Last flight in UK

[paddywak]

Well thats it now until I get to British Columbia. I flew my last flight from Gloucester on a bright sunny day over rolling green pastures with my youngest daughter sat in the left seat holding an imaginary cyclic. It was both great and sad at the same time, watching my little one enjoying herself and also coming to terms with leaving my family behind in the hope that next time they see me I will have the CPLH.

Here's a couple of photos.




One small co-pilot/ navigator pre flight



Crosswind turn out of Gloucester



Overhead the River Severn South of Worcester



A happy wind blown co-pilot post flight

Great days!!

[Forest4ever]

Paddywak, nice photos. So you decided to take the plunge for a CPL H or was it always the plan? How long is the course in British Columbia? I'm 60 hrs and hopefully will get my PPL in the next few weeks...I intend to then enjoy flying a bit and build on what I've learnt to build up some experience....not yet decided if I'll go for a CPL H yet. At what point did you fly with your family? I've a 5 yr old son and was thinking I should get some more hours under my belt before I take him....
laters
Forest4ever (despite the walley in the brolley as the new manager...)

[paddywak]

It was always the plan ever since I was bitten at the age of 10.

The CPLH in B.C is 65hrs minimum if you have a Canadian PPL

Get your PPL first, then fly solo for as long as it takes to feel comfortable with your machine ( you will know when this is) Do this before taking any passengers as they can be a distraction, especially younger passengers.

I didn't fly as PIC with a non pilot passenger until I was 65 hrs and took a check ride before hand and ran my intended flight past the CFI first.

I also don't fly if there is any doubt about the weather, it just isn't worth it and why fly in rubbish weather when you pay all that money and you could wait for a great weather day and enjoy it? I have seen a few PPL's depart in conditions I wouldn't like to drive in!

I conduct regular auto-rotations and other emergencies on a regular basis with an instructor, as I believe skill fade would occur very rapidly without such training in a low time pilot such as myself. It also helps with confidence, the more autos you do the more confident you feel about entering one successfully should you need to do it for real.

I didn't take my kids up until about the 75hr mark but we are all individuals so what was right for me undoubtedly wont be for someone else.

Enjoy the rest of your training and good luck on passing your LST.

[llogan]

I'm excited for you PW! You'll have to stop by if your ever in the area! It is for sure a big step and all I can say whenever I meet someone about the get their license now is be prepared to work for it! I have complete faith that coming all the way here you won't have anything less than stellar determination! Congrats on the last flight on the other end of the pond!

[haggishunter]

Is your plan to move your family over to Canada after you have finished training, or you planning to convert to JAA afterwards?

HH
_________________
ATPL(H) IR(H): SK92, AS355, EC120, R22/44

"When the tough gets going, the tough eat haggis!"

[paddywak]

I will be staying in Canada and looking for work as a Canadian resident, my wife and kids will come over next year in February if all goes according to plan.

I'm hoping she will walk straight into work as I suspect it will be difficult for me to gain employment initially within the Helicopter industry, (not being pessimistic, but realistic) .I plan to start networking as soon as I arrive in B.C and meet as many people as possible.

While my wife remains in the UK she is still working while I am spending our hard earned cash so this added income will be a bonus

Even if I can find work it will probably be on the ground to start with as this seems to be the way in Canada. I will try to be in the right place at the right time but only time will tell.

Everyone I have spoken to regarding employment has said the training is the easy bit finding a job is the challenge, but I'm going to give it my best and take it a step at a time.

If it doesn't work out in Canada then I would have to consider coming back and converting to JAA but from what I hear this can be tricky.

[haggishunter]

Sounds like you have it all planned! I was heading for B.C. myself a few years ago but was offered a place in Norway. Looks a great place, best of luck!

HH
_________________
ATPL(H) IR(H): SK92, AS355, EC120, R22/44

"When the tough gets going, the tough eat haggis!"

[animalsticks]

[paddywak]

Thanks HH , nearly all sorted except that I have forgotten the 3 digit code for the lock on my new samsonite case and I am sitting here now with a scotch going through all the possible 999 combinations starting at 000 .

With regard to my youngest Animalsticks I have no idea how I can pay for another member of the family to fly helicopters.....I'll keep playing the lottery for now and hope, maybe able to palm her off with a new set of drums in B.C.

I did ask what she felt she would like to do when she finishes school...the answer was an Astronaut ........perhaps lottery followed by a bank job!

[paddywak]

Ah ha, why didnt I start at 999 and work back?

Finally got the lock open at 824, the number of my old ambulance.....sorted

right back to the scotch

[bom]

I wish you the best of luck, what an awesome family you have supporting you in such a big adventure/endeavour.


_________________
Training for PPL(H), now at 15 hrs - R22

[PilotWolf]

[paddywak]

Only a tech, not a para PW, used to work for Great Western Service from Tewkesbury station.

Will miss all the red tape and bureaucracy ....not

[paddywak]