30th May 2009

Day 6, and the last day of the 'A' Certificate Course. Doesn't mean the end of Training though, as Ed and I are going to continue to complete our 'A' Certificate with our Instructors until that phase of our Pilot Training is complete.

It was a really good day for both Ed and I. We were relaxed and confident, and our flying for the day went well. Everything that has been taught in the past couple of months fell into place. Steve and Tim are generally quiet in the back of the Gliders now, and let us make our own judgements and mistakes and just debrief us on each flight when we land. It was unnerving hearing no chatter from the back.

We did get to complete some Non-Normal Situations in our flying today.

First of all, Steve decided that I would do a low level launch failure on Aerotow. A critical part of our training in the unlikely event that the towrope could break at low level, and we needed to know how to recover. Luckily Steve would demonstrate this first, so I was aware of what would happen when I did it next and not put a cabbage on my shoulders and freak out.

We took off and released at 300 feet. Steve was flying and it was all cool. Back on the ground and it was my turn. No worries, felt pretty confident, and I was ready to have a crack at it. Here's the video taken of the exercise.

Video of the Low Level Launch Failure at 300 feet taken from the ground and from inside the cockpit



After I did this scary flight, it was time for Ed to do an unusual flight. It was voted that he fly a circuit with all his instruments covered up. Off he went, took off and landed, no worries at all.

It's been amazing how much confidence we have gained over this course. From the first morning we arrived on the first day a bit scared and nervous,to having the knowledge and confidence to fly an aircraft quite happily with the competence at our level so far.

This has all been to the credit of our Instructors. Bob Grey, Bill Mace, Steve Care and Tim Bromhead. Not forgetting of course, the Tow Pilots, Club members and Club Pilots who have been on the field while we have been training, offering us advice and giving us encouragement.

I look forward now to completing my 'A' Certificate and moving on to the 'B' Certificate phase and ultimately progressing on to my GQP licence.

For those who have taken the time out to read my ramblings, thanks very much, and to those contemplating learning to fly, get into it. Have a Trial Flight, join a club, and learn to be a Glider Pilot.

Thanks Piako Gliding Club.

Cheers

Chris Scales

GLIDER PILOTS DO IT IN THEIR THERMALS

23rd May 2009

Day 5, and you couldn't see the outside Bar-b-Que area from inside the club rooms due to pea soup fog. It looked like the fog was going to be in for a good duration of the morning, but we knew it would burn off eventually and that it was going to be a glorious fine day.

It was decided to get stuck into the Ground Syllabus Training of the course. Coffees were grabbed, warm beanies secured, and we got stuck into a couple of hours of quite important information on safety, CAA statutes and rules, Glider safety and maintenance, rigging and de-rigging etc.

However, we were interrupted by the droning of an Aircraft that was continuously circling above the pea soup for a good 30 minutes or so, until finally the Aircraft popped out of a hole in the fog, shutdown outside the club rooms, and out jumped our Tow Pilot for the day Richard Small. He had decided to fly over from Hamilton instead of driving, and then lamented the fact that it probably would have been easier and quicker to drive to Matamata or catch the Intercity.

The weather cleared and it was a brilliant day. PC and PK were prepared, and we headed down to runway 28.

My daughter Jessica decided to accompany me today to see what the 'silly Ole man' was up to. Jessica works as a Flight Attendant on International Flights with Air New Zealand, had never seen a Glider, and was horrified to see that the coffee machine in business class had more dials and instruments on it than in the cockpit of our gliders.

It was a busy day on the airfield now with lots of Parachutists and Power Flight training. A strong cross wind had developed, and I knew that Ed and my workload for landings had just increased dramatically.

My first flight of the day was abit nervy, as always for the first one. The wind was strong and the concentration levels were at max. I am quite happy with myself in the way my takeoffs and aerotows are going at this stage. Gaining confidence with each flight in this area, with less input from Steve in the back on the controls, but I still have that reassurance, that Steve or Tim, or one of the other Instructors are there to quickly correct the mistakes I make.

Landings today were difficult with the strong crosswinds, and my round outs were rubbish and need some work. I sometimes tend to be a bit harsh on myself when I bugger things up, and was abit unhappy after a number of circuits.

I took a break while Steve and I coaxed Jessica into a circuit flight. She was well apprehensive about climbing into an aircraft with the cockpit smaller than the microwave oven in the galley of her A320 Airbus. Well used to being in the flight deck of a large commercial aircraft where there is room enough to practise the latest steps from Dancing with the Stars, she declined the front seat and settled for the back seat. Steve took the recently pregnant daughter up, and secretly hoped for a downwind leg in the form of Cyclone Tracy so he could get back on the ground in case of any in flight emergency. Needless to say, she loved it.

Steve decided that the ridge looked like it might crank up, so we set off for the ridge and bunged off at 3000 feet. We flew for a good hour and a half and got some good lift above State Highway 28 and got ourselves up to 5000+ feet. I had an enjoyable time flying and tried to relax, and Steve had me concentrate on gentle turns in the Thermals and the wave lift we had.

It was starting to get cold so we headed back to the airfield along with Ed and Tim and another couple of other gliders. As we were still over 5000 feet above Waharoa, and higher than the other gliders, Steve put me through some exercises using the airbrakes to lose altitude and to try and keep my speed constant. I learnt alot throughout these exercises and understood more about what the air brakes do and how to control a descent better on finals. Excellent, well worth it.

I had reached my threshold for the day and asked Steve to handle the landing, and talk through it. I didn't feel confident about doing another landing, but once again its another important lesson to learn in that its important to know when to stop an activity when your overloaded, tired or jaded, rather than trying to blag your way through something that may compromise your safety or the safety of those around you.

Overall, another good day and plenty learnt.

Number 1 daughter enjoyed seeing what the 'silly ole man' had been up too.

16th May 2009

Short clip of a flight over Matamata

Back down to Matamata for Day 4 of the course. As usual the early part of the morning was taken up with revision of everything learnt so far and also a change of Instructors for the up and coming weeks, Steve Care and Tim Bromhead.

The theory part of the morning was taken by two Instructors who were being assessed for their Instructor ratings. They took us for Situation Awareness which included Collision avoidance, Right of way/Etiquette and the use of radios.

Also a lesson on Non Normal Situations such as Low Acceleration on take off, low level launch failures,Brake out and wave off signals from the Tow Plane, release hangups and aerotow upsets. Really important lessons critical for safety. Both Ed and I paid full attention and didn't have any chalk or dusters thrown at us, and in turn we didn't pelt them with scrunched up A4's or blow piped them with rice grains from hollowed out pens.

The weather wasn't that great, but it was going to be a full day of Circuits, practising takeoffs and landings and circuit planning.

After preparing the Gliders, I climbed into PK with Steve and Ed into PC with Tim, and the day's flying began. For the first flight, Steve handled the take off and I took over at about 200 feet. Bugger me, the aerotow clicked into place, and I flew quite happily all the way to release. Excellent, what a great personal achievement.

For the rest of the days flying, I managed to virtually handle all my own takeoffs, aerotowing and landings, with very little input on the controls by Steve and Tim.

We were lucky to have a nice head wind straight down the runway which made landings easier, and a great Tow Pilot who gave us nice easy and gentle turns.

It certainly was a day to feel alot more relaxed, and not so freaked out. The day was also a huge confidence booster.

Starting to get into the enjoyment phase of the course now, opposed to the shi*tting myself phase of past weeks. Although its very early days yet, everything is starting to come together and make more sense.

Two more weeks to go and looking forward to it.

9th May 2009

Day 3 of the 'A' Certificate Course and the weather in Matamata was splendid.

Ed and I knew that today we would be doing Stalls and Recovery. It was a good day weather and wind wise to be able to fly along the Kiamai Ranges, come off the Ranges, practice these exercises, and then head back to the Ranges to get some height back and then back into the exercises.

It was abit disconcerting then, to see a whole pile of new 'sick bags' sitting on our desks in the club rooms. I was thankful that I had passed up a big breakfast of Cornies and a MacDonald's Thickshake. The cup of coffee I had just made went down the sink.

As usual, the morning format was a recap and revision on what had been learnt so far, questions and answers, and the time to raise any issues or fears.

Into the Theory part of the course. Stalling, HASELL Checks, Reduced G Familiarisation, Slow speed handling, Stall avoidance and Stalling in turns.

The weather was still good for flying the ridge, so we prepared the Gliders on Runway 28 ready for the days flying.

Ed and Bill prepared to fly PK, and Bob and I would be in PC.

As I got myself sorted out in PC, I noticed Bob preparing himself in the rear seat complete with drink bottle and a pile of sandwiches. Mmmmm, is this going to be a long flight, or is Bob just going to save the crusts and bits of luncheon sausage to throw at the back of my head when I didn't pay attention, or wasn't listening properly.

Aero Towed up to 2000'. Still abit crabby with my aerotowing, with the familiar "I have control" coming from the back seat. This for me is still frustrating, but it's important to learn to leave that frustration on the ground and develop alot of Patience. Its early days, and club members will all tell you that it takes time, and this skill will develop and 'click into place' eventually.

After release, we flew on to the Kaimai Ranges and gained some good lift. It was pleasant flying up and down the ridge and it was really the first time that I had had a good chance to relax and have a good look around at the Waikato.

After gaining sufficient height we flew out from the ridge to put in practice the theory part of the mornings syllabus. Bob demonstrated the stall and recovery, and went through some negative G exercises. After the initial fright of experiencing these new sensations, it was my turn. Its alot different carrying out these exercises yourself, learning how to do it and experiencing it yourself first hand, than experiencing it as a passenger.

We flew for the next hour and a half or so, up and down the ridge and out and about the area practising these exercises. Now that I knew I wasn't going to need the 'sick bags' or spray Bob's BLT, we headed back to the airfield for lunch.

After lunch, back up to the ridge for some more general flying. I even managed to hang on behind the tow plane until release this time. A great confidence booster.

Point to self. Attach a few bits of sticky paper on my knees with some reminders of the basics, which I sometimes forget, or don't carry out correctly. This will also ensure I don't get pelted with lunch crusts.

All in all, a good day, enjoyable, and I drove back to Auckland happy.

2nd May 2009

Day 2 of the Course.

Had a break last week as it was ANZAC weekend, so there was plenty of time to swot up on the previous flying day's course to try and get your head around all that was taught, and all that was forgotten.

The weather leaving Auckland was grotty. Rainy and cold. Miserable. Even my lunch sandwiches were soggy and crying out to be chucked in the bin.

However, it was a bit better in Matamata, although quite windy and grey. No blue sky and a low grey cloud base. Ed and I arrived, and wondered if we would actually fly today. Anyway, we were prepared for the weather forecast and knew that it was going to be a heavy theory morning, and just hoped that it would clear up for some flying later in the afternoon.

Rocked into the club and Bill Mace was firing up the Flight Simulator. It didn't look like he was setting it up to play Doom or Quake II.

Once settled, Ed and I were into Aerotow Training.

Ground Rolls,
Lift offs/initial positions,
Normal high tow positions,
Release,
Circuits,
Wind assessments,
Joining,
Downwind/base approaches,
Final approaches/aim points,
Flare/Landing,
Corrections.

Starting off, Aerotow is difficult (does it get any better?) But the lessons were thorough and concise and answered alot of questions. Practicals would come later.

Weather was still abit bleak, but ok for Circuits and some flight training higher up, but we elected to get into some flight simulation training while waiting for the Tow Pilot.

I was very impressed with the Flight Simulator. Very realistic and set up like the real thing. Every thing you find in the actual aircraft is on the simulator, right down to the actual cockpit, seats, rudders, controls, instruments, and even having to strap your self in to the simulator. Apart from the wallpaper in the room, you may as well be sitting in the actual aircraft.

I was hoping that Bill was going to program in Quake II level 3, but no such luck. It was great. So realistic, and actually quite difficult. However, on one flight I thought I doing really well. Good flight, good downwind leg and base leg to the airport, good final approach, and then things went wrong. Panicked abit, took off my head and put on a cabbage, stuffed it up, and face planted into some runway in Norway. Pleased to see that that Ed also destroyed a few aircraft (No offence Ed).

The simulator is a really invaluable tool though. You can learn and correct mistakes, critique yourself and analise problem areas. Both Ed and I learnt alot. It’s not a game on the simulator, its serious stuff, and should be treated as such. The Instructors will bollock you just as much flying the simulator, as if you’re flying the real aircraft. But the bollocking is always for a reason, and its constructive. And they are always just as quick to give praise and encouragement as well.

Weather cleared after lunch, not greatly so, but we still prepared the aircraft, the tow pilot arrived, and we went flying.

Did a high Aerotow to practice. Bloody hopeless, lots of work to do in that area. But I enjoyed it, and enjoyed the exercises that the instructor put me through. My personal aim for the day was to get my rudder and stick co-ordination sorted, and I was really happy in that area. Getting it sussed now.

Flew a number of circuits after that. (Aerotow still sucked) Strong cross winds, and learnt alot about landing in these conditions.

I had a good day. Learnt heaps. I was pleased with myself on controlling the aircraft, turns, approaches, airspeed, control of airbrakes, wind conditions, finals, etc. Alot of flying taught so far were starting make sense.

Looking forward to next weekend.

18th April 2009

It's Day One. First day of the 'A' Certificate Course, the 2nd step in gaining your Gliders Pilot Licence (If you haven't done a Trial Flight) and the road to the Willy Wonka Golden ticket of your Pilots Licence.

Up and away from Auckland at 7.15am for the hour or so drive down to the Matamata Airfield. I had checked the Weather for the Waikato and Matamata region and it was going to be another warm and fine day. It was crap weather in Auckland.

I wasn't too nervous driving down to the Airfield, abit apprehensive about what the day would bring and how I would go. I wondered how many other nervy souls were on the course and what the Instructors would be like. Hopefully nothing like my old Army Drill Instructor's or Police Sergeants at the Police College.

Got down to the Matamata in plenty of time, and after stocking up on lunch and 'V' at a cafe in Waharoa, and a nervous pee, it was off to the Airfield.

At the Airfield, I meet the only other student on the Course. Ed from Hamilton. A nice bloke similar in age to me. Ed had been on the same course a couple of years previously but didn't complete the course due to overseas commitments so he was going to do the course again.

Great, some inside knowledge on the course, and tips and tricks may have to be pumped from him. Time to put some Police Interviewing skills to work.

The two Instructors arrived. Bill Mace and Bob Gray. Not at all like the fearful Instructors I had come across in my Khaki and Blue uniform days. Nice blokes that welcomed us, and made Ed and I feel right at home.

0900hrs and straight into the course. Introductions and welcomes, and an introduction to the Piako Gliding Club, responsibilities of members, and how to write out cheques.

Then onto Gliding familiarisation. A good introduction to Glider flying, instruments, handling, pre flight checks, safety, various other components of the aircraft, and the course syllabus. A good Power point presentation and lots of questions and answers. But as this is a full hands on course, it was a quick slurp of coffee at 11.00am and then out to the hangers to prepare the Aircraft for the day.

We had two twin seater aircraft at our disposal. A PW6U and a Puchacz. It was great to have the two aircraft and two Instructors and two Student Pilots. One on one, can't get better than that.

Straight into flying. Aero Towed to 3,000ft, released, and into the training. Full on, Hands on. Bill put me through lots of exercises. Getting the basics right. We flew for about an hour. Bill encouraging me from the back, taking over when I stuffed up (which was often), but always comforting, patient, and reassuring.

Back on the ground, with my brains blown to bits, it was time for lunch and debrief.

More 'V' and then back into the air with the other Aircraft, and this time with Bob, for another hour. Believe me, an hour is a long time, and tiring when you are fully concentrating on flying, and trying to get things right. But thats the great thing about these Instructors at Piako. They know your under stress, a little frightened, trying to take every thing in at once and getting overloaded, but fully committed to getting the best out of their student, and recognising the students abilities and adjusting to that.

Back on the ground and another debrief.

Another break, and then back up with Bill for some circuits and landings. By this time I was stuffed and called it a day.

I learnt alot. I think that one of the most important things about learning to fly is to recognise when to stop for the day. It was a good day, stressful, intense, but hugely enjoyable. For me, apart from learning to fly, was to get myself comfortable in the Aircraft, position wise. I am big, and I did not sort myself out comfortably to have full control and ease of the controls.

Stick and rudder together was my catch phrase for the day. I heard it continually in my sleep that night, and in the morning my bed was a train wreck. It was like I had ridden one of those lay down bicycles that European hippies ride around on in NZ.

Roll on day Two.

4th April 2009

Today was the day I was to have my first flight in a Glider. I had registered for the Beginners Pilots Course beginning 18th April 2009, and I needed to get the Trial Flight out of the way.

Who knows, I may fill the cockpit with spew or worse, and may not enjoy the experience at all. Today will tell.

Ashleigh and I headed down to the Matamata Airfield on a superb morning. Fine and clear and warm. The clouds were beginning to form over the Waikato. I knew that you needed clouds for Glider flying and to create Thermals to keep the Aircraft in the air, (Thanks to Derek Piggotts superb book on 'Beginning Gliding) I thought I had things sussed. I knew bugger all.

We arrived at the scheduled time for my flight at the Airfield at 1200hrs and I was introduced to some club members that were doing their thing, and introduced to my Instructor for the day, Steve Care. Steve was a Veteran member of the Piako Club, and had 30 years plus flying Gliders and Instructing. I knew that myself and my undies were in good hands so to speak.

I was immediately made welcome by everyone.

Steve knew I was coming and was aware that I was on the next Student Pilots Course and said that we would have a good flight, once we got more cloud in the area. I thrust the now sweaty Trial Flight Voucher at him, and he said that seeing I was going to learn to fly, we would treat the flight as a lesson. Great, I am on my way. He said we would fly soon, and in the meantime he was dealing with another Student Pilot who was just beginning her solo's.

I was gathered up by another Instructor and taken over to another two seater Glider for a familiarisation lesson. I am a big bloke of 6 foot and 100 kilos and getting into the Glider was a mission. Once seated, we spent some time going through the various pre flight checks and cockpit familiarisation. I had seen flight cockpits hundreds of times, but never really took much notice of the Instruments. I knew what they did, and what they were for, but now was the time to take lots of notice, as I was soon to be in one of these flying cigar cases with wings up in the big blue.

I then watched Gliders being launched and flown and watched the landings. Surprisingly I wasn't scared or worried, and was excited and impatient to get airborne.

Finally Steve clutched me up and we strapped into GPK - PW6U. Me in front and Steve in the rear of the new two seater Glider. We hooked up to the tow plane, and launched. Ashleigh and the Red Honda disappeared into the background and became dots on the ground.

It was a smooth take off. Steve started to explain about Areo Tow launching and how to fly the glider behind the Aero Tow Aircraft. Almost immediately, he put me to work, and I took control of the aircraft. Christ, I hadn't even found where the sick bags were yet. My arse was so tight, I could have made a diamond.

I lasted about 5 seconds on the controls until Steve took back control of the Aircraft. Flying behind the Tow Aircraft takes skill and experience and Derek Piggotts book didn't help.

At 3000 feet we released from the Tug and we were on our own. ' Well Fuc*en Cool Man'

We flew around for a little bit, with Steve explaining all sorts of 'Techo Stuff' overloading my overloaded brain, and then again, put me to work. I took control of the Aircraft, and for the next 40 minutes, flew the Glider myself, with lots of encouragement from Steve in the back, and the lots of 'help' with the controls. We flew from 3000 feet, and dropped to 1600 feet, before Steve found us some good Thermals. Climbed up to 4000 feet. I had a great time learning to Thermal in the Aircraft and to learn how the Aircraft responded to my touch on the controls.

I didn't seem to have any problems adjusting to this new experience once I settled down and realised I wasn't going to vomit all over Steve, fall out, or crash the bloody thing, and just concentrated on flying.

He put me through a large range of exercises and I was too busy for any sightseeing. I was really comfortable, and flying felt natural.

We headed back to the Airfield, and began to sort ourselves out for landing. I was still flying and turned the Glider towards the Airfield. I was getting concerned that Steve hadn't taken control of the Glider for landing and I couldn't feel him on the controls. The ground was starting to look like it was going to hurt, and I was going faster than the Lethal Weapon Roller Coaster at Movie World. Steve started to give me some instructions and I realised that I was going to land this $200,000 plus machine myself. Shit, I got real busy, and before I knew it, I landed the machine with help from Steve, and came to a safe stop. The sweat had trickled down my back and into the crack of my arse and the cockpit smelt of small farts, but I did it.

I flew my first Aircraft and I was hooked.

Roll on the 18th April. I have lots to learn.

Chris Scales's Introduction

I've always wanted to fly, but I realised that learning to fly was always going to seem to be beyond my reach financially. I've done a lot of flying though, but never as a Pilot- in- Command of an Aircraft. As a young Army soldier, I had flown in all sorts of Military Aircraft and Parachuted out of most of them. I have flown in all types of Military Helicopters, long roped out of them, or hung under them.

When I left the Army and joined the New Zealand Police, I worked in Search and Rescue, and flew numerous times, and sometimes in the most appalling conditions in both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. I joined the Auckland Volunteer Coast Guard Air Patrol and flew around in small aircraft. I loved it, and still wanted to learn to fly, and get my Pilots Licence, but learning to fly was still out of my reach. I was living in Te Atatu at this time and commuted most weekends to the Ardmore Aerodrome to do my Coast Guard Shifts.

Then several years ago, I saw Gliders. I had never given Gliders much thought. I mean, these things don't have engines, how the hell do they fly. These things aren't aircraft, they're tubular cigar cases with long wings. The more I thought about Gliders, the more I became interested in them, and began to take more interest in Gliding and the sport of Gliding. I knew absolutely nothing about Gliding so began to do some research into it. I liked what I read and learnt. By this time, I was out of the NZ Police and living in Takanini. A stones throw from Ardmore, and unbeknown to me, a few kilometres down the road from the Auckland Gliding Club at Drury.

Once again, I thought of the feasibility of learning to fly at Ardmore. I researched the Flying Clubs at Ardmore, facilities, training syllabuses, but most of all the costs. But with a new house, mortgage, and two teenage daughters, this was again beyond my means. Bugger. I put flying, and getting my Pilots Licence, out of my mind. I had also left the Coast Guard.

I was in the Fire Service, and a couple of years later, I came across a Fire Fighter at the Papatoetoe Fire Station, that I used to fly with in the Coast Guard. He told me that he was a Glider Pilot at Drury and told me all about Gliding and what's involved, and how much he loved it. Once again, my interest was re kindled. I started to do my research again into Gliding and the various clubs around New Zealand, and the more I read about it, the more I wanted to learn to fly Gliders. The more I researched this sport, the more I wanted to give it a go. I had never even seen a Glider up close, sat in one, or flown in one, but I realised that this is what I wanted to do.

The more I looked into this, the more I realised that 'Hey' compared with the costs of learning to fly powered aircraft, learning to fly a Glider Aircraft was financially obtainable. All of the Gliding Clubs around New Zealand offer excellent Training and Training Courses, access to all sorts of gliding aircraft and Instructors, great facilities, and an obvious esprit de corps amongst Pilots and interaction between clubs. The Training to obtain a Pilots licence for both powered aircraft and Gliders was similiar in flying hours and time. The exams were similar, the principle of flying both Power Aircraft and Gliders were similiar, except for the obvious difference of no engines on Gliders. And the results were the same. To achieve a licence enabling you to be a Pilot-in-Command of your own aircraft, and to open yourself up to a whole new world.

I could do this. I could finally learn to fly an Aircraft and be a Pilot. I then decided I was going to fly Gliders.

I then thought, well, the first step I guess is to do a Trial Flight in a Glider. Again though, this went on the back burner for several years until finally my Partner, sick of listening to me go on about Glider flying brought me a Trial Flight voucher for my birthday, for a flight with the Piako Gliding Club in Matamata.

Finally, I was going to get to fly in a Glider. In the meantime, I checked out the excellent Piako Gliding Club's web site and noticed that they had an upcoming Pilots Course in April 2009 over 6 weeks, designed for the student Pilot to obtain the first step of their licence, that of your 'A' Certificate, enabling you to be able to solo safely. I immediately registered for the Course, and sorted out leave from the Fire Service.

I was on my way.