Real Pics - Today I flew a Grob G115 - Here are the Pics!

**Shamrock128** · 10-02-2004, 01:13 PM

As some of you know, my wife bought me the fantastic birthday present of a one hour introductory flying lesson. Well today was the day!

I awoke to find the weather was just as forecasted - building clouds & heavy rain approaching from the west, winds 20kts gusting to 35kts. :(

I phoned the flight centre for confirmation that the flight would be postponed............"come on out" they said "it's bumpy but it's still flyable" :-jumpy

Just as I arrived at the field it started to rain, however the guys in the flight centre were talking to pilots in the air and they reckoned this was only a passing shower.

We headed out to get in the Katana but it turned out it was being serviced so the instructor said let's take the Grob! I said lets take the WHAT?

My view for the next hour, the captains seat! (before engine start)
http://www.flightsim.com/dcforum/Use...375bb32909.jpg

Passing the "K Club". The Ryder Cup will be played here in 2006
http://www.flightsim.com/dcforum/Use...fb5c6d052c.jpg

Blessington lakes (South County Dublin / North County Wicklow). These lakes were formed on the river Liffey when a hydro-electric power station was built. As you can see the weather was far from perfect.
http://www.flightsim.com/dcforum/Use...275c8c4265.jpg

Oh well! I guess I had to show my face sometime......
http://www.flightsim.com/dcforum/Use...5f5c94132b.jpg

I still have that grin on my face
http://www.flightsim.com/dcforum/Use...925cbe50ef.jpg

85kts. @ 2,000 ft. bouncing around like a ping pong ball!
http://www.flightsim.com/dcforum/Use...c75d10098e.jpg

You don't have to travel very far outside Dublin City to get this type of landscape
http://www.flightsim.com/dcforum/Use...025d24d4fd.jpg

Heading back to the field
http://www.flightsim.com/dcforum/Use...375d566800.jpg

On final and the rain has started again!
http://www.flightsim.com/dcforum/Use...695d852e81.jpg

Me and the plane I had never heard off only one hour earlier!
http://www.flightsim.com/dcforum/Use...a45daa4f30.jpg

I had control of the plane for all but the take off & landing (and of course when I was taking the photos). It was a fantastic experience - the wind was really something, it had a huge effect on the plane at times, but it was great fun all the same.

At one point the instructor had me place my hands on my knees and fly with only the rudder for directional control, it was quite tricky to judge the correct amount. He then stood on his left rudder peddle to show me how much of an effect the rudder can really have on the plane - let's just say I discovered why I was wearing shoulder straps & my hands didn't remain on my knees! I bet he does that to all newbies and has a laugh about it back in the pilots lounge. Over all though he was a good guy.

One of these days I'll figure out a way to do this on a regular basis, but for now I'm heading back to FS9.

See you back on the screen shot forum!

**argueman99** · 10-02-2004, 01:47 PM

Looks like fun!! Nice plane, too. Beats flying around in a Cessna 150 or 172. :-)

**AngelFuree** · 10-02-2004, 02:55 PM

Good stuff, indeed. I'm sure you loved it and are gonna continue flying. Seems like an interesting plane. =)

http://www.flightsim.com/dcforum/Use...305d5c6de3.jpg

**PHCO** · 10-02-2004, 04:42 PM

Great photos Al ! :D

**FlyingKiwi** · 10-02-2004, 06:20 PM

Great pics! I thought Grob only built gliders so I've learned something new today. :)

PS. Good to meet you at last! :-lol

**Shamrock128** · 10-02-2004, 06:32 PM

Thanks guys :-wave

This was a fantastic experience - I just hope I can get back up there on a regular basis some day :D

**Shamrock128** · 10-02-2004, 07:09 PM

Thanks Leo :7

I also learned a lot today - I had never even heard of Grob!

I was scheduled to fly a C150, then that was changed to the Katana and then when we realised that wasn't even in the parking area we switched to the Grob! I enjoyed every minute of it though!

**flyboy208** · 10-02-2004, 09:02 PM

http://www.flightsim.com/dcforum/Use...ed4475a10b.jpg

I am so happy you were able to do this Al! Welcome to the club my friend!:-wave

**swva_pilot21** · 10-03-2004, 01:08 AM

Congratulations! Indeed and experience you won't soon forget! I must say that landscape is absolutely beautiful! I am jealous! Very interesting weather for the flight as well. Those bumps are always fun too! Congrats again and good luck with future flying!