Cockpit test for students

The skills of Wanganui's student pilots were put to the test yesterday during a competition at Wanganui airport.

Students from the Wanganui Aero Club were paired with senior pilots and practised taking off and landing in a cross-wind, and also sat on the opposite side of the cockpit.

Trainee flying instructor Charlotte Day said this was difficult for students as it went against what they were used to.

"When you're learning to fly you sit on the left-hand side of the plane and the instructor sits on the right - today they're sitting on the other side.

"It's made especially difficult because the student can't see any of the instruments or gauges."

Student Jeannie Lacey, who flew with chief flying instructor Andrew Mercer, said she had found it "pretty tough".

"It's quite scary not being able to see your instruments."

Ms Day said competition days were held at the club about once a month, with students using different skills such as "bombing" a target or running through their emergency procedures.

She said some of the best students went on to represent Wanganui in regional or even national competitions.

The club has around 50 active members, and some who weren't flying yesterday helped in a working bee to spruce up club buildings.