So, student pilots.. Who are we and where do we stand?
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MIFlyer
Pattern Altitude
Got up Sunday for 1.1 hours. We were the only ones who went up due to t-storm cells about 20 miles away.
Only one in the pattern, got 12 T/O and 12 Landings. Still not getting it really well though and had a lot of 3 pointers, though instructor and I discussed before we went out that there was no way to solo due to wind (started out 7G15 right down the runway, but turned into a 10-12 kts crosswind component throughout the hour). It was good crosswind practice though, which I hadn't had much experience with, so it was really good practice, but still disappointing that I couldn't get a smooth day to really nail "basic" landings.
Now I have to wait a couple of weeks for Plane+instructor to be free again. darn it.
Only one in the pattern, got 12 T/O and 12 Landings. Still not getting it really well though and had a lot of 3 pointers, though instructor and I discussed before we went out that there was no way to solo due to wind (started out 7G15 right down the runway, but turned into a 10-12 kts crosswind component throughout the hour). It was good crosswind practice though, which I hadn't had much experience with, so it was really good practice, but still disappointing that I couldn't get a smooth day to really nail "basic" landings.
Now I have to wait a couple of weeks for Plane+instructor to be free again. darn it.
Blindrage
Pre-takeoff checklist
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Blindrage
Well between weather, an instructor that travels all the time giving check rides, and scrubbed flights due to wind here in Colorado lately, it has taken a lot longer than I had originally planned, but I finally had my first solo flight today.
We did 8 landings on Sunday in wind conditions that were less than ideal. In fact we only went because we had scrubbed so many flights due to wind that it had been close to a month since I had flown last. I never got a decent landing, faced shear once, and learned a great deal about keeping it lined up and close to center. That all made today much easier since winds were 5 knots and pretty steady. I did 6 with the instructor. We took a break to take the solo test and make sure the FBO had copies of everything they needed. Did three more with the instructor, and then 2 all by myself.
The only other time in my life I remember feeling that prepared for something and totally unprepared at the same time was looking around the hospital wondering if they were really going to let me walk out with a baby the day I brought my son home. That day I kept expecting a nurse to stop me from just taking a kid I had no idea what to do with home, and today I kept expecting my instructor to say it was just a joke and I needed loads more time before I was ready. Both turned out well... and in the end both are taking up every penny I might ever hope to make.
So as we say in the motorcycle world, keep the shiny side up.
We did 8 landings on Sunday in wind conditions that were less than ideal. In fact we only went because we had scrubbed so many flights due to wind that it had been close to a month since I had flown last. I never got a decent landing, faced shear once, and learned a great deal about keeping it lined up and close to center. That all made today much easier since winds were 5 knots and pretty steady. I did 6 with the instructor. We took a break to take the solo test and make sure the FBO had copies of everything they needed. Did three more with the instructor, and then 2 all by myself.
The only other time in my life I remember feeling that prepared for something and totally unprepared at the same time was looking around the hospital wondering if they were really going to let me walk out with a baby the day I brought my son home. That day I kept expecting a nurse to stop me from just taking a kid I had no idea what to do with home, and today I kept expecting my instructor to say it was just a joke and I needed loads more time before I was ready. Both turned out well... and in the end both are taking up every penny I might ever hope to make.
So as we say in the motorcycle world, keep the shiny side up.
tuwood
Pre-takeoff checklist
I received the most devastating news to date in my training. My training flight Friday morning has been rescheduled for Monday. 
I'm not sure if I'll be able to make it through the weekend...
Seriously though, I've been so lucky up to this point and haven't had to cancel or reschedule yet. I can't imagine having to deal with multiple cancelations and reschedules like I see others dealing with. I've definitely been lucky so far.
Oh, also I scheduled a visit/tour of the Tower at KLNK. I figured it would be helpful to see how the other side of the radio operates as well as meet in person the people I'm listening to all day on LiveATC.
I'm not sure if I'll be able to make it through the weekend...
Seriously though, I've been so lucky up to this point and haven't had to cancel or reschedule yet. I can't imagine having to deal with multiple cancelations and reschedules like I see others dealing with. I've definitely been lucky so far.
Oh, also I scheduled a visit/tour of the Tower at KLNK. I figured it would be helpful to see how the other side of the radio operates as well as meet in person the people I'm listening to all day on LiveATC.
Cajun_Flyer
Pattern Altitude
Congrats on your solo! We've been cancelling left and right because of winds as well, so I feel your pain.
Cajun_Flyer
Pattern Altitude
I've been working on xc training. We did one down to Martha's Vineyard a few weeks back and just did one up to Maine on Tuesday. It was exhausting... take off from Hanscom, request early frequency change, call FSS and open flight plan, call Boston for flight following, maintain altitude and heading in turbulent conditions, write down time as we pass each checkpoint, look for other traffic, unexpected clouds at 3,500 ft and decision on whether to go over or under (I made the right choice and went under), being passed off to different ff frequencies, closing flight following, closing flight plan, entering untowered traffic pattern with two other planes at the same time - each initially going for a different runway (wtf!), making one of my crappiest landings to date... ugh. By the time we got on the ground, I felt like I just ran a marathon. Then I barely have a foot out the door when my instructor pelts me with a snowball!!!
At no point did I just get to kick back and look around at the ocean or other supposedly pretty scenery! At one point I became so overwhelmed with tasks (he was having me work on VOR as well), that I asked him to take the flight controls for a minute so I could better organize the stuff on my kneeboard (and in my head). For the first time ever, he refused. He simply said, "Nope," crossed his arms and looked out the window. Annoyingly, it was good he did that, as it forced me to depend on myself to get my act together.
After landing, we had lunch at a really cool little WWII design airport cafe and headed home. The flight back was much better. I was better organized and juggling the tasks much more gracefully. I even got to look around outside (for something other than other planes) for a bit. Maybe one of these days I'll be able to handle these longer xc's on my own. Kind of a scary thought for me right now, though.
At no point did I just get to kick back and look around at the ocean or other supposedly pretty scenery! At one point I became so overwhelmed with tasks (he was having me work on VOR as well), that I asked him to take the flight controls for a minute so I could better organize the stuff on my kneeboard (and in my head). For the first time ever, he refused. He simply said, "Nope," crossed his arms and looked out the window.
Annoyingly, it was good he did that, as it forced me to depend on myself to get my act together. After landing, we had lunch at a really cool little WWII design airport cafe and headed home. The flight back was much better. I was better organized and juggling the tasks much more gracefully. I even got to look around outside (for something other than other planes) for a bit. Maybe one of these days I'll be able to handle these longer xc's on my own. Kind of a scary thought for me right now, though.
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mscard88
Touchdown! Greaser!
Sounds like you're doing fine and on track. Soon it will come from together for you Cajun!
ps your CFI folding his arms means he's evaluating you and your decisions. Meaning you're close to doing that solo XC.
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drotto
Cleared for Takeoff
I've been working on xc training. We did one down to Martha's Vineyard a few weeks back and just did one up to Maine on Tuesday. It was exhausting... take off from Hanscom, request early frequency change, call FSS and open flight plan, call Boston for flight following, maintain altitude and heading in turbulent conditions, write down time as we pass each checkpoint, look for other traffic, unexpected clouds at 3,500 ft and decision on whether to go over or under (I made the right choice and went under), being passed off to different ff frequencies, closing flight following, closing flight plan, entering untowered traffic pattern with two other planes at the same time - each initially going for a different runway (wtf!), making one of my crappiest landings to date... ugh. By the time we got on the ground, I felt like I just ran a marathon. Then I barely have a foot out the door when my instructor pelts me with a snowball!!!
At no point did I just get to kick back and look around at the ocean or other supposedly pretty scenery! At one point I became so overwhelmed with tasks (he was having me work on VOR as well), that I asked him to take the flight controls for a minute so I could better organize the stuff on my kneeboard (and in my head). For the first time ever, he refused. He simply said, "Nope," crossed his arms and looked out the window.
After landing, we had lunch at a really cool little WWII design airport cafe and headed home. The flight back was much better. I was better organized and juggling the tasks much more gracefully. I even got to look around outside (for something other than other planes) for a bit. Maybe one of these days I'll be able to handle these longer xc's on my own. Kind of a scary thought for me right now, though.
You did fine. Otherwise the CFI would have taken the controls. Just wait till later doing IFR.
Now you can do all that in a complex plane, while managing the approach, ATC coms,and being very precise on heading and altitude. We will all get there though.
Cajun_Flyer
Pattern Altitude
It also means that I'm going to make him sorry he pelted me with that snowball and even sorrier that we have a flight booked together on April Fools day
tuwood
Pre-takeoff checklist
It also means that I'm going to make him sorry he pelted me with that snowball and even sorrier that we have a flight booked together on April Fools day
lol, make sure you have your gopro running for the April Fools one.
mscard88
Touchdown! Greaser!
It also means that I'm going to make him sorry he pelted me with that snowball and even sorrier that we have a flight booked together on April Fools day
Oh I could supply you with some pranks that we did in the 121 world to each other! Put some lotion on his ear pads is one.
Cajun_Flyer
Pattern Altitude
Oh I could supply you with some pranks that we did in the 121 world to each other! Put some lotion on his ear pads is one.
PM me all the best pranks you can think of please! I already have a few really good ideas up my sleeve
Best prank was done by my dad. I had my regular instructor but my dad decided to teach me one that day. We were doing compass turns, BAI, VOR tracking, and unusual attitudes. We got to the north shore of LI and did some unusual attitudes. While my head was down, he twisted the DG 180 degrees. N became S and S became N. Keep in mind we were in the middle of the sound with CT to our north and LI to our south. Now everything was "backwards." After we finished the maneuvers he said, let's go back home. I made my turn to what I thought was south which according to my DG was CT. I got so confused and after about 5 minutes of trying to get my bearings, he finally told me what he did and to keep the compass and DG in my scan. I will never forget that lesson.PM me all the best pranks you can think of please! I already have a few really good ideas up my sleeve
exncsurfer
Pattern Altitude
Did an hour solo in the pattern today, gusty conditions kept it interesting. I got to see 3 Harriers take off when I was on downwind, so that was cool.
tuwood
Pre-takeoff checklist
It was a few weeks ago, but I came in right behind a F/A 18. He came over to the GA side of the field for some reason so of course I parked next to him. hah
tuwood
Pre-takeoff checklist
Got some excellent news today. I started my medical a couple months ago because I knew I would potentially have issues with my Tinnitus. I get a 10% disability from the Military due to it, so I knew I'd have to include it on my medical.
It of course got differed to the FAA and I had to produce all my medical records and study results... uggh
Anyways, I called the FAA and they have everything approved and will be putting it in the mail on Monday. woot Hello Solo, here I come!!!
It of course got differed to the FAA and I had to produce all my medical records and study results... uggh
Anyways, I called the FAA and they have everything approved and will be putting it in the mail on Monday. woot Hello Solo, here I come!!!
mulligan
Cleared for Takeoff
I'm not a student any more. Yahoo.
Wait, I take that back, rolling into IFR so I'm a student again. Yahoo!!!
Wait, I take that back, rolling into IFR so I'm a student again. Yahoo!!!
tuwood
Pre-takeoff checklist
Awesome!!! Congratulations on passing your check ride.
Did you have any challenges, or was it pretty smooth?
mulligan
Cleared for Takeoff
Tuwood - it went pretty smooth. Only challenges were no flap landing because I have only practiced one and that was two instructors ago and the emergency landing as he pointed out the specific spot he wanted me to land. I have not practiced hitting a point, just getting on the ground safely. I slipped the heck out of my descent and made the spot and thought it was my most fun and best landing of the day. He was very thorough because of my first check ride but was very fair and gave me lots of good pointers. The way I look at it, I didn't pay for a second check ride, I paid for a lesson from an awesome pilot
denverpilot
Tied Down
Sounds like you're doing fine and on track. Soon it will come from together for you Cajun!
ps your CFI folding his arms means he's evaluating you and your decisions. Meaning you're close to doing that solo XC.
Ha. Yup.
Having flashbacks to various instructors sitting there dead silent, or even saying, "I'm not here. Fly the plane..." when something came up and I'd ask a (dumb) question about something they knew I could already handle.
He could pull an April fool on you. And cut you loose that day for a solo XC.
You never know...
LongRoadBob
Cleared for Takeoff
Is tinnitus an issue that could ground you? I am 59, and have constant tinnitus but it's just something I live with, and my hearing is fine except for extremely high frequencies (I'd hear the stall horn no problem, also engine noises and changes, wind on the fuselage, etc). I'm in Norway and trying to set up my first medical check now. But I beleive like most other countries the FAA is th standard and they follow pretty closely to US rules. My tinnitus isn't documented (have not had treatment, when I told my doctor he just shrugged and said no cure for it). I will of course tell them, but what issues can it bring up?
tuwood
Pre-takeoff checklist
I don't know the answer about it grounding you or not, but here's what the FAA asked for on my deferral.
Fortunately I had a very detailed exam conducted by the VA three years ago and that was all they needed. It showed that I had normal hearing in my right ear, slight loss in my left at higher frequencies and the tinnitus.
I dug around trying to find the requirements for hearing in general and it seemed like a very low bar. Something like you have to be able to hear a conversation from somebody standing behind you six feet away.
I did have a conversation with one of the nurses (i think) at the FAA and she said that tinnitus can be a problem for pilots due to the noise cancelling headsets. When they put them on the silence can become unbearable. For me, mine isn't severe enough to warrant any issues in that area.
If you do put it down, there's a high likelihood you'll have to get some tests done to prove the extent.
tuwood
Pre-takeoff checklist
Today we did 2.4 hours with the first hour mostly simulated instrument conditions (foggles). The drills were fairly straight forward fly this heading, climb and maintain this altitude with some attitude recovery exercises thrown in. Then the remaining time was doing touch and goes. We had a bit of wind, but it was only about 10° off the runway so the crosswind component wasn't horrible. My takeaway from today is that I definitely need to work on keeping my aileron into the wind more. We were also asked to do a short approach on one of the touch and goes so we practiced a simulated engine out landing from the downwind.
I had one fairly major oops when I was cleared for a straight in approach on runway 35 I lined up on runway 36. My CFI was graceful in the way he asked me which runway I was cleared for and after I answered 35, he asked me which runway I was lined up on. long pause... Fortunately we were out a ways and things were very quiet. I managed to get back over to 35 before ATC noticed.
Here's the flight track from today and of course a picture of my Cirrus grin after we were done. Next lesson this Friday.
https://www.cloudahoy.com/debrief/?key=xYEMmUGJsiNNn8ns
I had one fairly major oops when I was cleared for a straight in approach on runway 35 I lined up on runway 36. My CFI was graceful in the way he asked me which runway I was cleared for and after I answered 35, he asked me which runway I was lined up on. long pause... Fortunately we were out a ways and things were very quiet. I managed to get back over to 35 before ATC noticed.
Here's the flight track from today and of course a picture of my Cirrus grin after we were done. Next lesson this Friday.
https://www.cloudahoy.com/debrief/?key=xYEMmUGJsiNNn8ns
exncsurfer
Pattern Altitude
Today we did 2.4 hours with the first hour mostly simulated instrument conditions (foggles). The drills were fairly straight forward fly this heading, climb and maintain this altitude with some attitude recovery exercises thrown in. Then the remaining time was doing touch and goes. We had a bit of wind, but it was only about 10° off the runway so the crosswind component wasn't horrible. My takeaway from today is that I definitely need to work on keeping my aileron into the wind more. We were also asked to do a short approach on one of the touch and goes so we practiced a simulated engine out landing from the downwind.
I had one fairly major oops when I was cleared for a straight in approach on runway 35 I lined up on runway 36. My CFI was graceful in the way he asked me which runway I was cleared for and after I answered 35, he asked me which runway I was lined up on. long pause... Fortunately we were out a ways and things were very quiet. I managed to get back over to 35 before ATC noticed.
Here's the flight track from today and of course a picture of my Cirrus grin after we were done. Next lesson this Friday.
https://www.cloudahoy.com/debrief/?key=xYEMmUGJsiNNn8ns
View attachment 44560
That airport seems confusing to me, wonder why they went with 35 and 36 vs 35 left and right.
Timbeck2
Final Approach
I got my complex endorsement this weekend. Yay.
tuwood
Pre-takeoff checklist
I got another couple hours in last Friday. I got my first opportunity to have a passenger because a buddy of mine wanted to tag along. It allowed me to do a full weight and balance because we could have gone over if the tanks were too full (yes, we both need to go on a diet)
We did a couple emergency descents (forward slip) and mostly ground reference maneuvers the rest of the time. Then returned to the pattern and did 10 touch and goes. My buddy caught one of the touch and goes on video:
Here's the flight track:
https://www.cloudahoy.com/debrief/?key=AhYCRIfGQDwCBJQvs
I'm at almost 16 hours now and my instructor seems pretty comfortable with me doing a solo in the near future. I think we're just waiting for a good weather day. (dang Nebraska wind)
We did a couple emergency descents (forward slip) and mostly ground reference maneuvers the rest of the time. Then returned to the pattern and did 10 touch and goes. My buddy caught one of the touch and goes on video:
Here's the flight track:
https://www.cloudahoy.com/debrief/?key=AhYCRIfGQDwCBJQvs
I'm at almost 16 hours now and my instructor seems pretty comfortable with me doing a solo in the near future. I think we're just waiting for a good weather day. (dang Nebraska wind)
Chad
Filing Flight Plan
Just booked my discovery flight for 09APR16, picking up two sets of aviation headsets on Wednesday. Been working through FAA's Airplane Flying Handbook...but there is a point in the book there early on where it's in one ear and other the other until you're up in the air.
tuwood
Pre-takeoff checklist
lol, that's for sure. I tried doing the exact same thing. However, now that I've been flying a little (just shy of 17 hours) I find myself re-reading all the stuff I read before and it makes a LOT more sense now.
Chad
Filing Flight Plan
Yeah, I've been an IT for 16 years and spent 12 of those in the military. RTFMing (R'ingTFM?) only goes so far if you're not practicing for many subjects I was die hard on the book the first few days but then realize I'd reached the point of diminishing returns until I get myself in the air!
I was die hard on the book the first few days but then realize I'd reached the point of diminishing returns until I get myself in the air!
Mike Smith
En-Route
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Fresh Prince of PrattVegas
For me, it worked better for me to study material that coincided with what I was flying. Now what you CAN study that doesn't have to do with flying is Chapter 7, weather. You cannot learn too much about weather. You can learn how to decode metars and TAF's. Study the weather. Weather is important, study that. Did I emphasize that weather is important? Download the app "aeroweather" and enter all the local airports and check them periodically. Study how the weather can be different at airports that are close. Just some ideas. Good luck.
Edit....wow, screwed that all up. Wrong book, Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. Chapter 11.
Edit....wow, screwed that all up. Wrong book, Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. Chapter 11.
Chad
Filing Flight Plan
GBSoren
Pre-takeoff checklist
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GBSoren
I have a total of ~33 hrs now, most of it in the 172 trainer, but have about 12 hours now in my Socata TB-20. I've been soloing in the 172 for a while, and got work in with that this weekend, did some solo work on Friday and again on Sunday. Today I was able to get checked out on my TB-20, so I have complex, high performance and retractable endorsements so I can actually solo in my own plane! Hard to describe the thrill of that first solo in your own aircraft! We did 7 TO and landings, 3 of them cross wind, plus a simulated engine out landing. Came in, refueled my plane and CFI did all the paperwork and signed my logbook so I could go back out and solo. Just did 3 more TO and landings as I had some things I needed to get at in my office but it was the most fun I've had since starting my training.
Cajun_Flyer
Pattern Altitude
Let me start by saying that I absolutely love my job and feel honored to have the position I do, and do what I do. It's important and I go home at the end of the day feeling accomplished, fulfilled and proud. That said - a major event is on the horizon and work is all-consuming right now. I'm exhausted. When I'm not working, I'm working. So, needless to say, I haven't been able to hit the skies in a couple weeks.
Due to the loss of a couple of our public safety officials, some things were cancelled yesterday, so I opted to step away from the stress and go up briefly with my instructor. I desperately needed "Aviation Therapy," as I call it. Normally, I go out and pre-flight, then my instructor comes and joins me in the plane... starts immediately yapping and cracking jokes, while we both go through all the motions of getting our stuff together and the plane fired up. It's generally a high energy time. This time, however, it was silence. He climbed into the right seat and started getting his headset out. Before a word could be said, I just leaned my head back and closed my eyes. I needed to just breathe it in for a minute... I was in a plane, not at my desk. I was with my CFI, not my coworkers. I was about to fly, not scramble a mile a minute doing a million things with the weight of a national event on my shoulders. My CFI didn't say a thing. He didn't judge me or ask what the heck I was doing. Just let me have my moment. When I finally opened my eyes, I plugged in my headset and we went quietly into motion.
We did an hour in foggles, with diversion and unusual attitude recovery training. Can I just say... I LOVED unusual attitude recovery training! While still in the foggles, he had me close my eyes and shake my head around. Meanwhile, he was screwing everything up in the plane... stomping the rudders, turning us all around, pitching us up and down, etc. I was smiling the whole time... it was fun! When I opened my eyes (still in the foggles), our attitude, speed and bank would all be screwy, and I would have to quickly fix the situation using the instruments alone. We did both the nose up and the nose down scenario. I had a blast. Again, I was in an airplane... not at work. Even when I opened my eyes and the plane was roaring at a speed frightening close to that red line (nose down scenario) and even when he was telling me we were about to stall if I didn't do something (nose up scenario), I was still the calmest I have been in probably two weeks.
God, I love flying.
It will probably be another couple weeks before I'm able to get up again, but at least I got my fix.
Due to the loss of a couple of our public safety officials, some things were cancelled yesterday, so I opted to step away from the stress and go up briefly with my instructor. I desperately needed "Aviation Therapy," as I call it. Normally, I go out and pre-flight, then my instructor comes and joins me in the plane... starts immediately yapping and cracking jokes, while we both go through all the motions of getting our stuff together and the plane fired up. It's generally a high energy time. This time, however, it was silence. He climbed into the right seat and started getting his headset out. Before a word could be said, I just leaned my head back and closed my eyes. I needed to just breathe it in for a minute... I was in a plane, not at my desk. I was with my CFI, not my coworkers. I was about to fly, not scramble a mile a minute doing a million things with the weight of a national event on my shoulders. My CFI didn't say a thing. He didn't judge me or ask what the heck I was doing. Just let me have my moment. When I finally opened my eyes, I plugged in my headset and we went quietly into motion.
We did an hour in foggles, with diversion and unusual attitude recovery training. Can I just say... I LOVED unusual attitude recovery training! While still in the foggles, he had me close my eyes and shake my head around. Meanwhile, he was screwing everything up in the plane... stomping the rudders, turning us all around, pitching us up and down, etc. I was smiling the whole time... it was fun! When I opened my eyes (still in the foggles), our attitude, speed and bank would all be screwy, and I would have to quickly fix the situation using the instruments alone. We did both the nose up and the nose down scenario. I had a blast. Again, I was in an airplane... not at work. Even when I opened my eyes and the plane was roaring at a speed frightening close to that red line (nose down scenario) and even when he was telling me we were about to stall if I didn't do something (nose up scenario), I was still the calmest I have been in probably two weeks.
God, I love flying.
It will probably be another couple weeks before I'm able to get up again, but at least I got my fix.
write-stuff
En-Route
Funny how it works that way, eh? Applying the stuff you've been studying from the books really does make it stick.
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jsstevens
I had my first "restart" IR training this morning. We went out and flew 3 ILSs. 2 into SFB (9R) going missed than 1 into ORL (7) with a full stop (and a nice landing even if I do say so myself. Heck my instructor said as much.)
1.3 hours in my ASA Overcasters which worked very well. I really liked the ability to flip them up when we "broke out".
So, the good: my scan picked up pretty quickly and once I stopped over controlling my flying smoothed out. It was a really smooth day so it wasn't hard, just out of practice. Heck I haven't flown an ILS since 2008. Approach 2 and 3 were quite good (so the instructor said and he's not shy about corrections.)
The bad: My first approach I did OK until nearly DH when in chasing the increasingly sensitive needle, I made a 30 degree turn and would have probably lost the runway.
I was completely task saturated flying. I did not do any radio work today and Orlando approach is BUSY.
Onward and upward.
John
1.3 hours in my ASA Overcasters which worked very well. I really liked the ability to flip them up when we "broke out".
So, the good: my scan picked up pretty quickly and once I stopped over controlling my flying smoothed out. It was a really smooth day so it wasn't hard, just out of practice. Heck I haven't flown an ILS since 2008. Approach 2 and 3 were quite good (so the instructor said and he's not shy about corrections.)
The bad: My first approach I did OK until nearly DH when in chasing the increasingly sensitive needle, I made a 30 degree turn and would have probably lost the runway.
I was completely task saturated flying. I did not do any radio work today and Orlando approach is BUSY.
Onward and upward.
John
mscard88
Touchdown! Greaser!
Chad
Filing Flight Plan
Picked up some new headsets today off Craigslist, and a kneeboard. I guess you know you're still a noob when that is the highlight of your day
flight2000
Pre-takeoff checklist
So after 25 years I'll officially be a student again tomorrow afternoon (never really stopped being student though like many have already said). Working on the commercial practical maneuvers after passing the written last month. No ambition to fly for an airline, just want to check it off my list of things to do. We'll see how this goes since the winds are supposed to get interesting tomorrow afternoon in the Reno area.
Cheers,
Brian
Cheers,
Brian
tuwood
Pre-takeoff checklist
Well, guess who flew a plane all by himself yesterday?
As I mentioned earlier I was kind of expecting it if the weather held out, and it did. We did some normal work out in the VFR practice area and then a handful of touch and goes and my CFI jumped on the radio and informed the tower that the next one would be a full stop and asked me if I felt like I was ready to solo.
He said I needed to do at least three touch and goes, but could do as many as I wanted if I was feeling good.
The good news is that I survived, but I was hoping for a much better experience. I made a few mistakes that weren't major and I made one which I feel was major. On one of the landings as soon as I hit ground effect I pulled up just a little too hard and ballooned up (had a touch too much airspeed too). It wasn't that bad and I've done it several times before and would just hold a good pitch and ride the balloon back down. Well, for whatever reason that I can't explain when I ballooned up I pushed the nose down slightly to level out the balloon and didn't then pull back enough. Landed nice and flat (or slight nose wheel first) and started to porpoise. I immediately knew I needed to go around and hit the throttle, but still got a couple good bounces in. Talk about an adrenaline rush climbing out after doing that.
All and all it wasn't as bad as it seemed at the time, but I was pretty frustrated with myself because I know exactly what causes that to happen and I had never once even come close to doing it before. I ended up doing 5 touch and goes total and did a couple go arounds, but the plane was still in one piece and nobody had to start a thread about another Cirrus CAPS pull, so I'll call it a success. hah
As I mentioned earlier I was kind of expecting it if the weather held out, and it did. We did some normal work out in the VFR practice area and then a handful of touch and goes and my CFI jumped on the radio and informed the tower that the next one would be a full stop and asked me if I felt like I was ready to solo.
He said I needed to do at least three touch and goes, but could do as many as I wanted if I was feeling good.
The good news is that I survived, but I was hoping for a much better experience. I made a few mistakes that weren't major and I made one which I feel was major. On one of the landings as soon as I hit ground effect I pulled up just a little too hard and ballooned up (had a touch too much airspeed too). It wasn't that bad and I've done it several times before and would just hold a good pitch and ride the balloon back down. Well, for whatever reason that I can't explain when I ballooned up I pushed the nose down slightly to level out the balloon and didn't then pull back enough. Landed nice and flat (or slight nose wheel first) and started to porpoise. I immediately knew I needed to go around and hit the throttle, but still got a couple good bounces in. Talk about an adrenaline rush climbing out after doing that.
All and all it wasn't as bad as it seemed at the time, but I was pretty frustrated with myself because I know exactly what causes that to happen and I had never once even come close to doing it before. I ended up doing 5 touch and goes total and did a couple go arounds, but the plane was still in one piece and nobody had to start a thread about another Cirrus CAPS pull, so I'll call it a success. hah