The Picture shows CFI Roger Morrisroe congratulating Andrea and Alex being congratulated by Instructor Martin Reynolds

Alex Clarke Solo Report

On 31st March I completed my first glider solo flight.  My first ever flight was in 2000 with Kent Gliding Club and it was nice to finally get past the first hurdle of something I originally tried seven years ago.  In the intervening seven years I’ve tried to fit in some kind of flying when the opportunity presents itself, and in 2003 I had my first solo of any type flying powered aircraft (Grob Tutors) from Wyton as a member of the University of London Air Squadron (ULAS).  ULAS is part of a larger scheme by the RAF to attract undergraduates and gives you the chance to attempt the RAF elementary flying training whilst studying for your degree.   The training was organised into various structured lessons, each building on what was learnt previously and you were expected to learn everything pretty quickly and then keep it learnt!  When I eventually flew solo I was expecting it, as it was scheduled for that lesson and I thought my flying up to then seemed reasonable enough.  Even so when my instructor was about to hop out of the aircraft I had to double check he was sure.  He said yes and I decided to trust him, he used to be a Wing Commander after all! This faith didn’t stop me completely forgetting the engine run up tests I’d supposedly memorised and having to resort to using my checklist.  I’m glad I didn’t know my instructor was watching from the tower with binoculars at this point!  Following this embarrassment I managed to take off without too much trouble. As I flew downwind I really thought about what I was doing (i.e ‘you really do have to land it this time’) and for a very brief moment I don’t think I’ve ever felt so terrified! I pulled myself together and decided I was going to make sure I landed first time whatever happened. I’m pleased to say I landed safely, taxied back and spent the rest of the day trying to keep my smile under control.  I managed a few more solo flights with ULAS, mainly just circuits, although I was allowed out of the circuit for one flight, a sector recce which probably passed Upwood on the way round.  I left ULAS to work in Cambridge for a year in 2004 and had to put my flying on hold. 
When I returned to Cambridge permanently last September I decided one Saturday to contact NVGC to see if I could get a flight. I’m pleased I did, as I had an enjoyable 35 minute flight with Dave and I haven’t had as long a flight since!  Over the weeks I began working my way through the training card and during March I fitted together some consecutive weekends flying. I felt I was making progress and especially starting to iron out those ‘exciting’ landings.  After my third flight with Martin on 31st I was surprised to hear him say we’d have another flight.  I strapped myself in the cockpit and waited for him to get in too. As he spent longer and longer standing outside the K7 and adjusting the straps in the back a worrying thought hit me.  Surely it wouldn’t be today?  The worrying thought was confirmed when the rear canopy was closed and I was told I was going on my own this time…Had I got the date wrong? Was it April Fool’s day already? Apparently not!  It was so unexpected I didn’t have time to get too nervous. In a very short space of time checks were complete, slack was out the cable and the all-out was given.  The launch seemed to go quickly and I remember being surprised how soon I got to 1000ft… maybe I’d had my eyes shut on the way up!  The launch finished at 1500ft, or at least I like to think it did, and I looked around for something to do. I’m pleased to say there were no moments of sheer terror this time and the idea of being up there on my own wasn’t as unfamiliar as I thought it would be.  Surprisingly I wasn’t descending as quickly as I’d expected and had plenty of time to try some turns and enjoy the view (it was hazy!).  The weather was blustery with some challenging strong winds so I didn’t feel like I was flying that well, but I felt in control and overall am pleased with how it went whilst up there.  I started heading downwind a little too early and had to adjust my circuit accordingly.  Despite this my final turn was still on the high side, but at least I had less chance of missing the airfield!  The landing was OK, not my best, but certainly not the worse and I left the aircraft pleased, but trying to convince myself the previous few minutes had happened.  The next flight was similar to the first, although at the back of my mind the first one went well enough and I didn’t want to ruin it by getting something wrong this time.  The launch didn’t finish up as high as the first, but I did start the circuit a little later and didn’t come in so high following my final turn. As with my first ever solo I was left trying to keep a big grin under control for the rest of the day and am now looking forward getting in plenty more flights over the summer. 
Comparing my experiences flying with ULAS and NVGC, as might be expected the ULAS instructors were a lot less patient.  It was expected that everything would be learned quickly and there was a large amount of ground study involved.  The structured lessons I had with ULAS were good for making sure everything was covered, although it didn’t necessarily leave much flexibility and sometimes it would have nice to have more time to practise something before moving on.  Whilst with NVGC I’ve enjoyed being able to learn at my own pace and the more relaxed atmosphere means I’ve enjoyed flying more than at any other time.
I’d like to finish off by thanking the instructors who I have flown with over the past few months, particularly Chris with whom I have done the majority of my flying with, and Martin for sending me solo.  I’d also like to thank the club members who have offered their advice and knowledge to me and no doubt will continue to do so!

Alex