At least armed with an idea of the entry, glide path, flare and roll over I knew something of what to expect for a forced landing (although you "know" one is coming). Throw into the mix a HASEL, picking a spot (any spot on the initial go), turning into wind, making something that resembled a distress call and then concentrating on the real job at hand was a bit of a hand full I must admit. Ooh not to mention if I did happen to have pax on board reminding them that an oxygen mask will drop form the o/head compartment, to enter the braced position and lights will lead you to the exit if the cabin plunges into darkness


The first "area" I picked was fairly open and could turn very quickly into wind and found the approach comfortable and if anything easier than throwing the machine towards the grassed area off a runway - here just concentrate on the spot and hope there's no surprises at the end. I'd like to think the instructor possibly gave me a relatively "easy" site to aim at for the first go.
The second was similar but there was a small dam and some cows in the field and probably would have required some dodging towards the end if it was the real thing. I found it important to get set up quickly so I could concentrate on "landing" the machine.
The third was an eye opener, and a bit of a set up. Some nice farmer had mowed a field (hay bales scattered around but nothing that couldn't have been avoided, so I thought I picked a pretty good spot). But as I got closer, the instructor said what do you see now - evil powerlines!

We tracked back to Hoxton Park to join the circuit and throw some power recovery auto's into the mix before heading back to base - starting to feel more confortable with these now.
A few things I walked away from this lesson with;
Always know where the wind is from (and know where I am),
Keep an eye out for landing areas (can't wait until I'm on a nav without one around),
Be ready to change your mind on a site (if time permits)
Powerlines!!!
Until next time...
choppernut

Those who believe in telekinetics, raise my hand