I ended last year with 54 hrs pilot in command since getting my pilots licence at the end of 2007. Now that i am in my second year of flying, i hope to step up to the next gear by enhancing my nagivational work, become more proficient in radiotelephony and add a new rating, the night rating.

Having flown to more then 10 different airfields in my first year, it felt somewhat of a full circle flying to Bembridge in the Isle of Wight. April 5th 2007 was when i first went there with wing commander Norman Trench. I had merely a handful of trial lessons. 11 days later, i started my PPL training from Lasham. Going back to Bembridge as a qualified pilot felt wonderful and it was a great challenge to land on runway 31, final approach was over the sea, the beach, trees and houses..oh plus a cliff and the constant changing wind.

It was a beautiful day to go play with aeroplanes and it gives me so much pleasure to share the joys of flying with friends. I have yet to take family flying..We flew over RAF Benson, turned towards Basingstoke and flew in between RAF Odiham (where i would often with permission be allowed to practice landing and take- off – i.e touch and go) and Lasham, over Petersfield (close to where i went to school), then to the side of Portmourth and over the Solent to Bembridge.

Farnborough radar service is very very very good, all pilots should try flying in their zone if you have yet to fly around this area. I had fond memories of my early flight training days as we flew over Lasham on the way back. There was gliding activity so i stayed a little west of the field to avoid any winching and gliders of course. With the strong headwind, it toook 1 hrs 20 mins to Bembridge and with the tailwind, 45 min with taxi and take off time back to Cranfield.  I have started to gently read up on all the ATPL subject materials and making my notes, so that eventually when i do start the course, i have a heads up on what each subject is all about..