Shelbi Grist | Student diary | 17th July 2011 – After the First Visit
Today was absolutely amazing! Words cannot describe the emotions that I felt throughout the day. I like being busy, and having today to deal with and needing to drive home to drive to Hereford tomorrow for a camp was a good way to start my week!
I’d flown before, once. In a massive aircraft, y’know a virgin one, but to actually come to terms with “I could be flying a plane” was insane! Obviously I love a challenge, and I love to learn new things and gain experiences but flying a plane, has completely raised the bar for me. I never show my nerves, and I never know I’m nervous until I’m lost for words, because that’s rare. Mum and I arrived at the flying school at Cranfield Airport. We met everybody who are all very friendly and polite, however I was oozing to find out more, about what I’d be doing, when I’d be doing it, how I would do it etc. Goatie explained everything and I took it all in.
When it came to “oh Shelbi we’ll take you up in a plane when the weather clears up” was not what I wanted to hear, despite being really excited I was horrified. The only thing that really worries me is the plane falling randomly out of the sky, don’t know why!
So I’d looked and Continue reading ‘Variety Wings Scholar | Student Pilot diary | Week 1′




After departure, the first alert was for the Luton Zone. We flew under it, then given enough warning to tell us about Benson MATZ. Farnborough Rader (W) gave us MATZ penetration, but to stay clear of their ATZ. After this, we saw that Solent Control was on our right, but we were well clear of them, and the strong winds would not drift us anywhere near their airspace. In the past, I had burst Southampton Zone on the way to Old Sarum. I was able to call the Airport duty manager to tell them of the bust. A few days later, I spoke to NATS at London Heathrow who helped me 





















