Modern-Aviation

The Paragon of
Modern Aviation

17.03.21 Today, we set off on a new publication journey and hope it proves a useful resource.

Well, what do we do during the Covid-19? Look at an outdoor activity, well a non-starter really isn't it, but once we get an idea in our heads.... how-a-bout looking at the qualifications towards operating a drone legally and possibly looking at it as a potential business idea? (or to look at it another way, cynically... allow the government and the CAA to control us even more within an interesting past-time or hobby that takes our hard earned cash to help boost the coffers of the government.... mmmm! )

OK! Not a good outlook or constructive to the idea of a following of a practical interest in a growing hobby and an alternative to 9 to 5 office work, so let us try and look at the positive, health and safety is the message for the past two years, the events of drone misuse has been a problem too, especially around the major airports. Someone and the media suggested it was the police that started all this, weird that isn't it? Since the USA and Europe have been thinking of introducing the control of airspace into the picture, one may well be excused as to think the whole saga was pre-orchestrated? I digress, again...….

However! I have time on my hands and what would be the best way to fill this time, since I have a drone and can't fly it? Out of work now, (some may say, nothing new....) and at my age, possibly no near of getting a job... So! I could get a 'Flyer's ID' and 'Operators ID', (sometimes referred to as a 'licence', to other's it could be an annual tax on a hobby... I digress again).The study and knowledgebase is free, however there is a subscription tax, as on most interesting hobbies todate.

Since the website has been under development, I will need to backtrack a little from the start of 2021. So here goes:
Let me introduce you to my drone family in order: The first one I have owned since around 2017.

1.

I must say, I bought this via a TV Channel to what seems to be an age ago now. I have flown it a number of times ending up damaging the propellers, as one does learning a new skill. It is a good drone, however the drawback is finding the consumables or spare parts such as replacement propeller 'blades'. After a long search, I recently found an alternative source for replacements.
Reference: Syma X8C (pk20), not perfect, however better than nothing, may need to be slightly adjusted in terms of shaving a little off the upper plastic motor stem to accommodate, allowing the lower part to accommodate the original if and when they are found.

Flying Weight: 241.3g (with Battery)

Flying Weight: 2.13Kg
2017

A little big for a small apartment, however, this proved me to be the workhorse for my training towards getting my Flyer ID and Operator's ID; through the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) Website Registration: and UK-EU Transition Drone Model Aircraft Registration See Aviation - Hobby- Menu for the knowledge base or : Knowledgebase to pass and get your Flyer ID and Operator's Licence. This, like all other drones today are classed as a Legacy Drone, even though this one falls under the A1 category with a weight is 241.3g, well under the 250g minimum.

Aircraft And Personal Development & Applications

The Viper Pro is not a small drone and does fall into the 'Legacy' category with a weigh of 2.13kg. This was never a consideration when I bought it as the new laws were not around then. It now falls outside the legal requirements under the new legislation. I had decided to look into meeting the legal requirements, to obtain Flyer ID initially; mainly so I could still fly it. The hype is, that one needs to pass an exam or tests and this did make me waiver, or be a little hesitant, as exams go. I have done many exams over the years however; and conclude most are not worth the paper they are written on, (in my opinion) it only fuels one's own ego as it does not guarantee a job, not in the UK at least at post graduate level!) ... with that, the other aspects is now lacking the confidence or inclination to pass anything, (a pun there somewhere...) for many of us; the years are ticking on quickly..

To practice and hone in any possible new skills, has been difficult as many of you may appreciate, with all the lockdowns recently. So, I decided to look for an alternative smaller drone, something I could use or fly indoors, (ideal, if you live in a mansion perhaps, by the way, I don't, as my poor indoor plants found out, and my dust collecting ornaments. Some will see this as a positive, as less greenfly and dusting now...). What I am saying is, one needs a very small drone that fits into the palm of one's hand ideally, however, has anyone seen the price of these things? More expensive than some of the larger ones....!

As money is tight due to our political climate, I searched for a cheap Chinese drone, (Most electronics seem to be Chinese via the search and all are a hit and miss gamble in my opinion, at least.)

At this stage, one does need to keep flight logs and I would go as far as saying battery Logs too - Do regular maintenance, recording before, flight start-up, during and at the close down as part of the procedures, one will come to do as second nature, as one climbs up the ladder of experience. With each step or test/exam one will adopt these new procedures or processes. You will also need to take out insurance and liability if you decide to go via the path of a business venture or the occasional job.

You can now see the £ signs start to increase and flash before your eyes...… as your 'hobby' grows, you will need replacement propellers, more batteries, camera filters, especially if you are interested in the camera work. You may even need to change your drone(s) when the manufacturers start producing the new required categories, as the one's you already own will be classed as Legacy Drones...'Another can of worms', I believe you get the drift.

The next course I am looking at doing, is the GVC, it is an accredited course and moves more towards the professional standards and this will allow me to fly larger drones in close vicinity to people, based on the tasks necessary and does incorporate further rulings with uninvolved and involved groups of people when flying. Also important within a business application if not, more so - this is much more involved and jumps dramatically from the hobbyist to the professional as one would expect - this moves further into the field of Aviation knowledge hence the CAA, (Civil Aviation Authority's involvement) this is something I am working on and considering, bearing in mind the funding aspects... where there is a will there is a way....

Meet a new member:

A new addition to my collection, anything that flies can be used as a potential work tool and I am assuming this may require a different learning skillset to fly, again; this helps with gaining some relevant experience in dealing with, what is thrown at you' and how one deals with the varied consequences through experience, one hopes.... . I am greatly appreciative for this thoughtful donation from a family member, totally out of the blue. Looking at some of the specifications, it does say recommended age use 12 years.....(Not sure what the message is here or what they implying.... ;).

Highlights -This has built-in gyroscope and helps the helicopter to fly better, 3 Channel remote control helicopter -Remote control distance is 80-100 meters - General Specs - Brand G.T.Model - Type Remote Control Channels 3 Charging Time 3h - Gyroscope Support 'Playing' Time 7 minutes - Remote Controller Operational Range - 80-100 m Battery for Helicopter 11.1V 1500mAh battery (included) CertificateCE, ROHS, ASTM, F963FunctionForwards, backwards, ascends, descends, turns left and right Package Details Weight: 727.60 g Size: 100*42*15 cm Package Includes * RC Helicopter - (see the pdf spec.)

I will try and collect it after the end of April, May, June (when the government make up their minds concerning barriers?) as one assumes the Covid situation 'MAY' be relaxed or whenever the Government decides their egos for power is not buying them votes anytime soon - it is all up in the air at the moment, (pardon the pun!) so frustrating....end of rant.

Diary notes pending.....

The Paragon of Modern Aviation

Cutting a long story short, everyone wishing to fly a drone with a camera attached MUST qualify for a Flyer's ID and those supervising MUST hold an Operator's Licence, this allowed me to fly my drone and as hobbies go is probably all one really needs, as long as one observes the weight restrictions for the types of drone flown and follows the common sense rules, as laid down by the CAA, (Civil Aviation Authority). Remember safety is the key whilst flying within any AIRSPACE AIRCRAFT, BUILDINGS, AIRPORTS, PEOPLE and LIVESTOCK naming a few.

The test is really common sense and one does need to, well; at least get back to the basics and to pass the 30 multiple choice questions with a minimum 75% pass rate. Anything above is a pass anything below is a fail. So, for me the first hurdle was passing the test, fortunately a success, the score could have been better, my motto is 'a pass is a pass', so I have proven to myself at least, I am not a cabbage, well, mentally at least. Flyer ID/Op ID documents downloaded. Issued number IDs for both. The self-printed OPERATORS number was attached to my Drones, now just waiting for the opportunity to fly and keep up the practice.

This initial process was not enough for me as I don't like to be restricted or told what to do by those thinking they are superior based on a humanity perspective, but that's just me.... and I was looking to fly my original drone only to find that it still falls outside the new weight category, again limiting my options and preventing me to fly it unless miles out in the country somewhere, away from people.

To get around this I needed to continue with the next course and this was the A2CofC. This would allow me to go to the next category and is also a minimum requirement into potentially starting a business using drones, if that what floats your boat, (to coin a phrase). This course is free at some training centres, there is a charge for the exam and this cost can vary from Centre to Centre. (someone is getting rich somewhere and it is not me....!) There is the cost of the exam; for me it was £49+vat - (this was a deal at the time, mainly to get people onboard the new legislation, I believe). You will need to go through a training organisation to get the knowledgebase for this course, hence the costs, I did mine online, do shop around as there are some cowboys out there, especially those more interested in the commercial drone flying, rather than having also the interest in the more of a hobbyist markets, the instructors also seem to want to strut around like peacocks rather than help you with the baby steps however, I digress - The costs can be around the £99+ mark unless there is a deal on, so again do shop around. The A2CofC course goes into the subject a little deeper however not too much, in my opinion... and I must say I was apprehensive and very hesitant to go through with this programme; mainly down to the pre-conceive expectations of my self-doubt towards the A2CofC exam, even though it is still a multiple choice question base system. It is all down to the fear of the unknown and personal humiliation if one fails; again at least from my point of view. Let me just say, the hype is blown out of all proportion. As long as you systematically go through the Knowledge based exercises, do the quizzes at the end of each section, keep repeating as necessary until it is drummed in within your mind and you will be ok - One can still be a cabbage to pass ;)! Check out some of my notes on the exam and also try any internet sites that gives mock test question here and there, this is all good practice and as time goes forward this type of resource is expanding whether one questions the morel if this is the right or wrong way of progressing, concerning the ingregrity of the course the jury is out on that at the moment. The example test questions can be viewed within the Resource Section, (see Hobby Menu) these are only some select samples, however; you will get the idea to the style of questions that are being asked.

On following this advice, one should meet the requirements to pass this multiple question exam or test for the A2CofC. Some of the better training centres will require copies of your practice logs, even though this has been dropped during Covid by some Providers. Now recording Flight Logs could be a little difficult if you don't have a template or knowledge on how to fill one in - I will leave a copy of a PDF file within the resource section for you to download, it is self explanatory - if not; email me.

You must do at least 2 hours of practice, before starting the course and at least another two hours during the course to record the practice as mentioned within the course knowledge base, this is a minimum. See the notes on this process within the aviation Hobby Menu.

When you have completed your A2CofC Course material and ready for your exam, you will need to book via the provider online and book a date within the calendar to complete the multi-choice question examination. Log Flight Sheets may also be requested and uploaded to your Provider. You will need to be ready for the examination online. making sure you have the appropriate and downloaded Internet browser on your computer. You will also need to download the software required for the Examiner to interact/communicate with you. Sometimes the examiner is known as a 'Proctor'. This information should be provided by your Training Provider. Do download and open up this software making sure it works and will be ready for you on the day. (A test reschedule could prove expensive). Note: This Proctor/Examiner software does give the examiner access to your PC and allows them to close down certain areas of your computer to prevent cheating, please be aware of this - on exam completion, the PC access will be returned to you, however do check your settings!).

I am now a qualified A2CofC and I am now looking for the next level of accreditation towards a more professional standard, yes, I do seem to have got the study-bug again. The next level is a requirement for those wishing to go more towards the commercial side of things and this course comes in the form of the GVC. There are also bolt-on courses, once one has completed the GVC main course; some are part of the package deals on offer at the moment and these can change periodically, offered by selected training organisation but let's not get ahead of ourselves. For those unemployed, this is is where funding is most likely required and this can prove a problem. Some colleges are now getting on this band wagon to offer free drone courses, however whether this leads to qualifications is another question currently. As far as I am aware, those on Universal Credit can submit a feasibility study with at least three competitive costings and the reason you have chosen a particular training provider. In other words one needs to sell the idea to the jobcentre based on trying to become self-employed and then maybe one can be considered for funding. Another way is by finding someone that will support you in some way. So, anyone out there? Just a thought...…;)

The next drone course does really need to reflect on one's determination to succeed and is part and parcel of how one promotes themselves or how one can put an argument across for further development and funding. Again look for the course packages that offer Accreditation, this is a key word, as this is seen as a 'professional qualification' and could be funded by the the jobcentre as long as it leads to employment of some kind - one puts a feasibility study forward, again suggesting the benefits and the best and competitive training centres that will help you towards your employment goals.

You will need to invest in a drone that has some pedigree within the drone theatre and the next drone falls into that category. The DJI is one manufacturer that has hit the market by storm as the leaders in drone manufacturing. These are made in China and some will question that in todays political climate, however, most electrical consumables, unfortunately are now made in China, rather than in our home counties. If one searches, one will find low end manufacturing via China, it makes a nice surprise when we find a high end manufacturer such as DJI, mind you, the Customer Service could do with improving greatly. I have chosen the Mavic 2 Pro, this is not a cheap drone and is one more step into the 'money pit of despair' with a hope of a possible saviour to catch you at the final tipping point off the cliff edge… that is my hope at least and a gamble. There are drones from China that can be found and are cheaper and the technology is slowly matching some of the high end drones even within the West, these cheaper drones are emerging and are being labelled as clones, some are Mavic look-a-likes, some also maintaining a good reputation of sorts; they are just as capable of doing the same job as some of the high end drones, so don't write them off just yet. Again, one needs to do their research. My HJ-38 was purchase from a well known selling platform based on the internet, known for their very cheap products, and high postage rates, (that some may not wish for...) some work, some don't...a Chinese company... It is all down to what one is willing to lose or gamble, this is the best way to deal with these type of purchases. Sometimes we get lucky, in this case I did. A great little drone for practicing with and it also has a camera. (Camera drones requires Flyer ID/Operator licence to fly under the new CAA legislation). The HJ-38 is great for practicing without too much outlay.

By using this stepping stone to make money, one does need to make sacrifices to enter a new venture of self employment. It requires some investment, finance and time. This brings me onto the Mavic series or in this case the Mavic 2 Pro. This type of drone or part of the DJI family is normally a minimum requirement, however do ask your Provider as other appropriate drones may be accepted.

05.04.21 Still no closer to getting in some practice in drone flying, it doesn't help having a RFZ (Restricted Flying Zone)on your doorstep and again; I am looking into this. Some Apps are telling me the area is fully restricted and some are telling me the area is ok to fly as long as one observes caution.... the Fly-App is giving me the latter, so that is positive.

I have looked through the requirement for the GVC and the first step is getting the theory done and dusted. I am working closely with a training provider and looking at the types of questions required for the theory examination to pass. There are a total of 40 multi-choice questions, very much like for the A2CofC, however with a little more depth as one can appreciate. (don't want it too easy now do we.....;))

With plenty of research, via the Provider study programme and practice of the multiple-choice questions I am now at the point of sitting the exam. All my practice mock run throughs gets me to 95-98% all well within the margin of decency, but! I could do better....it is only through rushing and complacency I get the occasional wrong answer - A reminder to myself..... Read the question fully, take your time, pause then answer and it is NOT a race to complete in the quickest time.

Tomorrow I have the theory test, so this should be interesting...…

06.04.21 Well! Today rolled around quicker than I anticipated and with minutes before the GVC Theory exam I was fumbling around with browsers of all things, I had forgotten; that some providers require a particular browser to operate their vigilation, (I should read my own notes... basically the software safeguards, to make sure one is not cheating, this process is based around a 'Proctor' overseeing the proceedings, on a one-to-one basis. With the tech sorted out, I was asked for proof of Flyer ID, the next step was to get the camera and quickly show the examiner the view around the room I was using, checking the room is suitable and I was not using notes or a crib sheet with the answers.... a show of personal ID, (i.e. Driving Licence - to prove I am who I am as with a photo, all very much like the A2CoC process) and it was a go... There was no further communication with the examiner from here on in until the completion of the exam and close of the exam sequence. The training provider invigilator/Proctor/examiner , call them what you will, was understanding and very pleasant and he must have thought he had a right one here, especially with the unnecessary technical problems I was finding...this was most likely down to apprehension- weird that! The pre-exam practice mock tests had put me in good stead and had given me some confidence at least, the problem was, I had never sat this particular test before, not knowing the difficulty levels or if the mocks reflected the same type of questions, hence my doubt? The exam started and the exam was over, as quickly as it had started, the exam was not too difficult as the 40 questions were based on the good learning materials provided by the training provider and plenty of run-throughs of the mock examination as many times as I had needed, these were obtained via the provider's resource, online.

With the official exam over and with reflection, the question order had been slightly adjusted, just to keep me on my toes, however the questions were near enough all there, from the point of view, from the mock resource archive database that is officially circulating generally within the training providers one can only assume. Will the variation of questions change for future tests? We will have to see.

I was pleased to find out I had passed with 100% score. (Yes! Seriously, I did get 100% not for the want of trying and endless mocks). About twenty minutes later, I received the Theory Examination Certificate from the Training Provider and proceeded to print off a copy from my email. This is not the final stage, this was 'just' the theory. As this particular course requires the Practical side to be completed also and the paper exercises, procedures to be completed correctly and only then I will qualify fully. I have up to 12 months to complete the next phase or part of, hopefully sooner rather than later, (as one will forget the learning over time without having reinforced knowledge). At this point, there is a good risk of procrastination a big risk to my progressing to the next stage... I will have to get my head round it and prepare. For now, ....let me take some glory in this exam accomplishment so far... before moving on.

It is now all down to getting the key flying practice in, by following the practical training exercises, the guides, completing the filling in of the practical paper exercises it will lead me towards booking in for the Practical test, this does seem daunting as Oxford requires flight permissions due to Flight Restrictions, it is all down to finding the signposts and having my hand held all the way. OK! The Provider has stated that any questions I have; one can contact them, the rest is down to me and how much effort I am wishing to put into it. When satisfied with my efforts I should be ready to book in and drive down to Oxford, this location will be to conduct the Practical test with an examiner face to face. Hopefully, with the recent developments and the sign of barriers being lifted on Covid, this can and will take place soon...perhaps? This part of the exam is is probably causing more apprehension for me - it means I am having to get out and do something physically, for a change after over 12 months lockdown. Watch this space!

Obtaining Permission to Fly

17.04.21 For those wishing to fly their drones, it can be difficult to find out to whom one contacts for permission.

Over the last few weeks this has been confusing and frustrating, mainly because it seems no one wants to take responsibility. I contacted the local Council, mainly because of taking off and landing from park grounds. Their reply was it is not our jurisdiction? Not to be put off by this and with the suggestion of contacting the local police as a courtesy measure the Council and Police seemed to be unsure, even after the Drone Heathrow incidents of Drones flying over Airports.

Stretching my hand out to a drone forum group within my training provider, I received good support, one in particular from Sara suggesting in not so many words, ' it is not what you know, it is who you know' - this is what she suggests for the Birmingham, West Midlands Region at least:

"Usually the issues with councils are finding the right person to ask. Usually the department you need is one that is involved with filming permits. Outside that area, most council staff are unaware of what is involved so you may have got the wrong people in the first instance. Just googled for you and you need https://filmbirmingham.co.uk/filming-application-form/ Hope this helps - I should add that whilst you may not be doing any major filming, they are still the department you usually need to contact."

Useful information and I thank Sara. However, I do believe as a hobby, one should not have to go to this extreme, as this is another case of the government basically restricting and levying a tax on 'enjoyment', this is something based on 'control' and 'power' over the common man woman and child on the street - another way of taking away our freedoms but this argument may be for another time, but useful to mention in brief now to highlight a point.

For those wishing to follow the Commercial route this is probably a necessity and is another can of worms, but is understandable, especially with the larger and heavier drones and one does need good liability insurance.

Really it is all down to having access whether one is a hobbyist or following a commercial route and having a clear signpost as to who should be contacted initially for those wishing to fly in the parks, wastelands, first point of contact and if at all necessary, this is not clear for the hobbyist, especially for those just starting out in this venture.

The biggest problem for me is just finding a location to fly without there being people or buildings. How hard can this be?

18.04.21 Today was the first step towards answering this question. With a help of the PC Internet mapping software, (the big G) I planned the sites that I thought would be suitable, using a built in tool for measuring and having an Aerial satellite view; I continued to find the following: Address, postcode, relevant telephone numbers, opening and closing times of the parks/grounds where appropriate, and map coordinates for each of the sites. I also worked out the area distances (in 'real-time', though...the areas can be seen totally different, even with the measurements, is at times prove to be unsuitable for flying a drone. This can also be put down to the seasons and growth of vegetation, trees. Of course, the types of maps, software of when the map was or aerial view was created or angle angles and perception, all needing to be taken into account, it seems....) and there is the travel time to the site. (remember one needs to carry the gear!) The next action was to go out and walk the locations or at least the closest one. Out of at least four of the closest sites checked via the map of the fifteen locations chosen, there was one small area close to my residence that was at a reasonable walking distance and could be called suitable, however in this case not totally ideal, but doable. The rest of the adjoining sites during an on site visual, seemed to be smaller than anticipated, closer to residential buildings, trees and so on and deemed unsuitable... the other sites required a vehicle to get there, this was for another day.

Preparation (documentation)
Another task, if you are that way inclined, you may want to print out the drone specifications, this I had done a number of weeks ago, I had obtained useful information on each of my drones and typed up a data sheet. This information is useful as it gives an overview of the functions and capabilities of your drone. I did this for each of the drones I have access to e.g. Cross wind tolerances, considered as useful data. By spending a little time laminating the A4 sheets, keeps them waterproof and can be attached to a clipboard with other relevant documents. I did the same for the checklist i.e. pre-flight, start-up, in-flight, landing and general maintenance checks before and after the flight. It also useful to have an inventory checklist as not to leave anything behind on site. A log flight sheet with a facility to also record the battery order and usage, helps with the charge recycling, a working document, (this would have to be transferred to a Master sheet is using an lamination when one returns to base or home - I have also downloaded an App that can also be filled in on site if necessary, and if required as a backup - early days to judge the suitability of the use of these documents/software in a practical location setting, and still exploring the process, not forgetting I am also new to this....) Note: Template or blank copies of the documentation can be found on the Resources Link)

Some of you may think that this is totally extreme, overboard for just a hobby. We must remember, with the new legislation coming in on January 1st of this year, the emphasis is on safety for you and all those around you, this includes wildlife and property too. For the hobbyist that flies once in a 'blue moon', just for enjoyment, it may seem pointless, however if you have your Flyer ID, (a MUST) and/or Operators ID again; if a soul flyer (a MUST), you will know the importance of observing this legislation, bearing in mind one should have carried out an online test or examination to be able to fly a drone in the first place. The documentation mentioned above is for those wishing to complete the Commercial side of Drone flying, to obtain the A2CofC partially, or to obtain the full GVC qualification and will help towards the compilation of a Flight Manual.
Even if one is not working to these levels, one should try and follow this process or these types of procedures only to be based on safety and good maintenance routines and this will all help to become a better pilot, well that is the theory...at least.

23.04.21 Today, I have manged to get out and fly for about an hour, divided into 4 take-off and landings. However, on the second run, I really thought I had lost the drone and I went into a 'calm panic' and a cold sweat, fortunately, I did manage to get some sort of response out of the controller and the drone did seem to have pointed back towards me after losing sight of the drone initially. Fumbling around with the controller for a few second's and not knowing, I was having any sort of influence, it really felt like minutes and the stomach was starting the knot, rather than just seconds at the time. I concluded; it is all down to getting familiar with the stick positioning and programming on the controller. Well! It has placed me on guard for the next time. Not sure why the drone didn't respond they way I thought it would, and knowing with understanding; I need more practice! I played again with the drone and control for upto about an hour, keeping the drone lowish and very close, give or take. The settings for the sticks was initially set to the standard mode 2. However, after reflecting on the incident, when I arrived back home, I did decide to reset the controller to mode to 3; this altered the stick functions. I will just have to see if it is more intuitive for may style of learning and coordination of flying; as mode 2 was just not doing it for me. I will practice with the mode 3 setting for when I have calmed down and have the inclination to go out to fly again after taking my drone out of it's 'cotton wool' lined case. The run-away feeling does take the enjoyment out of this pastime somewhat, a little, especially when you go into the 'fight or flight' mentality, (pardon the pun). One was ready to chase over obstacles, people, hedgerows, cats, dogs, the vision was very surreal and I was all ready to punch the lights out of anyone laying a finger, on my 'precious' let alone, picking up the drone and deciding to claim it for their own - that's if it hadn't disappeared by the time I had got to the last point of reckoning. Unfortunately, this is the way of life today, it seems....brings out the so called 'joyous nature of people'......

One may ask!.....Am I looking forward to the next flight? Pause for a minute, dubious spring to mind. I will answer that after the next flight, I must remind myself, it is early days, yep! Early days.....and will be an enjoyable hobby....

13.05.21 So far the weather has been dismal for drone flying, all practice seems to have come to a halt within the West Midlands at least, hopefully this will change soon. However, looking at the Norfolk Northrepps Aerodrome WebCams https://www.flycromer.com/ it seems like the weather is reasonable enough (in the a.m.) for the flying of model aircraft - luck of the draw as to one's location within the UK!

22.05.21 What is it with our UK weather, yes if it is not the pandemic one year or two, it will be the rainy season or something else, one needs to laugh at this point to the irony of taking up a hobby in these times, just as the world decides to bring in new legislation, new laws into the picture … does the hobbyist even get the chance at this point? Must plod on.... at least one can get out to go for a jab dressed like the forbidden dead...

04.07.21 WoW! I have managed to get out once between my last entry, not very good for me to completing the practical for my GVC, as needing the practice desperately, my enthusiasm is starting to wane however, like many of us we have other priorities that take precedence, that is life over hobby. The storms and thunder and lightening doesn't help either, does it.... I took one suggestion of signing up to a college as they have a covered and lighted area for flying drones, possibly a large hall. No doubt this will focus the skills more so. I did look into it and have waited for them to get back to me, without much luck. It maybe down to no take up on the course on offer and the pandemic situation no doubt. Todays weather - Thunder, lightening and potential downpours.... sigh!