Day 1 -YCNK -YBSU (Almost)
Today was my first flying day and I departed Cessnock this morning.
The morning was busy with some interviews for both Channel 7 and 9, combined with last goodbyes for all the family and friends who had made the drive up to see me off. I stayed at the airport overnight, so I was up early and getting the plane ready to go, making sure there was ample time for final preparations.
While it is absolutely vital to have a plan in aviation, it is also important to realise that plans change - especially for visual flight, and this morning was no exception. The weather was cloudy coming out of Cessnock and all along the coast, so the flight plan was changed initially to Lismore, and then to Armidale.
Tracking west after take off, I immediately was met by fine weather and was able to cruise at a comfortable 8500 feet. I refuelled at Armidale (thank you to Dave and Carol for all your help!) and then tracked east, initially at 7500 feet, then descending as I approached the coast until I was tracking north at 500 feet.
The weather was clear coming in to the Sunshine Coast, and I was able to see the beautiful Glasshouse Mountains from the air. However, whilst it was clear, it was windy- with 22 knots of crosswind at the Sunshine Coast. 172’s should only land in a maximum of 15 knots, so there was no way I’d be getting on the ground with winds 1.5 times the demonstrated limit in the POH! So, I diverted to Caloundra, a smaller airport just to the south, with a runway direction which was much more favourable given the conditions. After navigating a busy and unfamiliar circuit, I touched down with no worries.
My plans had been changed both on the ground and mid-air, multiple times, but I was in for one more big surprise, when a BlueSky C310 taxied past! Little did I know that Janaya, Toby, Dad and brother Lachlan had all flown up to be with me at my first stop! It was a wonderful reunion and great to meet up with everyone one last time before spending a few weeks away.
We then made the trip up to the Sunshine Coast airport (in the bigger aeroplane, leaving VHRPL safely and securely tied down on the ground at Caloundra) to meet Vanessa and the rest of the AFT crowd for afternoon tea and photos.
I also met with Vanessa Whan, the Queensland President of the Australian Women Pilot’s Association, and the ATPL students at AFT. It was a very warm welcome and I’m grateful to everyone who took the time to come and say hi
