A local webcam has captured on camera a hovercraft approaching Ryde at a dramatic 90-degree angle.
RailCam UK has shared footage showing one of Hovertravel’s Flyer craft approaching Ryde side on in adverse weather conditions, described as a ‘wild flight’.
The pilot’s flying skills have been praised by many for an expert landing.
The crossing was the 12:30 departure from Southsea.
Hovertravel’s service has now been suspended with an update due at 17:15.
I was just walking past the end of the pavillion when i saw this hovercraft far more nose on than usual. It looked MUCH more scary than this video suggests.
Hats off to the pilot for landing it safely
pah…that footage makes it look far worse than it really was. The camera makes it look much closer to the other hover than actually it was.
they bring those hovers in at 90 degrees on many occasions and i have been on them when they do it.
No, the pilot did really well to control it in that wind.
These hovercraft are nowhere near as controllable as those that they replaced
that isn’t true magnifico – they are better than the older ones – these hovercraft have variable pitch on the props, whereas the older ones didn’t – this allows for better control overall
The old AP188 craft had separate engines for each propeller and each lift fan. They also had an inflated keel and stability trunks which gave superior sea keeping, and bow thrusters that actually worked. PLUS…they had been developed with the aid of significant model testing by engineers with decades of experience.The current craft appear much more ungainly when they attempt to land or depart in a crosswind and look to be underpowered.in a headwind. Their reliabilioty so far has not been brilliant.
They are not better than the old ones.
The pilot earns his coin on that arrival. Great skill
One of only two times in my life, when I’ve actually watched someone turn green grey 😀 Last crossing before cancelled, many years ago on an extraordinary windy day.
Well done to the pilot
What’s with the stupid rave music?