nearlyheaven

Merry Christmas and a Happy new Year to our Vizsla owners !

I am leaving home  tomorrow to drive to the UK for Christmas to spend time with my family. I am going to Suffolk for a short time after Christmas with my youngest Vizsla "Teddy Bear" to visit a friend, who trains Vizsla dogs for field trials.He has promised to teach me to to train Teddy .. sounds complicated but I hope that it works.

The reason for this new venture, is that the rules in France state that for a dog to become a champion they must obtain a "good"  in a field trial as well as obtaining top wins in championship dog shows, my best dog has won over twenty of these prizes,all over France but he cannot become a champion as he has never been trained for field trials and he is too old  to commence now.

This time, I am starting early with the puppy and I hope that I shall find the time to get this one to become  a champion, as can be seen in the photographs he is very laid back about his training.I have done some training with him at home and he has been very good ( most of the time) I shall enjoy spending time with him "one to one" instead of having five Vizslas constantly  vying for my attention.      

Normally, I find that for teaching him things like sit and stay ,he responds better in the house where he does not get too distracted.

However in the huge fields of England, which are full of pheasants, I think that I shall have a bit of a struggle to contain him.!

I will keep you posted.

Please send us you best photograph of the year for the January Vizsla picture parade.

To all of our Vizsla owners Have a Merry  Christmas and a Happy New Year!

We hope to have a new litter of puppies in the spring.

NearlyHeaven holidays featured on Loop newsletter this month!

Loop is a newspaper/magazine for the aviation community in the UK.

This month they have featured Nearlyheaven flying holidays as part of their newsletter.

The newsletter is featured below:

 

 

So, what is going on in the world of aviation?
>
> The latest issue of the all-new LOOP magazine is now on the shelves, and includes a free pocket guide on the maintenance and overhaul of your aircraft. We also take a look at the best parachute jump ships, with our usual essential mix of aircraft information and inspiration, too, so don't miss it.
>
> Rossy wet, but well
>
> LOOP friend and flying adventurer Yves Rossy was forced to ditch in the Mediterranean during his attempt to fly from Africa to Europe with his jet-wing but he's planning on trying again.
>
> Rossy grabbed headlines when he flew from France to England using his homemade carbon-fibre jet-powered wing. It is thought the engines failed in this second attempt, 24 miles across the Med from Morocco to Spain, forcing him to parachute into the sea.
>
> He was rescued quickly, and unharmed. Better luck next time Yves!
>
> New Mooney power
>
> N-reg Mooneys can now fit a revised engine option from Lycoming for older generation airframes, after the FAA gave STC approval for the IO-390-A3A6 to be fitted to M20E, M20F and M20J models of the aircraft.
>
> A development of the trusty IO-360, the new engine has better climb and cruise performance. Hartzell as added two and three-bladed props to the STC.
>
> And there's more...
>
> New Jeppesen Euro charts
>
> Jeppesen turned to VFR pilots throughout Europe for its new set of 1:500,000 VFR and GPS charts.
>
> Feedback has led to better readability with improved terrain depiction, and enhanced symbols. Larger charts mean less are necessary to reduce cockpit clutter, while they fold in a different way to make them easier to use in flight.
>
> An Epic return for Klapmeier?
>
> Epic Aircraft, which entered bankruptcy proceedings in the USA earlier this year, could be on its way back. There are four parties interested in buying the defunct company and restarting production including, mysteriously, one unnamed current aircraft manufacturer, and another who would be well-known to anyone in aviation. Cirrus founder Alan Klapmeier, perhaps? We'll find out on December 7th, the date of the next court hearing in the US.
>
> De Havilland bursaries open
>
> Two more bursary schemes are now open for 2010 applicants, both under the banner of the de Havilland Educational Trust (deHET). Each year deHET award two bursaries to fund 10 hours flying on de Havilland Tiger Moth aircraft at the Cambridge Flying Group (CFG) or at an alternative establishment/location subject to agreement.
>
> The bursaries are to enable licensed pilots to convert onto the de Havilland Tiger Moth, with the aim of providing a new and continuing stream of experience for the operation of vintage aeroplanes.
>
> There is also a bursary to individuals who are licensed or unlicensed aircraft engineers with an interest in the restoration and maintenance of vintage aircraft and who are aiming to further their professional experience and qualifications.
>
> To find out more contact Stuart McKay MBE, Secretary, de Havilland Educational Trust (deHET), Staggers, 23 Hall Park Hill, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 2NH.
>
> Applications close at the end of February 2010.
>
> e-GO is go
>
> Build of the first e-GO aircraft, winner of a Light Aircraft Association design competition promoting green flight, is underway. It has commenced with the fabrication of the spar caps.
>
> F1 composite expert Colin Boyd is now on the team and has recently produced the hard foam fuselage moulds for a one third scale flying model which will carry comprehensive instrumentation to explore low speed flight characteristics. It's hoped the first full-size version will be ready in summer 2010.
>
> This month's LOOP TV Show
>
> The LOOP Show is one year old this month and there are some
> fantastic stories for you. We talk to Paul Bonhomme about how it
> feels to be the World Champion. Dennis Kenyon flies an Enstrom
> 480B. We have a look at a computer reconstruction of the US
> Airways flight that landed on the Hudson. Plus we have look at
> some of highlights from all the shows over the past 12 months.
> Enjoy!
>
> Click here for this month's show - [http://www.looptv.aero/LTVCategory114/1800/LOOPSHOW–DECEMBER2009.aspx]
>
> More LOOPTV.....
>
> The Best Bits from 2009 - http://www.looptv.aero/LTVCategory16/1803/BESTBITSOF2009.aspx
>
> Last flight of the Victor - http://www.looptv.aero/LTVCategory16/1762/LASTFLIGHTOFTHEVICTOR.aspx
>
> Oshkosh 2009 - http://www.looptv.aero/LTVCategory65/1347/OSHKOSH2009%e2%80%93DAY1.aspx
>
> Yves Rossy ditches in the Med - on LOOPTV now!- http://www.looptv.aero/LTVCategory61/1808/YVESROSSYLANDSINSEA.aspx
>
> LOOP's Partners -
>
> ATRYX AVIATION – situated close to the M25 – is committed to making self fly hire turbine helicopters an affordable option for all. To hire an ENSTROM TURBINE helicopter for a breathtaking experience in one of the most reliable and strikingly beautiful aircraft in the world, please call 0203 004 6192 or email loop@atryxaviation.com and for more information, visit http://www.atryxaviation.com
>
> Bremont Film!
>
> Bremont, the English watch manufacturer, have teamed up with Martin Baker to collaborate on a watch that we think is the must-have aviation timepiece of 2010. The MB11 has been subjected to the live ejection testing program which they put all their ejection seats through.
>
> If you've ever wondered what happens to test ejection seats then you must check this film out now: http://www.bremont.com/video.php It's impressive stuff, and we're sure, like us, you'll want a MB11 after seeing this! (If any of you have ejected for real - and MB seats have saved 7000 lives around the world - then there is a limited edition watch available exclusively to ejectees.)
>
> GIPPSLAND - Turbo Airvan Certified
>
> The new Gippsland he GA8-TC 320 with the turbocharged Lycoming TIO-540-AH1A Engine has just received EASA certification and is now available from Gipps Aernautics. The new turbocharged engine enhances the performance of the already versatile Airvan with improved climbing and high altitude performance. For more information visit http://www.gippsaero.com/index.asp.htm
>
> The ultimate pilots holiday!
>
> Looking for the ultimate flying holiday? We think we've found it for you.
>
>Nearly Heaven is a gorgeous group of cottages in the Limosin region of France run by probably the hardest working instructor in Europe! This year Sue has flown students and pilots for a whopping 750 hours and put a record number of pilots through their PPL. But it's not all about the flying.
>
> Nearly Heaven is somewhere you can take the whole family, and while your off indulging yourself in the club's DA40 or DR400 they can enjoy horse riding, playing in the farm sanctuary, swimming in the beautiful pool or just kicking back and relaxing.
>
> Check out the website and discover the ultimate flying holiday where your loved ones won't mind that you're off flying (again!) www.nearlyheaven.com
>
> Flightstore - your one stop shop this Christmas
>
> Still not bought a Christmas gift for the pilot in your life? Don't panic - it's not too late!
>
> Flightstore.co.uk offer the biggest selection of aviation gear and gifts and will be delivering Christmas orders right up until the 23rd December. So there are no excuses for getting your favourite airman or woman the aviation presents on their list.
>
> For more information go to www.flightstore.co.uk
>
> >
>

Finally after many years of trying I have the Night Instructor rating in my hand!

Today, I watched a  huge lorry negotiate our narrow drive--" perhaps I am receiving a surprise christmas present,I asked myself"?

I went to sign for my "parcel" to find that it was an envelope from the CAA at Gatwick but what a present .!

This  little piece of paper has eluded me for a number of years,yes, my night instructor rating.

I have held a night rating  for over 20 years,finally after passing the CPL and the Flying Instructor Rating I embarked upon obtaining the night instructor rating. However ,this  has always eluded me. Why ? after all it is only three hours of ground school and one hour of flight training.That should not be too difficult or should it?

The answer is two fold ,the first problem  has been the British  winter weather and the second the fact that I live in France and do not have time to stay in England for long periods of time.

Every winter when I have taken a holiday in England ,I have booked to take my night instructor rating.Each time my attempt has been thwarted by either the weather, the instructor having the flu, the plane off line or the airport  being unexpectedly closed for one reason or another.

It had become a daunting task as year after year I have been out of luck .However this year my patience had worn very thin.I decided that I would stay in England until I had achieved this rating.

I booked a flight to England but I did not bother to book a return flight.The plan was simple ,I do not return to France until I have achieved my goal.

Of course that did it !

As soon as I did that it was murphy's law  every thing turned out perfectly on my first attempt, ideal weather conditions, a Robin aircraft,an examiner without any health  problems.

I had finally achieved my goal.

That is not the end of the story, a postal strike, then a mix up at Gatwick, meant that I have had to wait numerous weeks for my new licence to arrive.

Now I can finally teach those students and pilots who have been patientely waiting to obtain their Night rating.

Dont forget your torches !

Little Martyn's Blog p+4

Hello again flying chums, part 3 saw us circuit-bashing and under " attack" from the Air-Force.

Now it was time to start flying cross-country and what a beautiful country it is to fly over. My first departure from Limoges airspace was to be a short trip to L'Isle-Jourdain and back. Luckily for me the Vienne river runs past he end of the runway right to L'Isle-Jourdain.

Before I left William Barriga had just gone solo, so when I returned from following the river, there was no-one to be seen. They had to be up in the restaurant and sure enough when I got there, William was sitting at the head of the table with an " all day grin" and pouring champagne for all. What a great day.

The Last Milestone

If you take on the training for a PPL, you will reach milestones along the way. Everyone knows about first solo, but then there's all the ground exams to complete and also a lot of cross-country flying. After this is another "test" this is the qualifying cross country flight.The student must fly a solo cross country trip of at least 150 nautical miles with two full stop landings at different "away" airports .

With all of the above completed it leaves a final flight-test to be flown with an examiner.

One morning Sue had the map laid out on the club room table, " Gwen and Steve are coming with me and Martyn is doing his qualifying cross-country! Oh yes", she went on and jabbed a finger on Angouleme, " here first then on to Poitiers, look that's an easy bit, just follow the motorway"... Sue was in her element now as she swept her hand over Southern France.

" From Poitiers back to Limoges, keep clear of this power station, that's all there is to it".

I did not have time to say to her I am not ready for this yet!

In fact that was her little trick to  keep the momentum going.

Murphy's Law

Under strict instructions to text Sue on reaching Angouleme,off I went into a fairly strong wind coming straight down runway 21. Waypoints came and went, my timing and heading was ok, and the little Robin engine purred away.

After reaching the circuit at Angouleme I could see the windsock showing that strong wind, but here  it was across the runway. My first go at landing was a bit of a mess and I pushed open the throttle for a go-around.

Second time around was a lot better, mostly because I was ready to tackle that cross-wind. As the Robin rolled to a stop on the parking area out came the mobile to text Sue, but the message came on-screen " battery low" and the phone went dead. Oh well, I had to get a form signed and stamped, then it was on to Poitiers. The easy bit, following the motorway straight to Poitiers, the radio changes went fine and soon the runway came into sight.

I joined the circuit for a much easier landing as the wind was better angled  to the runway than it had been at Angouleme. After a break at Poitiers came the last part of the cross-country, back to Limoges, and it had one last surprise for me.

  Everything went normal flying back to Limoges until joining the circuit and turning base leg, a large " V" formation of geese were flying straight towards me and at the same height, as they were slightly more to my left I started an immediate right turn I watched in wonder as the left side of the goose "V" moved over to bunch at it's centre. We passed by each other with a safe margin. It was marvellous to witness their manoeuvring skill, they had obviously done their air-law exam and knew how to behave in controlled airspace!

Sadly, a few days later it was time for  me to return home. Although just short of the skill test for a PPL it had been an action packed learning experience, which I look forward to completing next year.

The marvellous thing about flying at Limoges is the friendly atmosphere,many of the students become lifelong friends, everyone helps and encourages each other.I also learned so much from sitting in the back seat when other students were having their tuition.That is a great experience of learning without the pressure of actually flying the plane.

If you would like to learn to fly then contact Sue and get going,

you'll be amazed... I was.

Sue's Diary 2009 Oh what a wonderful year!

Things have been so hectic this year that I have hardly had time to write my weekly diary.

Amazingly, despite the credit crunch I have had the best year ever!

Congratulations to  the students who came from all over Europe and as far away as New Zealand and Norway to gain their PPL's (some in record time).I will write more on that subject towards the end of the year.

We have flown to many exotic places and dined in some excellent restaurants, all of this during the PPL training.I know that many of you know of my motto which is: "Flying should be Fun"

The weather in France this year has been remarkably  stable with  excellent flying conditions.I have been busy since January (March normally wet and windy proved to be a remarkable month for weather).

The effects of this dry weather took it's toll on the grass at Nearly heaven, my horses were eating hay from early June and the green grass was a distant memory until this last month.

Of course finally this month  we went from drought  to floods  in a remarkably short time, luckily we are situated on a hill so we did not experience the worst of the flooding.These last two weeks have been pretty grim as far as flying lessons go.

Sadly ,Martin Rangeley ran out of time, he waited for several days to take his PPL skill test but the weather remained un-flyable, therefore he reluctantly returned home to England with the dream of completing the PPL next year here in France.

  Martin Payne(" big martin") had to go home for a few weeks after completing his training. However he then returned to pass his skill test on one of the best days of the year.Congratulations Martin !

I am hoping that Gwen Jenner will gain her licence in 2009,she is patiently waiting for a good day to take her skill test prior to the christmas break.

This year Gwen has studied and trained with great determination.She has also spent countless hours helping other students with ground school and she is something of an expert with the dreaded whizz wheel.

She has also taken over the role of resident  photographer now that Matt Galvin is unavailable owing to the pressure of course work for his baccalaureate.Many thanks Gwen, your infectious laughter is so welcomed by everyone at the club.

Yesterday afternoon we had a gap in the weather, so Gwen and I set off on a navigation exercise to the delightful little grass airport Chauvigny ( LFDW).The purpose was two fold, Gwen was itching to get back in a plane  to keep her skills up to date. I had been asked to fly "an hour with an instructor" for SEP revalidation purposes with  Barbara Reed an English pilot who is based at Chauvigny.The initial flight took us about 35 minutes, Gwen neatly landed on the grass and taxied onto the hard standing at the club.We had been warned not to use the taxiways as they were very wet.

Barbara had her cub aircraft ready so we set off to do the hour of general handling.We went through a variety of landings and I was impressed with the capabilities of both the pilot and this wonderful plane.We continued to the local area to perform PFL's steep turns etc.

On the way back owing to the excellent visibility in the back of the cub. I was treated to some of the local history of the area including following  miles of a roman road ,viewing some delightful chateaux, and interesting old churches.

We headed for home in the trusty Robin and remarked upon the sensational evening sunset.

Upon  entering Limoges CTR we opted for the quick route by joining right base for runway 21.Just prior to turning final the controller switched on the runway lights and kindly asked us " Foxtrot Delta Delta are the lights ok for you" What a nice welcome home.

Finally a message to Peter Cazalet ,sadly he is at present in hospital, hopefully he will be released mid December.

From all your pilot friends at Nearly Heaven

 "Get Well Soon Peter"!