Sunset return from the Isle of Wight

Bembridge to Headcorn

After a very pleasant first leg flown by Max, we had just enough time for a snack and a soft drink at the Propeller Inn at Bembridge airfield before chasing the sunset back on our return flight back to Headcorn.

I do love flying at this time of the day, and this flight was no exception with the sun setting in the distance for nearly three quarters of the flight.

With all pre flight check complete, we taxied the Robin DR400 to the hold for runway 12. We needed to back track for what seemed like an incredibly long time to get to the threshold.

With a 180 degree turn to line up with runway 12, full power was applied and with a strong wind blowing favourably straight down the runway, we were airborne in almost no time at all.

After climbing to about 600 feet we were already over the sea and made a left turn towards the main land in the direction of the Spinnaker Tower at Portsmouth.

This time, I decided to avoid any transits over head airfields en-route and plotted to track around them. First to the south of Goodwood and then to the north of Shoreham.

It was at this point that the sun was setting creating some amazing light and incredible scenery.

From north abeam Shoreham, we then tracked towards the VOR at Mayfield where we needed to descend below the London TMA.

From Mayfield the next way point was at Bewl Water where we changed radio frequency to Headcorn and requested the latest airfield information.

It was very quiet on the Headcorn frequency as we were one of the last flights of the day, so we decided to prepare for a straight in approach to runway 10.

Again with a favourable wind straight down the runway, Our touch down on runway 10 was nice and smooth. We then taxied the aircraft straight to the hanger to be put to bed for the night.

Yet another enjoyable flight. I don’t know what it is, but there is always a certain buzz after a flight from the Isle of Wight.