Flying on
oil survey, the slightest turbulence would result in a shaky magnetometer
trace on the recorder. Surface cooling overnight results in a
temperature inversion from ground level to perhaps 2000 feet above
ground level. Flying conditions in the early morning at our flying
height of 1000 feet were particularly smooth. When the sun rises
and warms the earth, rising air from hot spots breaks up the inversion
layer and conditions are then too unstable for magnetometer work.
So our flying for the day would often be completed by around 7.30
am. The usual procedure after landing was to go to the hotel for
breakfast, return to the aerodrome to refuel the aircraft and
attend to any unserviceabilities, and our day’s activity was usually
completed by about midday. Having readied the aircraft for flight
the next morning, it was then back to the hotel for lunch and
an afternoon sleep, remaining clear of the bar because of the
next morning’s early start. It was early to bed after the evening
meal and very soon the 3.30 alarm clock would be sounding again.
It might seem a disjointed day and it was, but it’s surprising
how attuned the body clock would become and, after about 2 weeks
most people seemed to settle into the routine and we could function
like this for months.
Wal Bowles
11th February 2003
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