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Blog – Intermediate Pilot Flight Test 26/04/2025 After running out of time to be ready for my PPL Flight Test before my ground exams lapsed, I made the decision to try and obtain my Microlight Intermediate Pilots Certificate on the Tecnam P2002. I contacted RAANZ which administers Microlight flying in NZ and they confirmed my Microlight exams remain valid so that’s a win! I just needed to rejoin…

Blog – PPL Check Ride With CFI 30/03/2025 Today was a “Dip-stick” ride so I can get an assessment from the CFI on how my flying is progressing and if I am on track for the PPL Flight Test. The weather today was nice with a few good thermals to keep me on my toes. After running through our pre-flight, taxi, run-ups, and take-off we flew out to the training area and ran thru the…

Blog – PPL Exercises 02/02/2025 As it had been several weeks since my last flight, we planned on working on general handling and targeting the some of the problem areas of my skillset. The weather was overcast at 2500ft but smooth so that made easier. After running through our pre-flight, taxi, run-ups, and take-off we flew out to the training area and ran thru the following: Stall – Clean…

Blog – Mock Flight Test 17/11/2024 Today’s mission was to work through the requirements again for the flight test concentrating on the issues I had last time and then adding in some low-flying tasks. The weather was mint so no excuses there. After running through our pre-flight, taxi, run-ups, and take-off we flew out to the training area and ran thru the following: Levelling off at a specified…

Blog – Mock Flight Test 09/11/2024 Today’s mission was to work through the requirements for the flight test; the final hurdle for me in achieving my lifelong aim of being a Private Pilot. There is a heap of tasks required to be performed in a flight test in NZ. The flight Test Standards Guide can be viewed here. The test starts well before you start the engine. The Examiner is looking at how you…

Blog – Cross Country NZMS NZDV NZMS 4/11/2024 Today was a different experience. My FI and I completed a cross-country flight between Masterton and Dannevirke. Initially, we were planning on traveling from Masterton to Paraparaumu, on to Fielding, and then returning to Masterton via Wairarapa, but due to weather, we could not traverse the Tararua Ranges, so Dannevirke was chosen. We spent a few…

Blog – Solo PPL Exercises 06/10/2024 My plan was to practice the following: Climbs and descents at 500ft/min Medium Level Turns Steep Level Turns Stalls FLWOP Slow Flight Whilst the flight was rather bumpy, it made me concentrate harder so good training. After a good climb out from runway 24, I turned and climbed towards the training area. At 3000ft, I levelled off and went thru my HASELL…

Blog – Spiral Dive Recovery 06/10/2024 Today was another of those “anything can happen” weather days but thankfully the squalls stayed away from the air field and I managed to get a spiral dive recovery session in with my FI. The basic procedure is as follows: Close the throttle Use the ailerons to reduce the bank angle Ease out of the dive using gentle back pressure Once nose is above horizon,…

Blog – Check Ride FLWOP 29/09/2024 Its been a few weeks of bad weather so today’s mission was to demonstrate consistency to my CFI in forced landings to prove consistency. My CFI stated that we would fly to the training area, then on to Bennetts Hill before returning to Hood Aerodrome. After a nice standard take-off on 24 seal, we climbed up to 3000ft heading to the training area. My CFI then set…

Blog – Simulated Instruments 08/09/2024 Today was nice and fine though the wind was a gusty from the West. W departed NZMS from runway 24 and climbed to 3000ft above training area for more Instrument flying & continuation of compass turns. These are done at a “Rate 1 turn” which is a gentle balanced turn of around 10-15deg which takes 2min to do a full 360. The winds aloft were 20-30kts and were…

Blog – PPL Exercises 31/08/2024 Today was a blustery day in Wairarapa. It was also a planned instruments training day so with the foggles it was going to be challenging to say the least. We departed NZMS from runway 06 and started our climbing turn to 3000ft. At 500ft out came the foggles and I was now in Simulated IMC conditions. All you can see is your instrument panel. After being told to not…

Blog – Circuits & FLWOP 25/08/2024 Today was a blustery one in Wairarapa so it was going to be interesting. After take off from 06, we headed out to the training area to do some forced landings. I set up and went thru the process without any issues, included all the checks and radio calls and flew really well today. Its so satisfying when everything just clicks and you are one with the aircraft.…

Blog – Circuits With CFI 06/08/2023 Another day and another poor performance from me. Just cant seem to get these circuits consistent. I’m bloody annoyed with myself. Way too many errors plus 2 x go-arounds. Enough said.   Aircraft: ZK-DOY (Tecnam P2002 Sierra) Total Time: 0.8 Landings: 4 Go-arounds: 2 Visual Approaches: 6   Until next time…. For more Blogs and Digital Photos go to…

Blog – Circuits With CFI 29/07/2023 Well this is getting rather repetitive…. First circuit all good; on the second I was about 50ft when all hell cut loose… All of a sudden I had one heck of  a lifting force on my starboard wing which induced  both a violent pitch and yaw! I was stunned, but after 3-5 second I was about to slam the throttle and go- around ; but my CCFI beat me to it and took…

Blog – Circuits With CFI 15/07/2023 Once again  I was booked in with the CFI to repeat the tasks and impress him enough to solo on type. Some days you are awesome and others you are average; today I was average….. Whilst I did my circuits fine there was too many inconsistencies on final and landing. Very frustrating when I know that I can make great landings. I just need to do this…