While lock-down and private flying restrictions were being eased as this edition of Pilot went to press, restarting GA looks set to be a gradual process and many of us will continue to seek alternative entertainment− and perhaps even a bit of ‘homeschooling’. The Assistant Editor continues with his virtual test flying of simulators−one way of keeping the mind active and staying current, at least when it comes to procedure and overall airmanship, if not providing a true feel for the controls.
Infinite Flight simulator
With ATC and many aircraft models, Infinite Flight is good for fun flying and to practise workload management
“Bournemouth Tower, N505MU left downwind Runway 08, touch and go.” “N505MU you are number three in the circuit, report turning base.” I slow down to 80kt, lower the flaps to 10° and look out on my left for an XCub that I’m following. It’s a sunny spring afternoon with a brisk south-easterly and I’m flying circuits at Bournemouth airport with three other aircraft.
Brakes off, fuel sufficient, engine instruments check, seatbelts secured. I need to extend downwind before turning base because the Cub is quite slow−I’m in a Cessna 172. But at the same time, I’m followed by a Spitfire (yes, a Spitfire) so I don’t want to slow him down either.
Denne historien er fra June 2020-utgaven av Pilot.
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Denne historien er fra June 2020-utgaven av Pilot.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Hybrid-Electric ‘Hawaii Bird' Makes First Flight
Electric aviation company Ampaire flew its second technology demonstrator on 10 September. The aircraft is a refined version of its Cessna 337 ‘Electric EEL’ hybrid-electric power conversion.
Rare Rearwin
Made in tiny numbers by Piper and Aeronca standards, the beautifully-engineered Rearwin Skyranger proves to be a delight waiting to be discovered
Dr Hill's new helicopter
You’ve seen pictures of concept helicopters before, and most of them never rose from the paper… but this one has a better chance than most of flying in the real world. It’s the Hill HX50, and the designer describes it as a ‘disruptive’ entry into the small helicopter market, offering a step-change for the better in safety, performance, comfort and elegance.
Make mine a turbine!
To say aviation and turbines is a happy marriage is true−albeit mainly in the airline, business aircraft and helicopter world. Light aviation, especially the ultralight segment, remains essentially a turbine free field−apart from noble exceptions, in the form of single-engine jets and ‘experimentals’.
Industry experts say...
Representatives from a selection of Approved Training Organisations look forward to the future of Commercial Air Travel and prospects for professional pilots after the pandemic
Flight training
News from the clubs, schools & ATOs
First airline job
... won and lost after just eighteen months in the right-hand seat. Reflections on the rewards of the hardest work in a lifetime
Safety Matters
Safety Matters and Safety Briefs are based on the AAIB Bulletin and UK Airprox Board reports, with additional material from the US National Transportation Safety Board.
Donegal wins ‘most beautiful airport' - again!
Donegal in Ireland has been named as the ‘world’s most beautiful airport 2020’ – for the third successive year – in a major vote by more than six thousand ‘flying fans’. The award is given as part of the annual Scenic Airports poll conducted by private jet booking service PrivateFly.
Come to Sweden!
A French pilot retires to Sweden, where he enjoys great weather, blissful flights and barbecues – and invites British flyers visit this GA-friendly country