Power checks

When I learned to fly with the West London Aero Club at White Waltham, it was standard practise to complete the power check 'into wind' (apparently, for the benefit of the engine) and then to make a 360° turn in order to spot any aircraft in the circuit.

I have noticed that French pilots don't bother with running-up into wind and 'unauthorised' turns at the holding-point have been known to provoke adverse comment from the gentlemen in the control tower.

When in Rome......