Before I forget, one of Steve’s mates had flown in, in a Eurocopter. He used to work for the flying school and was explaining the good fortune of how he got his current job flying for the Ford Rally Team. He flies all over the world and it sounds like a dream job. Very interesting listening to him describe how hard the Instrument Rating was to get and how being 50 feet out had caused him to need to resit the exam at a personal cost of £4000+. Yikes !

He had lots of good advice and it felt 100% right, what he was saying. He told me to enjoy the PPL and not worry about the big picture ie the mountain I have to climb. It will all come in time !!! Words of Wisdom indeed.

So, the flight back was against a headwind, but we made good progress, but unfortunately arrived back at the airport at rush hour !!! So, we were asked to hold just north of the Emirates Control tower. I was flying in circles and must have done about 10 of them easily in total. All the time, we had the best view in the world of all the departing and arriving jets. Awesome. At one point another light a/c was also waiting to get back to land. He was AFTER us, but was hinting at landing before us. Someone said “Patience” on the radio, which we both thought was funny. When our time came to land, Steve (AND ME!) didn’t want to lose the opportunity, so Steve took it straight in landing at Holding Point F. All good !!! He’s so skilled at flying helicopters – I am always in awe !

So, great day overall. An expensive one, I expect, although I haven’t paid for this one yet.

Next job – get the medical and get ready for the Aviation Law exam !