This is probably no big deal to the veterans, but as a student pilot it certainly got my attention.
I was just climbing out for my first big solo XC. About 400' AGL I looked down and noticed the tach needle bouncing all over the place, along with an odd whine that seemed in sync with the needle bouncing. The engine seemed to be producing smooth power but it definitely gave me an Oh, $&/! Moment. I contunued to climb to pattern altitude and turn on course as I deliberated on how to handle. I was pretty sure the engine was fine, based on the performance, smoothness, and otherwise "normal-ness" of everything but the tach needle. I also noticed that as I reduced power, the needle settled down a good bit. I did consider continuing (the thought of do I really need the tach? Crossed my mind), but after what in hindsight seems WAY to long (I probably got a mile out), I decided to call tower to come back and land. Fortunately we have a quiet airport and there was zero traffic.
Turned out to be a harmless tach problem, which has been replaced. On one hand, I'm proud of myself for not completely freaking out and doing something really stupid. On the others hand, I think I really should have reacted quicker, stayed in the pattern, and landed immediately.
If it had been an actual emergency, it really has me questioning whether or not I would have made the quick decisions necessary... Also has me paying much closer attention to what lies beyond the end of the runway. Hopefully I'll never have to find out up close and personal.
Just thought I'd share. Hoping tomorrow will be the day to get the XC done!
I was just climbing out for my first big solo XC. About 400' AGL I looked down and noticed the tach needle bouncing all over the place, along with an odd whine that seemed in sync with the needle bouncing. The engine seemed to be producing smooth power but it definitely gave me an Oh, $&/! Moment. I contunued to climb to pattern altitude and turn on course as I deliberated on how to handle. I was pretty sure the engine was fine, based on the performance, smoothness, and otherwise "normal-ness" of everything but the tach needle. I also noticed that as I reduced power, the needle settled down a good bit. I did consider continuing (the thought of do I really need the tach? Crossed my mind), but after what in hindsight seems WAY to long (I probably got a mile out), I decided to call tower to come back and land. Fortunately we have a quiet airport and there was zero traffic.
Turned out to be a harmless tach problem, which has been replaced. On one hand, I'm proud of myself for not completely freaking out and doing something really stupid. On the others hand, I think I really should have reacted quicker, stayed in the pattern, and landed immediately.
If it had been an actual emergency, it really has me questioning whether or not I would have made the quick decisions necessary... Also has me paying much closer attention to what lies beyond the end of the runway. Hopefully I'll never have to find out up close and personal.
Just thought I'd share. Hoping tomorrow will be the day to get the XC done!