Archive of December 2008

December 18

Dance on a volcano

Last week I went to the Philippines for the first time. I stayed in Angeles City and visited Omni Aviation at next to Clarke International (RPLL). Circumstances have worked against me recently but despite license delays and civil unrest in Thailand I piloted an aircraft again. I logged 2.2 hours in a C172M:

  • 2 circuits OMNI RPLL 02 (normal for here but low level for anywhere else)
  • general handling in area C1
  • steep turns
  • clean and dirty power on and off stalls
  • VOR radial intercept and track to waypoint
  • procedure turn
  • track to direct entry and two holds at CIA
  • VOR/ILS to runway 02R at RPLL
  • missed approach
  • flew to the Mount Pinatubo crater and experienced some significant downdrafts downwind of the peak:-) The terrain rises steeply so I always had an escape by turning towards the lower slopes. Really good views of the crater lake. The ash smothered terrain downslope has a lush patina of vegetation cut through with deep gray ravines.
  • midfield crossing at RPLL
  • landing at OMNI RPLL 02

I was supposed to fly the Seneca I the second day (brave soul that I am). It played the hangar queen with battery problems. I still found the time useful for familiarization, especially starting, and I got to run through an engine shutdown scenario with an instructor.

The Philippines has a somewhat longwinded license conversion process. I will have to do a PPL medical (despite holding a Class 1 Canadian Medical), and pass a flight test after a mandatory 10 hrs in type for a type rating. I’ll do the Seneca type rating first and try to get more multi engine time. A Philippines license will allow me to fly without too many restrictions on VFR and IFR cross country trips. Cebu Pacific flies Hong Kong to Clarke direct daily. I can get to Clarke is easily.

12:05 AM | Tags: , , ,