We set off, me flying Delta-Oscar and Jane navigating. Down to Stapleford, and skimming the M25 around north London. Past Henley and past Geenham Common. Over Reading and waggle the wings for Jane's son, just in case.

We arrive at Popham, squeezed between a road and a petrol station. Getting down is going to be a challenge as the wind is blowing across the runway and there are trees just before the threshold. Too high over the trees on the approach and the 152 floats too far in their lee. Go around and try again. Better this time, but the 152 floats again and needs a bit of persuasion to touch down.

A friendly welcome at Popham - a free bottle of wine to take back! After tea and snacks, we set off again this time south of London and I am in the back of the Cherokee relaxing.

We get to Biggin Hill and they have an emergency. It's Xray-Kilo with a radio failure. All aircraft are sent out of Biggin's zone and Xray-kilo is given permission to land 'on any runway you choose'. Apparently, the fire trucks were all on standby. Seems a bit extreme for a radio that won't transmit! Biggin won't let Lee leave until it's fixed. Fortunately, the transmit function returns when the rear headset is unplugged. Hmmm.

We all make it back to Andrewsfield, including Lee in Xray-Kilo, and pour the Popham wine. The wine proves to be another adventure.

Robert 3/11/2005