Wow!
I'm amazed at the level of response. I have only been away from my computer for few hours and can't believe how many replies have been posted in that time.
So firstly, a big thank you to all of you for taking the time to put fingers to keyboard.
@Rich GriffThe thought of sloping appeals to me, but if Lincolnshire is not the flattest county in the country it must be a pretty close second! I am lucky enough to have a field next to my house where I have enjoyed some gliding, albeit of the electric assisted type, as over the last couple of years I have built and flown a West Wings Orion-E (with which I caught my first thermal, something that I had always considered be beyond my skill level. There were a few minutes of "is it going up or isn't it?" and then the realisation that it really was ascending rapidly. A fantastic moment that I will not forget!) I also have a Radian Pro, which I am using to get some experience of flaps, flight modes, crow etc. So for the moment though my slope soaring is restricted to Alta Vista in the Realflight simulator!
@Jon - Laser Engines and others, the recommendation for a 40 trainer is very useful as I think I have an Irvine Tutor 40. I say 'think' as I built (OK, assembled) one about 12 years ago complete with OS 40 LA up front, with the intention of joining a club and learning to fly properly! However, life, children and a house move got in the way of that. As part of the house move the poor old Tutor was relocated to my in-laws garage loft where it has languished for the last 11 years. So I have no idea whether it may rotted, have been moused or succumbed to any other disasters. The OS was unrun at the time so whether that is still viable or seized is anyones guess.
My initial thought was that things would have moved on to foamy electric trainers these days, but it sounds like it would be worth at least seeing if it Tutor is salvageable.
Thanks to all for the advice about the BMFA club finder page. I should have though of that! I have been a country member for the past 5 years, primarily for the insurance so I tend to forget the other services they offer.
I've also passed my competency test and paid my dues to the CAA. I was really pleased that the new operator number is now 19 digits rather than the previous 10, its not often the government gives you more without charging any extra!!
@All - The next step for me will be to approach some local clubs as you folks have suggested.
@David Davis 2 I'll be 57 next month, so not retired yet, but still trying! Also I do have a soft spot for vintage models. I have a new PAW which I need to find a home for. Its a bit small for a 60 and no throttle, so not much use in a trainer but I am keeping my eyes out for something suitable...
I may also start some posts in the build section of the forums as I have a couple of projects on the building board at the moment but I am notoriously bad at finishing one project before starting another, so hopefully some gentle encouragement or a boot up the backside will help!
Once again thank to you all for a very warm welcome.
Greg
