PPL | Lesson #34 | 11-07-2019 | Landing at a Controlled Airfield: Cambridge

Having never landed at a controlled airfield throughout my training, I asked my instructor if he wouldn’t mind taking me to one before I’m let loose on my own!

With my skills test fast approaching this time next week, I thought I’d also use the flight to practice a few other bits like nav diversions and a VOR position fix. I had also planned to call London Information for the first time but we ended up discussing other things. I still have this on my to-do list, but I’ve now planned a post-test trip to Le-Touquet with my instructor for my first channel crossing, so I’m sure they’ll be plenty of opportunity to call them then!

The visibility was stunning during today’s lesson and overall, I felt like things were coming together. I did have the odd silly mistake such as not checking the parking brake was on before starting the engine. A combination of events led to this happening, often referred to as the swiss cheese model, with all the holes lining up. Thankfully I noticed straight away and have to take full responsibility as this was a checklist item!

The main reason I wanted to visit a controlled airfield was to practice the various calls associated with full ATC. With my instructors help I managed to muddle my way through the calls, certainly something I will need more practice with post-test.

Highlights
09:40 – Take off
15:00 – Setting course overhead Silverstone
21:00 – Listening to Cambridge ATIS
23:24 – Preparing to call Cambridge
27:20 – Call to Cambridge
39:00 – Joining Crosswind
42:10 – Landing at Cambridge
50:30 – Take off from Cambridge
1:13:45 – Position Fix
1:17:50 – Practice Nav Diversion
1:37:45 – Traffic Calls
1:42:50 – Landing at Turweston

My next lesson is booked for Wednesday 17th July where I’ll be doing a mock skills test, in readiness for the real thing the following day!

I’m filming using a GoPro Hero4 with suction mount and a special adaptor to capture the headset and ATC audio. If anyone would like any more info on the set up – just drop me a comment below!

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