Tuesday 31st March 2009

More Cessna flying today with Nigel in G-BNRL. These little aircraft just feel so familiar to me now … I’m sure I could fly one all by myself! Trouble is Nigel doesn’t agree and won’t let me go solo – boooo!! I wonder what cunning plan I can hatch to ‘borrow’ one for a short while … could then take my little FireBear for a spin!! Ooops igel overheard my planning … and says I need to ‘borrow’ G-ECAD if I want to do aeros!!!
I was excited all day as I was going home to mum tonight to prepare for my trip to Australia (wow – can’t wait!!). It’s been ages since I’ve seen mum & I really can’t wait to see her again. Nigel drove me there for a joyful reunion …. And it was also good to see ‘Grandad’ again LOL!!!

Monday 30th March 2009

Well back to normal and no flying – boo hoo! But I still had a productive day looking through the pics from yesterday … and posting some on my FB page! Mum loves the picture of me & Rachel – well as I said before I am just so photogenic!!

Sunday 29th March 2009

Yipee … I went flying today and it was a nice day as well with good visibility! Debs took her sister Rachel flying in G-ECAC and I went along for the ride … well Rachel did need a bit of looking after and she was rather nervous not having flown before in little aircraft. I did explain to her that it was nothing to worry about … it was just like going in a car – and anyway I would be there to keep an eye on her and make sure she was ok … what a helpful little bear I am! Well I’m sure that’s what I heard Debs mutter …..!!
Debs was also supposed to take her mum flying too, but after problems with the aircraft going tech (poor Vic – headache all round!) her mum went with Nigel in G-ECAD …. to do some aeros!! When we took off we done some formation first so that Rachel & her mum could take some pics – I think they were surprised at how close the aircraft got … but I didn’t have the heart to tell them that it really wasn’t close (guess they’ve never seen Nigel flying formation before)!! We watched her mum do ‘loop-the-loop’ … and Rachel was glad she was flying with Debs LOL!
Then we headed off up to Ipswich to find Rachel’s house and other local landmarks … I think everyone was suitably impressed with my knowledge and ability to point things out! Don’t quite understand why Debs is worrying about the hood on my jacket fitting my head …….!! We then had a trip down the coast back to EGSR. To finish off our flight Nigel brought Mattie up in AD to do some formation as we finished. Rachel’s comment towards the end of the flight had me in stitches …. She hates the landing & thinks it’s the worst bit – well thankfully it didn’t put Debs off & she landed well. To finish off our day I had to have a photo-shoot with Rachel …. well I am such a photogenic bear you can understand why LOL!!

Saturday 28th March 2009

British weather strikes again – which puts paid to any hopes of flying ... Debs is well fed up – she was hoping to do some Yak stuff today ... her 1st flight of the year – but no such luck. I was hoping for my 1st ever Yak flight ... and I was going to wear a plastic bag to keep the oil off my fur LOL! Let’s hope the ‘Great British Summer’ is going to be better than this!!

Friday 27th March 2009

I was itching to get into the air today but alas still no flying for me. Mens club were in full swing today ... just how does Vic put up with them all day after day??!! Think we need more Girlpower to sort them all out! Mind you I’m getting quite slick on the radio now ... must be all the practise I have had! Well if I can’t fly think I’ll go on facebook – wonder what’s happening on my page ...??!

Thursday 26th March 2009

Busy day today – Vic & I have been planning the ‘Cheeky Day’ at EGSR to launch the calendar and to raise lots of money for breast cancer! When Debs came in we started looking at what stalls we are going to get here … we are looking for some one who is good at children’s face painting. We are trying for a cake stall, but we know for sure that ‘Youngs World Famous Coconut Shy’ is coming! Vic and Nigel between them have managed to secure some MG cars & Harley motorbikes as well …. So we have aircraft, bikes & cars – wow!

Tonight we celebrated Vic’s birthday by going to The Essex for something to eat – yum yum! Gosh those girls are noisy when they all go out together – my fur was blushing!! Think I should have stayed with my little FireBear instead!

Wednesday 25th March 2009

Another special day today … it was Vic’s birthday!! And we had cake – yum!! It was a wonderful cake – chocolate sponge with chocolate pieces on it – fantastic!! Vic’s husband made it for her … wonder if I can sneak home with her tonight – he’s a brilliant cook!!

Still didn’t manage to fly today … think I’ve become part of the furniture and now I get forgotten when they all go flying – I’ll have to make myself a bit more noticeable I think!!

Tuesday 24th March 2009

Ooooh it was a special day today – it was Nigel’s birthday (& Aunty Emma - Happy Birthday !!)!! But I coped a ‘look’ when I commented that he was looking well for a 60 year old – ooops!! Well Nigel got to fly on his birthday … but I didn’t – think my cheeky comment got me grounded!! Oh well just gave me some more time with my lovely Firebear … now I just need to work on a cunning plan to get him airborne with me!!

Monday 23rd March 2009

Another quiet non-flying day … but Vic & I were still busy. We had all the invoices to check from the weekend – well you need to keep a careful eye on these blonde girls!! We also had to plan the fire training weekend for April – hee hee they’ll be kept busy with all what we have planned for them!

I also had some more quality time with my Firebear – ahhh he’s such a sweetie! He also explained a lot to me about fires – I learnt about the triangle of fire and what to take away to put the fire out. He’s actually quite a clever little bear!

Sunday 22nd March 2009

Well after all my European flying it was rather nice just to rest & relax on the ground at Earls Colne … plus of course I was able to spend some time with my FireBear (I have missed him!). We had a lot of catching up to do and I was able to tell him all about my adventures flying in Europe. He made me realise just how lucky I have been – all the flying I’ve done and also not just in this country – coz poor Firey has yet to fly. I really must try and get him a flight … wonder if mum would take us??

Talking of mums it was Mother’s Day today (hope mum got the flowers I sent her!) and in keeping with the female theme we had a Girlpower Day at Earls Colne today with Debs & Carolyn working (& me keeping them in check!!). We did have a fun filled day – even though I didn’t fly.

Saturday 21st March 2009

Home from Alicante to Stansted on EasyJet G-EZBO landing at 13:05 … oohh not as nice weather back here!! Peter then took me to Earls Colne where Debs was surprised to see me as she came in from a Cessna lesson. Think she missed my calming influence as she looked rather stressed when she came in! It was that or the fact that she doesn’t like Cessnas & had just been doing cross-wind landings!! Ooops – hee hee!!

Friday 20th March 2009

Another relaxing day to enjoy the country
Wow - I'm a long way from home!

Thursday 19th March 2009

BAck in the air again today.
Villaneuva De Ganero to Valencia (10:30 – 12:45)
We then had a relaxing time over lunch (of course!) - then back in the air
Valencia to Mytxamel (15:10 – 17:15)

Wednesday 18th March 2009

Finally a restful day!
Lots of pictures snapped today

Tuesday 17th March 2009

Another bust day planned!
Avignon Caumont to Perpionan (11:20 – 13:10)
More lunch!!
Perpionan to Reus (14:35 – 16:45)
Reus to Villaneuva De Ganero(17:30 – 19:00)
Totally sleepy from all this nav!

Monday 16th March 2009

More microlighting today - these things are slooooooww!!

Le Touquet to Reims Prunway (10:20 – 12:00)
Lunch - yummy!
Reims Prunway to Bourg (14:15 – 16:45)
Boy - that was a long flight!
Bourg to Avignon Caumont (17:00 – 18:30)

What a great day of flying!!

Sunday 15th March 2009

At North Weald today - getting airbourne for my next adventure!!
Flight from North Weald to Le Touquet (15:30 – 16:45) in G-BBWZ an AA1 with Peter Kelsey & G Rizzo (wasn't Rizzo in Grease??!!)

Saturday 14th March 2009

Ooooh it was cold today … and the poor man at Crowfield had to get his bum out for the pic!! I liked the aircraft that was used this time – it was PINK!! Ok it wasn’t all pink – but it did have a couple of pink stripes on it! We had a nervous, but very good sport model again and got some good pics at Crowfield for the calendar … that’s 3 months sorted now. After that I went flying with mum again – back to Hardwick in G-DEMH, then it was a full Cessna ride down to North Weald to see the poor Hurricane.
I got to fly with ‘Grandad’ this time (ooohhh he’s a good pilot – but don’t tell mum!!) and mum took some pics of us in flight … I’m getting the hang of this!! Then I had to sit in the back with 2 of the Hardwick Hanger Crew and some more pics … but I was itching to get back in the front & fly! North Weald was great – lots of aircraft to see and I met Peter as well (hob-nobbing with the display pilots – I like this!)

Friday 13th March 2009

Oooh no – not Friday the 13th again – yikee!! Vic & I were on tender-hooks all day … but it was fine – everything was good. I also was a bit nervous of flying on this day – even though everything was fine last time, didn’t want to chance it again! So Vic & I spent the day updating one of the accounts spreadsheets – oh joy … perhaps I will go flying then!! We also had the delights of Mens Club for a while …. But I’m learning to shut them out now!!

Thursday 12th March 2009

Debs & Mum had a meeting tonight to try & sort some stuff out for the open day in May. Ooooh I’m looking forward to this – lots of aircraft & hopefully lots of flying for me!! Mum is excited as she’ll be able to come to EGSR in her fav a/c – the Harvard … hope she remembers to bring me in it too! Or shall I come in the Stearman (no best not – the wind will ruffle my fur!) .. think I’d like to make my grand entrance in the Mustang (well I am the star of the show!). Oh dear such a dilemma for a poor little bear … so many brilliant aircraft – which one to choose!! Hee hee!!

Wednesday 11th March 2009

Vic was back today & she was busy trying to update her manual to get ready for the CAA inspection. I did tell her not to panic as mum & me know a CAA man – Uncle Dave … I said he’d be a push-over for the inspection! Vic said she didn’t think it would be him – so no skiving for me & to start typing these pages up. Well I did say she was a hard task master!! LOL

Tuesday 10th March 2009

More no flying for me today – I did have the chance to go – but declined due to the wind! Nigel was ground crew today … and boy was he lazy! He spent all day on his pc … he kept telling me he was working – but from where I was sitting it looked more like Facebook to me!! Think he was busy with impressing the ladies with his line “Hi, I’m Nigel & I’m a display pilot …”!! Didn’t impress me much – and judging by the lack of replies didn’t impress the FB ladies either LOL!
First Aid training tonight – they’ve got their exam next week (& they didn’t look happy about that!). We spent the evening revising and then they were rolling each other around on the floor again – ooohhh there’s some funny goings on at this flying club!

Monday 9th March 2009

No flying today – boo hoo. But I was still busy at EGSR with Vic (oooh she’s such a hard task master!!). Debs was also there today as well – she took a day off work to work here – hmmm strange girl! Was a quiet day today flying wise – weather was still a bit blowy – poor Christine had her lesson cancelled & had to do some ground school to prepare for her Airlaw exam. Well I know what I’d rather do!!! I’ve had a peek at the Airlaw book … ohh it’s all double dutch to me – let’s just go flying!
I was still kept busy on the ground – we had a Bookers delivery so the vending machine needed filling up …. That was a strange one – put all that chocolate on display in a machine & not eat any!! Strange people these humans! I also had a go on the ground radio – but don’t think Debs & Vic were pleased with my terminology …. What’s wrong with “Hi Pop-pickers – we’re now gonna listen to my all time fav track – Elvis Presley & Teddy Bear”???!!!!

Sunday 8th March 2009

Well after all the ‘bums’ excitement of yesterday it was back to the flying school with Nigel today, but if I thought I was in for a tame day – then I was wrong!! First 2 flights of the day were advanced PPL lessons with 2 students in GBENK (C172) … hey mum’s got one of these!! But I didn’t realised that the aircraft was capable of such unusual attitudes …. Oooooh!!! But it was fun once I’d relaxed and got used to seeing the world from funny angles!! Paul & Preston were enjoying it too … hmmm wonder if this is what it is like to aeros in a Mustang … have to ask mum??!!
Later on I was really brave as I went flying with Nigel & Graham – a new PPL!!! We went off and done some VOR tracking (what??? Why do anything to do with aviation have such funny names??!!). This was a bit confusing – think I’ll ask mum about it – I’m sure she can tell me all about it & put me right!! When we got back to EGSR a HUGE shower came through & we got stuck in the aircraft fro about 15 mins … well I did tell Nigel not to start the brief out here – but did he listen??? No – but then you know what men are like!! And there was no way I was getting out of the aircraft with that heavy rain … plays havoc with your fur you know!! Think Debs enjoyed the weather today – she was taking pics of the clouds … yes that’s right – the clouds! But to be fair they were pretty impressive … huge CBs showing the effect of the strong winds (well that’s what she told me … I just thought that they looked like cotton wool balls lol!!)

Saturday 7th March 2009

Big excitement today ... we are going to Little Gransden to photograph a pilot’s bum (oooohhh hope my eyes can BEAR it!! Only slight problem – to get there I’ve got to fly with Debs & Nigel – in a C152 with Debs trying to fly it!! We had a good trip there & flew right over the top of Duxford – wow all the aircraft there .... I want to go in & have a look! Landing at Little Gransden was interesting as Debs was all of a dither & we had to go around – phew at least Nigel had control .... ahhhhh – then he gave it back to Debs – FOOL!! At least she got us down in 1 piece this time.
I liked Little Gransden – lots of interesting aircraft in the hangers – including several yaks! I got to meet Mark Jefferies and also had a look at his new Extra .... ooooooh that’s a smart aircraft ... wonder if he’d take me with him in it??!! Well we had our photo shoot & the guy was such a good sport & had no problems getting cheeky for us!!! But I did have to cover my eyes with my paws at one moment LOL!!
I had a big treat on the way home – I got to fly with mum – YIPEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We flew back over Duxford again and Ian took some photos of the aircraft on the ground. He also took some in-flight pics of us in G-DEMH ... it was soooooo good to fly with mum at last. We went back to Earls Colne for tea then mum headed back to Hardwick without me – sob! But she said it was best so that I could fill my log book with some more hours .... but I am going to go with her next week – yippee!

Friday 6th March 2009

Well after the circuits of yesterday ‘Mother’ took pity on me & took me on a trip to Beccles! We went in GBCFR – oooooooh I was rather worried as this was the aircraft that we had engine problems with .... but Mother reassured me & I’m glad we went as we had a great time.
I took care of the navigation while Mother flew & did the radio (well I’m a bit scared of that!) – it was probably best that I navigated as Mother has a ‘history of issues’ around the Harleston area - & I didn’t want a ‘map moment’!!
We had a lovely cup of tea at Beccles and a chat with the people up there – it’s a nice cosy little club. Then it was time for the flight back and again we had a great time .... me & Mother make a great team!

Thursday 5th March 2009

Yipee – flying day!!! Nice weather & nice instructor! I went flying with Dave Trouse and his students today in G-ECAC ... Debs doesn’t like this aircraft – says it is a bit twitchy .... I don’t know what she’s on about – I think it’s lovely!
We went on 2 local flights around the Earls Colne area ... oh it’s all becoming so familiar to me now – I can recognise Marks Tay & the golf course .... hee hee Dave even let me navigate the final flight home – what a lovely overhead join I sorted out! We also had 2 circuit flights – I’m going to get dizzy if I have to do any more of those LOL! But at least I flew & added more hours to my logbook – yippee!!

Wednesday 4th March 2009

Another no flying day today ... but Victoria kept me really busy! We had all the post to go through – and new letters to post ... oh that franking machine doesn’t like me – my paws play havoc with the tiny buttons – ooops!
We also started doing some work on the open day stuff .... ohh there’s lots to do – better get busy!

Tuesday 3rd March 2009

Well after all the excitement of my trip to Gloucester I had a no-fly day today! It was a good chance to catch up with my Firebear. We looked at the aviation chart & I was able to show him our route to Gloucester – he was amazed at how far it was! I enjoyed showing him all the different things on the map – things to avoid (controlled airspace- LOL!); heights of the airspace and the best routes to take. I really enjoyed myself – I was surprised just how much I knew!
This evening we had a first aid training evening .... it was amazing – they all kept kissing Annie – a plastic mannequin – WHY??? Hellooooooo!!!! Why are you kissing a doll when there are fellow humans in the room??? Think it’s time for me to sneak off to see my beau!

Monday 2nd March 2009

Well after a lovely night in Gloucester it was time to return to Earls Colne in a Cirrus (another posh aircraft – but no mini-bar this time!) and we came back via a direct track through Stansted :-) Weather again was fab – what a pity for the poor people who have to go work today! After saying farewell to my new found pilot friends I managed to sneak off to see my Firebear for some 'catch up quality time'. All was good until Vic caught us & then she found me lots of work to do ... fueling aircraft and then doing the invoices. I hated doing the invoices as the printer was being a pain ... look at what it did to my paperwork!! Oh well we got there in the end and then they all went home to leave me & my Firebear in peace ....!

Sunday 1st March 2009

What a change in the weather – yuk – awful viz :-( But I still managed to fly today (although I had my eyes closed for some of it!!) – Debs & I flew with Nigel for some bad wx ccts – hmmm they were entertaining! Later on Vic’s fav aircraft came in ... G-PMHT a very POSH turbo-prop with Jason the pilot. I got talking to him (as you do!) and before I knew it I was being invited for a flight back to Gloucester – oooh you should have seen Vic’s face ... if looks could kill – oops!! Well it was a lovely aircraft – plush leather seats, it’s own steps & a mini-bar (WOW!!) – boy did I enjoy that flight!! Should have brought my Firebear too – he would have loved it ... but Vic found him lots of paperwork to do :-(