushing my skills on in a larger aircraft.
It made sense to wait for the clocks to go back first before undertaking the night rating training as this would bring ‘official night’ (30 mins after sunset) a bit nearer. After some unsuitable weather the opportunity existed to get started as conditions were flyable. The plan was to complete the training over a few evenings and we started with a general navigation exercise which I planned up in advance. This was a route from Leeds to Wetherby via Harrogate, Malton, Beverley ad Goole. I was really looking forward to it….
I could not wait to get airborne and shortly after take off I got to see something I have always wanted to see and that was an international runway lit up at night. There are few people in the grand scheme of things who have seen this with their own eyes as it’s a view you only get from the cockpit. What was interesting was how quickly perceptions and views changed given shortly after lift off reference to ground features to judge position, height etc were not there so a focus on instruments was key and my calculations for the exercise. The views of the towns and cities were spectacular lit up at night and an experience I won’t forget. My calculations were accurate and we arrived overhead all of the destinations on time and as planned. It was pleasing to see my nav skills were still quite sharp. On the way back I had to contemplate my first landing at night which Paul pointed out would take some adjusting as depth perception was tricky at night and a different technique was required. There was nothing to be too concerned about providing time is taken to really get the approach right, flare and touch down attitude. All in all I think my first night landing was ok knowing practice would improve it further.
The next suitable evening came along and this time a flight to Doncaster Airport was required. This would allow further tuition from Paul along the route, another navigation exercise to find it and principally circuit practice to really master the night time circuit pattern technique, take off and landing. We found Doncaster Airport without too much difficulty and joined the circuit pattern left hand to do seven touch and go landings. My first one was a little rusty but with each approach came an improvement and by the end I was flying a decent pattern and landing. It has to be said it was not easy and in order to get it right hard work and concentration were crucial. After completion of the circuits we headed back to Leeds, everything had gone to plan.
The final evening of the night training was another short nav (Harrogate and Knaresborough), followed by more dual circuits but then would come the moment of truth: five solo circuits complete with full stop landings. I must admit to having a few butterflies but I was excited at the prospect despite the airport being busy! Paul went through everything again one final time so all the key learnings for night flying were firmly in my mind, he jumped out and I called for taxi. Before long I was airborne and in my first circuit. Just like my first solo flight in the day time (a year ago pretty much) it was a special and proud moment to be up there on my own but this time at night. The views were amazing of Leeds lit up and so on. I had to concentrate hard but flew five decent circuits with good landings which was pleasing. On return I taxied back and jumped out. We were using the Eastern Apron at Multiflight which is lit at night and it was a nice sight to see my aircraft sat there as I walked away. On re-entering the school Paul was there to congratulate me and complete the paperwork. I had now met all the CAA criteria for Night Rating issue and Paul completed the authorisation for this to be added to my licence. Another milestone achieved.
Other than the night rating I have been studying for my Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence (ATPL) exams with Bristol Ground School with their home study package. I’m now half way through this and have arranged to attend the brush-up course and exams in April next year. I am having to study in my own time which is a challenge but I am enjoying learning the material and I am sure the rest of the course will soon pass. The study programme from Bristol is excellent so so far so good!
In terms of flying hours I have amassed 81 at the time of writing with recent poor weather slowing me down a little, although to be expected at this time of year. I am still on track however to reach the 150 hours I need in order to start my Commercial Pilot’s Licence (CPL) at the end of 2012 /beginning of 2013. This achieved along with passes in my exams will complete the requirements in order to start the CPL.
Still a long way to go but I’m really pleased with what I have achieved so far and grateful for all the help and support I receive from Multiflight Flight Training Centre at Leeds Bradford International Airport, Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK. I am still loving every minute: my only regret is that I had not started sooner than age 29!
More updates in 2012….”
