I will admit quite readily that, while I do love my flying, I actually had butterflies about flying last Sunday. But this is because I was to drive to Clacton, then fly to Duxford and back, spending the day in between at the museum. Seeing as I was due to start simple circuits, this was quite a jump; straight into navigation 101 before I’d even gotten practice at takeoffs. I was a little unsure at first in case I did something wrong or goofy. In the end I realised that was stupid and I should totally go for it anyway, so I did! It was really interesting getting first hand experience of stuff that was still really hazy even after many hours in the air; like radio procedure when passing though areas and how to figure out where you are.

The deHavilland Dragon Rapide

I got a good walk around the museum, got a ride on the fantastic Dragon Rapide, and above all had a great day! The weather held favourably, although it was pretty gusty (I wasn’t expecting much so it came as a surprise). And finding your way home from the air in the dwindling light of dusk is something wonderfully strange the first time you do it. Indeed, many people are surprised there is no radar and no GPS in the plane. They don’t call it Visual Flight Rules for nothing! I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Hotel-India, on the runway at Duxford