User:Nimbus227/Flying
Flying was a big hobby of mine (as you can see!). I started gliding in 1985 and progressed to a full-rated instructor in 1991. About the same time I took my private pilots license exams and flying tests, adding a motor glider instructor rating later. I was the Chief Flying Instructor of Windrushers Gliding Club from its formation in July 2004 until December 2006. I have instructed in almost all of the two-seat gliders listed, the single-seaters I flew solo!! One of the more interesting types was the LAK Genesis 2, an almost tailless design with a very strange landing attitude!! The Edgley Optimist was a virtual copy of the Schleicher ASK18, constructed of re-inforced cardboard, it creaked alarmingly in flight and did not inspire confidence!!
The majority of my powered flying was glider aerotowing, using Chipmunks (easily my favourite), Pawnee, Robin DR300 and DR400, Piper Cub and a Rotax powered Super Falke (which was interesting!). On summer evenings I used to float about locally in our group-owned Tiger Moth, giving free rides to anyone who can fit in!
I ceased full-size flying on retirement in early 2020 but compete regularly in the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) class of F5J thermal soaring gliders at national and international level, I have been an avid aeromodeller for well over 40 years.
Gliders flown[edit]
Powered aircraft flown[edit]
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As passenger[edit]
- Aerospatiale Gazelle (XX456)
- Airbus A300
- BAC 1-11
- Boeing 737
- Boeing 747
- Boeing 757
- Britten-Norman Islander (VP-FBD)
- Hawker Siddeley Nimrod (XV255)
- Lockheed C-130 Hercules
- Lockheed Tristar
- McDonnell Douglas DC-9
- Panavia Tornado F3 (ZE338)
- CH-118 Iroquois
- Vickers VC10
- Westland Lynx (XZ643)
- Westland Whirlwind