What a thrill!!!

by Barbara Hawthorne on 17/12/2009, 3.11pm

I had three consecutive one hour flying lessons over three weekends. I was very lucky with the weather and the instructor, Clare, was brilliant. Very professional and friendly, which made the experience all the more enjoyable.

Before getting into the cockpit of the Aero 83 plane I had a lesson in the briefing room and I was shown how the controls work on a model plane. I learnt that the plane was made in Poland and has a speed of 95 mph. It also has GPS and mapping system, although learning about these controls came a little later. The basic theory allowed me to get my head around the controls and I was soon up in the air!

On my first flight I was a bit apprehensive, even though Clare was right next to me guiding me through the whole experience. The cockpit is a tight fit and I was strapped in, but I couldn’t help but feel a little scared. Luckily, on my second flight I felt much more comfortable and really began to enjoy it. Then on my third flight, I wanted to stay up in the air for ever! The adrenalin was flowing and I really took charge of the plane. I wasn't just a passenger, but used the 'joystick' and foot pedals to make maneuvers to the left and right and up and down.

We flew from Sywell aerodrome in Northamptonshire to the border of Oxfordshire; Silverstone race track, Milton Keynes. Clare identified all the local landmarks for me. These looked quite different from the air. Tiny little isolated farmhouses and toy cars on the M1 motorway. It was so wonderful to be up so high and looking down at all these great sights. I was given a Pilot's Flying Log Book (blue hardback with gold lettering) which was very impressive and my Clare entered details of my flight each time I landed. I enjoyed myself so much, that I would love to take up flying regularly. To be in control of a plane is just 'cool’ I would also like to thank Stannah for sponsoring me for my dream of a lifetime and helping me to 'think again,' about having an adventure at 76 years of age. It does work and is better than all the medicines. I highly recommend it.

Thank you for the photographer, I liked the photos and I think there may be more from my 'fan club.'Best wishes, Barbara.