Cirrus Checkout--done!

spiderweb

spiderweb

Final Approach
Joined
Feb 22, 2005
Messages
9,488
Display Name
Display name:
Ben
And I didn't even lose the keys this time!

The only thing left was one approach, then settling the landings. Everyone's advice and experience helped here, so thanks!

Yes, it is fast in the pattern, but about the same as a 182. It boiled down to what everyone said--set power in every phase (don't "jockey" it around--hold alt or achieve airspeed with left hand mostly), stay on alt and airspeed, and then, of course, achieve the sight picture (which was what I really had to get used to).

First two landings were OK to good, but I was fighting my left hand with my right. Then, after encouragement from CFI, and remembering to make gentle changes in flare, I stopped that crap and simplified and stabilized. I did three good to very good landings after that.

Remember:
Numbers
Stabilize with gentle and smooth changes
Sight picture
Don't pull back too much in roundout--sight picture
Be patient
 
Yay! Great job Ben!

And you didn't have to sweep up any plastic parts after the landings!
 
See? Given enough time, all of the students graduate--eventually. :D

Nice work, keep it up. You'll become accustomed to the giant sucking sound in your hip pocket. :wink2:
 
wabower said:
See? Given enough time, all of the students graduate--eventually. :D

Nice work, keep it up. You'll become accustomed to the giant sucking sound in your hip pocket. :wink2:
Click to expand...

You're right on both counts. Most of my checkouts had been one flight, but this was three. Whatever--I've always been a bit slow at aviation. As long as I'm solid, I'm happy.

I've decided to simply leave my credit card with the flight school for easy access!:yikes:
 
spiderweb said:
Thanks! I love this plane. Just wish it weren't such a wallet-drainer.

(Then again, I could have decided on getting my multi!)
Click to expand...

Find an owner, then work for him and have him let you borrow it. That's what I did.
 
It really is a comfortable airplane. Doesn't feel like an aluminum can like most GA. :goofy:
 
Alexb2000 said:
So where are you going on the first Cirrus trip?
Click to expand...

First trip will be to Ocean City, MD--a short X-C of about 125 NM.

In between, I'll get in some practice approaches with the CFII.

Then I am going to Boston.
 
Datadriver said:
It really is a comfortable airplane. Doesn't feel like an aluminum can like most GA. :goofy:
Click to expand...

I know--that's interesting. It somehow feels very . . . solid. I haven't gotten that feeling from anything smaller than a Saratoga, so far.
 
spiderweb said:
I know--that's interesting. It somehow feels very . . . solid. I haven't gotten that feeling from anything smaller than a Saratoga, so far.
Click to expand...

You'll find it handles turbulence better than a lot of other planes. While speed control and avoiding POI are key on landing an upside is awesome crosswind ability. Because of the way the certification is done, certified composite planes are overbuilt. The downside is that they lack the weight savings seen in the experimental market.
 
spiderweb said:
First trip will be to Ocean City, MD--a short X-C of about 125 NM.

In between, I'll get in some practice approaches with the CFII.

Then I am going to Boston.
Click to expand...

Make sure you do your homework before heading into Logan.

Congrats on the checkout! There's a Cirrus for rent near here. I'm interested in doing a few flights in it just for fun.
 
spiderweb said:
First trip will be to Ocean City, MD--a short X-C of about 125 NM.

In between, I'll get in some practice approaches with the CFII.

Then I am going to Boston.
Click to expand...

Sounds great. I've never been an around the pattern on a Saturday guy. Planes are for traveling.
 
peppy said:
You'll find it handles turbulence better than a lot of other planes. While speed control and avoiding POI are key on landing an upside is awesome crosswind ability. Because of the way the certification is done, certified composite planes are overbuilt. The downside is that they lack the weight savings seen in the experimental market.
Click to expand...

Interesting. It does feel beefier than other airframes.
 
CBeaulieu said:
Make sure you do your homework before heading into Logan.

Congrats on the checkout! There's a Cirrus for rent near here. I'm interested in doing a few flights in it just for fun.
Click to expand...

Thanks!

I'm from Boston, and operate frequently in Class B, but I'm going to Bedford. The prices are too spendy at BOS.
 
spiderweb said:
Thanks!

I'm from Boston, and operate frequently in Class B, but I'm going to Bedford. The prices are too spendy at BOS.
Click to expand...

Flown into Bedford a few times, and Boston once (not as PIC thankfully). Boston is like any other towered airport until you get on the ground.

I agree...that landing fee is a bit steep!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top