One by one the CC crew turned up at North Weald looking forward to an
exciting day as VIP’s and special guests of Vic to the London City open day.
CC was looking particularly pretty as Bob and I had spent the Friday before
cleaning and polishing her up. All the usual banter and chatter was in
abundance as we readied CC for flight. Once ready we had to push CC back
away from the hanger and another aircraft which was parked a little too
close for a safe start-up and taxi. As we pushed back the crew and I
couldn’t help but notice the other pilot had a very pretty blonde with very
long legs standing with him. As we passed her pushing CC back I glanced at
her and smiled, much to the admiration of the others she smiled waived back
to me and said very sexily "hi". Still got the touch I thought whilst
ensuring CC’s wing tip didn’t hit the propeller and wondering if she would
like to see my private educational DVD collection.
After a while Bob and Vic jumped in the front with Nick and I strapped in
the back as observers. We were due to depart at 14.00 hrs with Bob flying
and Vic on the radio. We were slightly early so Bob flew slowly overhead
Thurrock then headed for the QE2 bridge which was the designated VFR route
inbound to London. Vic chatted to his buddies at London City tower as we
approached. Instructions were to not go above 2400ft, follow the Thames,
call when airport in sight then descend dead side for runway 27.
The city looked fantastic as we approached with the sun high in the sky
and reflecting off the city office windows. We then reminded Bob that there
was a large audience (26,000) who would be observing the landing, no
pressure! Bob turned downwind, then base, then final. Although Bob was
throttled back we seemed to be gaining lift and he had a job descending. The
speed built to about 85KM/H while we were on short final, but with the
length of the runway Bob let the speed reduce over the threshold for a good
landing with plenty of concrete left. We were marshaled to a parking area
right in the middle of the flight line so Bob could pose along side CC in
front of his adoring public.
We walked (posed) down the flight line then crossed over to the public
area guided by Vic whilst checking out the eating establishments (burger
vans) on route to Vic’s office. Vic’s office was like an electronic
playground with every conceivable comms and radar system imaginable. He has
a very good view of the airport, but then took us to an even better one up
in the tower. He we loitered, hopefully without making a nuisance of
ourselves, for sometime to watch the air show.
Eventually hunger took over and we headed for a hog roast van which had
been spotted earlier by Nick. There we stuffed ourselves and got sunburn
while watching the rest of the air show. Although only small by today’s big
show standards the air show was excellent with a good variety of aircraft.
The weather was fantastic which as always adds to the enjoyment.
At 17.00 the air show finished and we checked CC out for the departure. I
was lucky enough to fly P1 for the departure and after sometime getting the
flight plan in the G1000 (see the vid on YouTube, slightly exaggerated) we
completed power checks and lined up for a 10k tailwind take-off on 09. With
that amount of concrete it was nice to hold CC down until we had plenty of
airspeed before rotating and still with about half the runway to go. The
flight back was uneventful going out the same way as in, by flying down the
river then turning North at the QE2 bridge then heading almost direct to
North Weald.
I must say it was a fantastic day, the views inbound and outbound were
brilliant and I think we are very privileged and lucky to be allowed to fly
a light aircraft into London City. The weather could not have been better
and it was a typical Heelan’s flying Circus trip regarding the good company
and banter. The guys at work are sick of me talking about it but I don’t
care. Bob incidentally mentioned his Jet Provost flight only once throughout
the whole day!!!!.
Thanks again to Vic for arranging to get us in there. (any jobs going Vic
give me a call)
