A turbulent flight

This video demonstrates what it’s like to fly a light aircraft, in this case a Piper PA28, on a gusty, turbulent day.  It was sunny and clear, but the weather charts warned of moderate turbulence and a chance of gusts.

I took off from Biggin Hill aerodrome from runway 29 – I was given a clearance to leave the circuit right downwind, however after take off this clearance was changed, with a requirement that I turn left.  Thankfully, knowing Biggin Hill and its procedures well, this was no bother.

I crossed the Thames at the QE2 Bridge, and routed up via Harwich, Ipswich and Colchester.  The flight lasted about  1hr 30mins, and so this 2 minute edit probably makes it look worse than it was, however it does give you a good feel for what it’s like when it’s bumpy.  There is no danger on a day like this, however it does make it difficult when trying to measure tracks, or take position fixes on a map, because the moment you try, the wings are dropping and your head hits the roof of the plane.

Enjoy the video, and subscribe to my YouTube channel to be notified when I post again.  Also, please scroll below the video and take a look at the picture gallery – there were some nice stills from the camera over the starboard wing.

Gallery of images from my flight