I was joined for my PRTC by Steve Hipwell who I'd met in Brighton on our Round Great Britain Trip Part 2 and was asked if I would let him fly JBTR. Steve flies an Extra and a RV7 and after a check flight I had no worries.
The best value flight I had was when I flew with Instructor Jessy Panzer who showed me some great Pylon Racing techniques that I can now go away and fine tune. Here is a short video taken on the at flight. My first overtake attempt failed and then Jessy demo'd how to do it. For reference the pylons are 66 ft - the GoPro makes it seem higher!
I had some concerns about some pilots, primarily because they need more formation experience, and they were not selected. However, they all had a good attitude and I hope they return for selection in 2017 after gaining some experience.
I lucked in on my transit home and flew direct from Ponte De Sor to Biarritz. I planned to refuel in Jersey but when I arrived it was 8/8s cloud and 600 ft cloudbase. I had plenty of fuel and my bladder was holding up so I continued home to Haverfordwest on a rare 8/8ths blue winter day. See my EFIS with 10 minutes to run ... airborne for 3:55 yet still had 2:51 - 406 nm - 57.9 litrs fuel remaining .... amazing little aeroplane.
First race in July in the meantime a 6 month service as the trip put on 25 hours and a break before the British Air Racing Season starts.
