Last summer I was honoured to have been entrusted with a real SE5a, a proper first war fighter, and as such a single seater. Consequently, the only check-out would be a good verbal briefing on the ground. Once sat in the aircraft I’d be on my own!
Shuttleworth’s Chief Pilot talked me through it and, very generously, gave me a copy of the Collection’s notes for their own aircraft. Oddly−but in hindsight absolutely correctly−much of this briefing centred on starting the Hispano Suiza engine−a four-man process not without pitfalls−and the pressurised fuel system. This, once understood, makes sense, but seems overly complicated initially. However, with regard to flying, apart from engine management and almost using the ailerons to balance the rudder, little was unexpected, bar a dire warning to be absolutely at the correct attitude on landing. “Do that, and it’ll land itself,” I was told. If, however, either mains or tailskid touch first apparently a nasty, almost uncontrollable, bucking can start as the SE5a bounces from mains to tail.
Thankfully, the flight went as per the brief and I managed to avoid this bucking on landing. What a hoot, wheeling around in the Old Warden overhead, I watched the polished Spitfire streak underneath my wings. Sadly he was too fast to get my sights on him – next time...
Once the elation began to wear off as I was driving to work that evening (for some far less exciting flying), I thought about the comment ‘it’ll land itself’ and it got me thinking. And yes, it’s true, if presented to the runway correctly, most light aircraft will land themselves. Why then are there so many landing accidents?
Denne historien er fra Spring 2020-utgaven av Pilot.
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Denne historien er fra Spring 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