Been up in a microlight (done it - update)

[kelack]

Okey dokey. I have a small camera case which I can put my 18-200 in and then I can swap them over.

Might get husband to jump up and down on the bed while I'm sitting on it so I can practice changing lenses

And I must get my lens right it's the 18-50, don't know why I keep saying it's 18-55

I will be supplied with a flight suit and they said that's all I'll need (obviously over my normal clothes)

 

[MisterE]

Wear black if you can. The wider the lens then the greater the risk of capturing reflections. As previously mentioned, keep the lens close to the window, using a finger to keep it from physically touching it, and using the rest of your hand to shield the gap to keep out reflections. Not really of much help to you, but I have a large Lee bellows lens hood that I can put right up to the window and still move the camera around.

Talking in full frame terms (do your own maths), most of my aerial pictures have been in the 40 to 90 range. A wide angle is not always beneficial. Depending on the plane you could end up capturing parts of it, like struts and wheel so you'll be zooming in anyway.

As you're prone to airsickness, then keep both eyes open whilst taking pictures. Don't peer intently and closely in to the viewfinder but keep your picture taking eye back just a little. Use the second eye (if you have one) to passively watch the horizon. It gives your balance mechanism a frame of reference and helps prevent sickness. Should you find yourself getting thrown around a bit more than expected, you may have to shift concentration more to your horizon eye than the viewfinder eye. Finally, relax from taking photos now and again, and take in the flight with both eyes to appreciate it.

 

[MisterE]

Further to Tdodd's comment on heat being a cause of sickness, it is actually a major cause. People complain that it's too cold, ask the pilot to turn the heat up, then they start thowing up. I was on a Grand Canyon flight, my third I think, and I specifically asked the pilot to keep it cool because of people being sick on previous ones. So, outbound he did. It was lovely. On the short landing stop, the old dears complained, I warned them of the consequences, and the pilot turned up the heat for the return flight. It was baking. The GC flights are always bumpy (first flight in the early morning is best) and nearly every one of them, maybe 6 out of 8, paid the price. I said nothing, but the look did it all for me.

So, if you can, keep it cold, even if it's uncomfortable.

 

[kelack]

Thanks MisterE Good advice there and I will bear it in mind

I wonder if that explains why it's always bloody freezing on flights

 

[kelack]

Well it's definitely on

 

[kelack]

OMG

How awesome was that. I was far too hyper to come on yesterday to tell you about it and then I had a massive adrenaline crash so feel asleep in front of the tv :bonk:

I ended up in a flex wing - you should have seen my Mum's face especially at take off. One piccie I didn't get

That had to have been one of the most fun things I have ever done. I absolutely ache all over though where I was stuck in one position for an hour.

Got some photos, they're not great quality as due to the helmet I couldn't see through the viewfinder to see if in focus or not and I couldn't really see what I was aiming at half the time so a lot of it was hit and hope. I think I had all the wrong settings as well. At one point I knocked a button on the back and found that I have live view but then lost it when I knocked another button I had big thick gloves on and I was in tandem with the instructor so had limited movement

But I got my house, the rugby club, Leeds Castle, HMS Argyll leaving Chatham (we did a little fly past for that ) and a few other bits that I wanted to get up there.

We got home from it and there was an A4 sheet of paper stuck to the door with a picture of the microlight and me in it. My neighbours all went out to watch and one of them took some pictures. He's going to sort them out and give them to me so I'll stick it in my flickr. My Dad took pics of me taking off and landing too.

If anyone gets the opportunity to do this, do it. And to all of you who have their own microlights, I'm so jealous and do you want to take me for another flight

 

[kelack]

Kelack, could you just fly over Bredhurst and take some shots please

Im sure you will enjoy it and just hope its a nice day

Not sure if I managed to get a piccie, I shot in the general direction

 

[kelack]

 

[CarMac]

Sounds like you had a great time. You're a braver person than me! Looking forward to seeing your pictures.

 

[Cobra]

Your braver than I am Kel
Glad you enjoyed it

 

[Byker28i]

We got home from it and there was an A4 sheet of paper stuck to the door with a picture of the microlight and me in it. My neighbours all went out to watch and one of them took some pictures.

Now that is cool

 

[kelack]

Spoke to another mate last night who said they were out with the camera as I went over, so hopefully they might have some too

Am sorting the piccies out and will get some on. Quite pleased with them really considering

 

[Galaxy66]

Microlights and hot air balloons, definite no no for me but pleased you enjoyed the experience and you are "back down to earth" now, look forward to the pics.