An afternoon in a Cessna 172R

[Guest Darren Masters]

Hello all. Would have posted last night but was way too tired and wanted to spend some time away from the puter. Yesterday I had the privilege of being taken for a fly with a fellow pilot in a Cessna 172R out of Camden. Original plan was to pick me up from The Oaks. Ian was on final when some drips and drops started from above. Made the smart decision to turn back and head home to a dry hanger at Camden. Good thing he did as a few mins later there was a massive storm and downpour. Trouble after that was that our little strip at The Oaks was then soaked. Could not even walk on it let alone land a 172 Ian was on his way back by that stage so had to let him know via radio that the strip was too wet to land on (felt like a UNICOM operator at this point) Informed Ian that we would drive down to Camden and meet him there. Would be easier and safer. Made it to Camden where VH-AHH and Ian were both waiting. Was extremely hot and humid after the storm had passed through. Reminded me of when I lived in Brisbane. I was most impressed by VH-AHH though Realised by sitting inside just how much I missed the GA scene. She's got lovely comfortable seats, car-like seatbelts, windows that open and a mile of leg room. Virtually a brand-new machine. With the seat all the way back I could not have reached the pedals if I wanted to. Realised just how little space we have in our little Jabirus Waved goodbye to Emma and the kids who were at the observation area while taxiing for RWY 22. Exchanged some words with the controller (which was good to hear again after so many years), lined up, full throttle and up we went. I was amazed at how high we were so quick. Real horses here folks! Loved the lightning out the starboard wing on climbout too! Original plan was to track towards Bankstown for a touch and go but Ian decided it was not such a good idea with the storm located pretty much right over Bankstown. Heard rescue chopper also unable to land there and diverting to Wollongong due weather. Here's a view out the right wing climbing out:

 

 

One out the rear-end.

 

 

Excellent to see some healthy water levels in Sydneys Warragamba Dam even though there was some brown 'sludge' present in some spots. May explain some of the stomach aches I have been having of late!!

 

 

 

Then tracking for a very familiar field-The Oaks. Look at all the water down there.

 

 

Great to see it so green again around The Oaks local area.

 

 

We have a look at Ians house below.

 

 

Then we track on to Mittagong.

 

 

 

With inversion layers and eagles below this made for a nice afternoon roller coaster ride! Excellent thing Emma was not onboard. Ian and I being the sick people we are, had a ball!!

 

 

Mine below with heliport.

 

 

A nice, ahh, gentle turn to the right.

 

 

Camden airport below.

 

 

On finals.

 

 

The office of VH-AHH.

 

 

And meet VH-AHH.

 

 

An excellent afternoon. Hope you enjoyed the report and pics. Fish eye lens not so bad from up there!!

 

 

[Guest OzChris]

Great report and pics Darren - I thoroughly enjoyed that!

 

Bet you had a blast!!

 

 

[Guest Darren Masters]

I did have a good time Chris. Thanks for the comments mate :D

 

 

[Robbo]

is that a cop car to the right?

 

 

 

[Guest Darren Masters]

Not that I know of Robbo.

 

 

[Guest Glenn]

great photos mate. Used a different lens did you? LOL

 

Thanks for sharing

 

 

[Guest Darren Masters]

Thanks mate. No, same shytty lens :lol:

 

 

[Guest Chainsaw]

NIce one Daz :)