It was a really good session last night on Navigation with a good introduction to the subject and chance to have a go at a map exercise.

Some people have asked about the flight computer (often called the whizz-wheel) which is the circular slide-rule we use to quickly work out the effect of wind on our intended track.

If you are just looking to fly at PPL level, you are fine with a CRP-1, or equivalent. We would say it is better to go for the CRP-1 than others on the market as it is universally known, compatible with the training books and is well known to instructors and examiners all over the country. They are about £45 new.

If you are looking to go beyond PPL to commercial or instructor level then you will need the better flight computer which is larger with more features designed for the ATPL written exams. This is the CRP-5. Almost every commercial pilot has got one or had one in the past and the only drawback is that a new CRP-5 is £85 or so.

The good news is that they are usually available on e-bay or elsewhere on the web at around £35-£40.

Just in case we have not been able to get in contact with you and you are available, we have our ground school session tonight.

We will do a presentation on navigation, so those people who do not know their whizz-wheel from their plog - this is for you!

As usual, Thursday night 7.00pm at the Queen's hotel.

Also we have another article in the What's On part of the Cornishman newspaper today. Have a look - not a big write up but it is a welcome break from the General Election coverage!

Nice day today for flying. Lots of very high cloud (not a problem to us) and a gentle wind down runway 16. Both LX and PC are flying so if you would like to come in and fly we would be happy to fit you in.

Picture is of G-EOLX taken from G-OCPC in the air!

Don't neglect the Groundschool!

Well, this morning has been foggy and for a time we were measuring horizontal visibility in inches and centimetres instead of feet and metres. As a result it is worth thinking of groundschool and remembering that very often pilots do very well in improving their flying but are then held up from the test or gaining their licence as they have not managed to pass the exams. Especially important is Air Law: this exam needs to be passed before going solo for the first time so it is best to get it out of the way early. (Well done to Rob for passing his this week!) Need any help? Give us a call!

We have a few flights and new students as a result of our open day so it is good to be able to report interest in aviation is alive and well. The weather has remained fantastic for flying and we have been able to continue training even when Heathrow and Gatwick have been closed.

Still places remaining if you would like to fly - give us a call!

Very interesting day yesterday for the open day - we attracted a number of new students and some older pilots who would like to re-start flying again. One dropped in a number of old flying magazines so if you would like to read some feel free to borrow them when you come in. Enclosed a picture of the winning entries in the Cornishman Trial Lesson Competition.

Remains sunny and pleasant today. Interesting however is the fact that it has got quite hazy - more common in Summer - where it looks nice on the ground but almost seems a little 'foggy' up at 2000ft. This of course means we need to be more careful (as pilots) with our lookout but will completely ruin the day if you are a photographer.

Short posts for this week - need to spend the time preparing for the Open Day on Sunday!

Another fine day! Well done to Richard who had a great mornings flying. He flew some circuits here before departing for his first 'away' trip to Perranporth. It was also his first time at an airfield without an Air Traffic Control Tower - surprisingly difficult if all your flying career you have been told what to do! Back to Land's End again for some successful glide approaches. The smart money may be on Richard as the first student to go first solo this year!

Don't forget the open day on Sunday!

Another fine day today and so we are trying to fly as many people as we can! The conditions are perfect: light winds, dry runway and excellent visibility. We do have spare aircraft and capacity, so if you would like to come in and fly we would be delighted to accommodate you.

If you have read the Cornishman this week we have a wonderful article about MSH Flight Training. If you haven't seen it have a look.

It does mention our open day on Sunday 18th April. If you are new to aviation, this is a chance to come along, ask questions and and find out more about what we do. Refreshments will be provided.

Location: Land's End Airport,
Time: 12.00pm and 3.00pm.

Fantastic day today - struggled to find time to blog. Bright sunshine, but with just the right amount of wind to make circuits effective and demonstrate the effects of wind. Congratulations to Tim on his first trip into the circuit - we think he is hooked!

Looking forward to more tomorrow....

We have recently taken up the Editor of the Cornishman, the local paper for the Penwith area, for a trial lesson in G-EOLX. Jacqui Walls was quite apprehensive and in her own words 'not the most confident of flyers'.

How did she get on? Well, her article appears in the Cornishman on Thursday. Be sure to read it; there is also a competition too to win a couple of trial lesson vouchers. The winners will be presented their prize on our open day on the 18th April, at Land's End Airport.

Well done to Les for getting through his Air Law exam on Saturday. It is not difficult to understand, but there is a lot to learn as it really like the 'Highway Code' book of the air: instead of stopping distances you have safe distances from cloud, instead of road signs you have air space considerations, for example. If you have not done it, then it is one to get out of the way early as you will need to have it under your belt before going first solo.

There is a front over us at the moment which has brought the cloud base down to below mimimum required. After this clears the forecast suggests we may be in for a very good week ahead.

Showery is certainly a good description for today. It is clear at the moment but some huge clouds can be seen close by; it is good for circuits but certainly not a day for a long navigation exercise.

There have been some showers going through so the runway is quite wet.

Sadly Simon has had to cancel this morning so if you would like to come and fly we have a vacancy this morning.

Beautiful day today; weather forecast got it wrong again. We were able to fly first thing and Simon had a good lesson on circuits. The wind got progressively stronger and away from the runway so he was able to try his hand at crosswind landings for the first time. Sorry to Rob who was not able to get up and fly today as the wind increased to 37 knots at one stage.

Now occasional showers, but still too windy.

Make sure you buy a Cornishman newspaper next week - Mark took Jacqui (editor) flying yesterday for a trial lesson. She did very well, and I am sure there will be a few pictures in there in next week's issue. We took some pictures and hopefully will have them on the blog tomorrow.