Due to previously unforseen circumstances (being made redundant and going through a career change) flying had to take a back seat for a while due to the obvious: money. Not flying at all in what could have been years wasn’t an option, so I joined a gliding club for some comparatively bargain flying until I could afford to get back behind a cash-to-noise converter. Over the last few months I’ve managed to save up enough to revalidate my SEP rating and (hopefully) last me through a summer of flying.
The gliding club also has a DR400 for glider towing and a DA20 Katana for powered flying training. The Katana, though underpowered, is fortunately very well priced. The availability is also the best I’ve ever seen at a club of any kind!
So In March I finally got back up with an instructor for a few hours of refreshment. SEP signed off and I couldn’t wait to get back up in the air alone. Unfortunately a tech problem meant I had to wait another two weeks before taking her up myself.
So todays sortie was just a local flight from EDLF to get used to the aircraft and gain some confidence and comfort. Nothing too challenging: some navigation, VOR tracking, a controlled airspace transit and two touch and go’s back at base.
I’ll let the photos do the talking. Sorry for the quality/reflections. Flying obviously takes priority.
Niederrhein EDLV with stored aircraft in the distance
Rain/Sleet showers in the distance
Downtown Essen in a shower. Hardly noticeable from the aircraft.
Beautiful countryside south east of Essen
Antenna listed as 1782ft, 2nm north west of the BAM VOR
Schloss Benrath
The Rhein
The Rhein looking north towards Düsseldorf
Downtown Düsseldorf and poor altitude holding…
Downtown Düsseldorf
Zone transit no problem at EDDL. In 10-15 minutes on their frequency, I heard one commercial departure and one SEP departure.
Back at base
A celebratory “beer” and the 130th hour in my humble logbook…
Next: Paderborn EDLP on Sunday to meet a friend for lunch.
Thanks for reading!
Congratulations!
I rented D-EZIC at EDLE 20 years ago. It’s still looking great!
Very glad you’re back in the air. Keep it “up” !
Congratulations to both your obviously successful career change and being back in the air!
I grew up in Düsseldorf and flew in Essen & Krefeld, so it’s nice to see some pics from the old home turf :-)
Congratulations! I think I can estimate how it must have felt. If all goes right, I shall have my first flight in 9 months on thursday…
Well done! I enjoyed reading this, and there’s some good photos too.
Well done. I’m in a similar position in that it’s been a couple of years since I flew but hoping to get current again soon.
Well done!
I myself have been grounded for five months for annual maintenance, slow-fashion…legal to fly again but three ldgs before taking pax. I never had a period inactivity longer than 3 mos in the past 20 years. Other than taking a safety pilot, any advise from forumite expertise for getting back airborne?
Well done NinerEchoPapa and thanks for posting the trip report which will be inspiring to many others in the same situation.
And there are many, currently…
any advise from forumite expertise for getting back airborne?
Just pick a nice day, jump in, use the checklist 100%, and enjoy yourself 
Exercise all aircraft systems to make sure you know them. But you will be fine, after so many years of flying…
