ScottK
Pre-takeoff checklist
I was finally able to get the family up for a night flight. Last night, the wx was perfect. Clear skies, light winds and a full moon.
Personally, I'm a huge fan of night flying, but I wasn't sure how the family would like it. Turns out, no need to worry. My wife and mother really enjoyed it. My 5 year old daughter wasn't quite as impressed ("Daddy, I can't see anything except the dark."). After we flew over a local holiday light display, she perked up a bit. Honestly, I was surprised she stayed awake.
It was fun giving a tour at night. My wife is lost in the air during the daytime, but seemed to pick it up faster last night. Seeing the large group of lights from shopping centers and towns made it easier for her to put the map together in her head.
It was a bit chaotic getting everyone in the plane and ready to go in the dark. I need to formulate a better plan for the next time. It all worked out, but I'm sure there is a more efficient way. I took a lot of extra time to make sure I didn't miss anything.
I hit 19 hours in this plane (C172) since I joined the flying club. I'm really beginning to feel at home in this plane. I'm comfortable with the equipment and power settings and after a slow start, can trim this plane quickly and accurately in all phases of flight. Sure makes it a lot more fun to fly when you have solid control of the airplane.
Having said all that, it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening that was topped of by one of my better landings (night or day). Damn, I love this flying thing!!
Personally, I'm a huge fan of night flying, but I wasn't sure how the family would like it. Turns out, no need to worry. My wife and mother really enjoyed it. My 5 year old daughter wasn't quite as impressed ("Daddy, I can't see anything except the dark."). After we flew over a local holiday light display, she perked up a bit. Honestly, I was surprised she stayed awake.
It was fun giving a tour at night. My wife is lost in the air during the daytime, but seemed to pick it up faster last night. Seeing the large group of lights from shopping centers and towns made it easier for her to put the map together in her head.
It was a bit chaotic getting everyone in the plane and ready to go in the dark. I need to formulate a better plan for the next time. It all worked out, but I'm sure there is a more efficient way. I took a lot of extra time to make sure I didn't miss anything.
I hit 19 hours in this plane (C172) since I joined the flying club. I'm really beginning to feel at home in this plane. I'm comfortable with the equipment and power settings and after a slow start, can trim this plane quickly and accurately in all phases of flight. Sure makes it a lot more fun to fly when you have solid control of the airplane.
Having said all that, it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening that was topped of by one of my better landings (night or day). Damn, I love this flying thing!!
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