NPPL Ab-initio Training
Two staff members – working for sotonUAV – started their training towards their National Private Pilot’s Licenses. Training was conducted by the group’s instructor and each student has ticked off several preliminary lessons on the aircraft with 2022 leading to more advanced content.
Both members plan to use their license for recreation as well as broadening their understanding of general aviation which will ultimately help them contribute to sotonUAV’s research regarding Class Lima airspace.
Several students go solo
A first year undergraduate, third year undergraduate and one postgraduate were signed off to solo the aircraft. All members had previously completed Light Aircraft Pilot’s Licenses or Private Pilot Licenses but required differences training before being allowed to fly the aircraft themselves.
Flying G-OUAV in 2021 has been an incredible opportunity to both enrich my postdoctoral studies, and learn to fly a unique new type of aircraft. I am excited to continue operating G-OUAV in 2022 to encourage more people into aviation, and for the wider opportunities it creates for unmanned systems research at Southampton
Jack, Postgraduate
Two tailwheel conversions completed
Thanks to the group’s instructor, two members completed their tailwheel conversions on the aircraft. Both members had only previously flown Cessna or Piper nosewheel configuration aircraft. Tailwheel handle very differently on the ground compared to nosewheel aircraft and several hours with an instructor are required to build confidence in a variety of weather conditions.
Private hangar allocated to G-OUAV
At the end of 2021 one of the new hangars at Popham Airfield was allocated to the aircraft which it will shortly be moving into in the new year. This will allow the aircraft to be stored without the requirement to fold its wings, greatly reducing operating times and simplifying its operation.
