Morning broke far to quickly on this occasion but at least it looked like the forecasters had got it right this time. Clear blue skies and little i.e. no wind!
OK need to get my s..t in order and get going. Quick txt to Doc John to confirm that all seems OK. Quick bit of body fuel and we are off.
As always it’s into the petrol station on the A27 towards Lewes and yep that certainly looks like Doc John stood at the pumps. Quick introduction to Doc Duncan (today’s genie pig) and it’s on with the job of mixing 40litres of 2 stroke fuel.
Once at the airfield its time to get CC out of its trailer and put together. Quick check of the fuel tank to make sure all has held together OK (which it has) and it’s on with the rigging process.
Tony has just turned up so John helps him and Duncan assist me. Slight alarm when I discovery that I’m missing a locking pin but thankfully Melvin comes to the rescue.
All now together and PFI’d so quick briefing for Duncan, agree route and procedures with Tony and its time to go. I’m going to head off first as Tony will be quicker.
Take off was a little longer than I would have expected but there was hardly any wind and the runway was still a little sticky from the rain earlier in the week. Climb out was normal although there was definitely slight x-wind above 300ft. Tony was quickly on the radio confirming switchover to the microlight radio frequency. Quick confirmation that all was OK, direction set and away we went.
Initially we were at 1750-1800ft but very quickly the clouds came in forcing us steadily lower. By ½ way we were down to 1300ft and with a little under 8 miles to go we were down to 1100ft. I’d been monitoring my fuel burn so I was happy that if required I could either return to Deanland or an alternative such as Rochester or Shoreham. As we got closer to Headcorn the cloud started to break-up and the cloud base steady rose back up to around 1800ft +.
With the skies much clearer it was time to join the Headcorn circuit. All radio calls completed and joining information confirmed (runway in use 29 left hand, QNH 1017). As Headcorn is a pretty busy GA airfield care is always required when first joining the circuit as there are normally at least a few others doing the same. Once safely established in the circuit its time to make those final checks, take careful stock of the wind direction on the downwind leg. With very little in the way of headwind I was a little high on the approach which was quickly sorted out with the application of ½ flaps. Pretty fast roll out as you would expect given the conditions.
Excellent, time for a quick coffee, splash of fuel and a chat.. Headcorn was its usual busy self what with lots of GA movements including a small band of hardy flex wing micolighters (they must be starting to feel the cold even with today’s bit of sun). The skydivers were also out in force, can’t blame them for making the most of the weather window.
Although Duncan’s ears were still ringing he seemed to have enjoyed his first outing in a microlight, now all I have to do is get him back safe and sound and in time to get to Dover for a party…lucky bugger!
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