Well I finally got here at around 16:20 on Sunday. We departed Heathrow in blazing hot sunshine at about 19:20 and landed at Johannesburg about 11 hours later. Then about 5 hours later, we were on a 737 bound for Port Elizabeth. Then it was a 2 hour minibus ride to Port Alfred. A lot of all-important sleep was missed, even though this area is only GMT+2/DST+1.

We got into our rooms quite quickly and unpacked, then went to dinner before a short briefing in the bar. The euro 2008 final was on the box and gave a good opportunity for us to get acquainted with a few of the hundreds of people on base, and relax a little after the initial anxiety.


Today we met with the rest of the PPL students and staff. Briefings were given, kit was issued and medical insurance forms filled in. We then toured the place to find our feet and get a little of the wetness from behind our ears. The rest of the day was free, so I went in hunt of an internet connection. Unfortunately the situation looks dire at best, but hopefully I’ll find the illusive technician “Eric” when he returns on Wednesday. In the evening we played poker with match sticks and tooth picks, got to know Neale from our group and his mate doing CPL, both on helicopters, and enjoyed a good drinking session. I still found it very strange still to be leaving the (now shut) bar at 21:30!

The group of about 14 is a good bunch, from all over the place and here by different means too. There is a contingent of Indian engineers, some guys who will be future pilots for Bristow helicopters in Nigeria and a couple who just want a change in life, not forgetting of course us four hop-alongs! Our ground school tutor seems pleased anyway, he says that there are many young people on base some of whom aren’t entirely committed to succeeding, so having such an “old” group is good!

Physically, 43 Air School looks as if it could be mistaken for being in England or a similar European country, except for the odd animal or tree that gives the game away. It is quite warm during the days, but absolutely freezing during the morning and evening. It’s quite ironic that we go to a hot country and its cold, but this was expected, after all it is winter/autumn here. It’s easy to enjoy the sunshine even with three layers on.

At Cranwell, the food was described to me as “like 70s school dinners” and this is accurate! There is some sort of chicken dish every single meal (except breakfast of course), along with another option. The food here is different, but sufficient and tasty.

One thing that I have noticed here is how everyone is obliged to say hello to each other on passing by, catching a glimpse of someone immediately results in an acknowledgement or conversation. People are far happier here, smiles are contagious.