February 26, 2011
Today's lesson with Matt was fun and challenging. I'm not even sure where to begin... I guess I should note that the airport had a lot of canceled flights today due to low clouds. I was fortunate enough to have a later flight, which gave time for the clouds to rise to about 2300ft. The challenging part was dealing with the intense haze. I have never flown in instrument conditions, and even though we were still legally flying under VFR (Visual), it felt like instrument. We couldn't see anything ahead, only below; which made it hard to know which direction we were going without using the GPS or compass. The haze was so thick that I thought we were flying through the clouds, but Matt told me if it were clouds, we wouldn't be able to see the ground. I remember at one point, I thought I was heading north when we were really heading west.
We spent half the lesson practicing steep turns, slow flight, power-off stalls and turns around a point. I'm definitely making improvements.
Afterward, Matt and I flew back to the airport and practiced short and soft field takeoff and landings. My landings haven't been going as well as I'd like, so Matt had me make some adjustments to my pattern procedures. This really seemed to help me out, and my landings gradually got better. Then he presented me with a new challenge. He asked me to use power and pitch only to make my landing, and he didn't want me to use flaps at all. This was a first, and it was certainly interesting. Flaps help you slow the airplane down, so without using them, you have to make adjustments in other ways. But I quickly learned that a flapless landing is possible.
One of the most memorable landings of the day was when I was doing a flapless landing, and I was coming in too high. Matt didn't seem phased that I was high, and he asked me to do a short field landing by landing on the painted "18" on the runway. I was running out of room and told him there was no way I was going to get the airplane down that fast! So he took the controls and did a pretty drastic forward slip. I had no idea you could make the airplane move like that. It was a bit nerve-wracking but impressive. Nonetheless, we landed on the "18."
After flying, we spent an hour inside going through the airplane logbooks. Part of the checkride requires that I make sure the airplane is airworthy and that all required maintenance has been performed.
Today was one of those days that I definitely felt like I got my moneys worth. I'm exhausted but pleased.
Flight Log to Date
Hours flown: 31.3
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Mock Checkride
February 18, 2011
Today was a fun and exciting lesson. Matt and I did a practice checkride. To prepare for today, I flew solo over the weekend and gained some much needed confidence. I practiced power-off and power-on stalls, then practiced short/soft field takeoff and landings. So when today came, I felt completely comfortable having Matt test me on my abilities.
Today was a fun and exciting lesson. Matt and I did a practice checkride. To prepare for today, I flew solo over the weekend and gained some much needed confidence. I practiced power-off and power-on stalls, then practiced short/soft field takeoff and landings. So when today came, I felt completely comfortable having Matt test me on my abilities.
The first thing that he had me do was a soft field takeoff. We flew out west and then he told me to show him steep turns. Once I reached a safe altitude, I made my clearing turns to check for traffic, then began my turn to the left. Once I did a 360° turn, I turned into the opposite direction and did another 360° turn at the required 45° bank. Overall I did good, but made a few small mistakes with maintaining a consistent altitude. After steep turns, he had me show him slow flight and stalls. Again, I did great overall but made some minor mistakes with altitude. Next he pulled the power to idle to simulate an engine failure. Everything went smoothly with no issues. Matt then had me show him a ground reference maneuver. I chose to do turns around a point. My biggest problem was staying within the required ±100ft altitude range. I was off by about 50ft.
Matt then had me do something completely new. I was asked to recover the airplane from an unusual attitude after becoming disorientated I love learning and experiencing new things!
We then came back to the airport and did a soft field landing. Afterward I had the opportunity to learn yet another new thing... crosswind takeoff and landings! I have been so excited to learn these, so when he asked if I was up to the challenge, I jumped at the opportunity. He took the controls and showed me how to do the takeoff, then flew the pattern around and showed me the landing. Next it was my turn. I was surprised to see how well I did for it being my first time. I love having an instructor who takes the time to really explain and show me things.
We then taxied back to the hanger and went inside. I was really hoping to get that checkride endorsement today but it didn't happen. I understand why and I'm ok with it. Matt is having me fly solo again this weekend to focus on doing the maneuvers within the required altitude range, and to practice more crosswind takeoff and landings. Practice makes perfect!
Flight Log to Date
Hours flown: 29.1
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Flight 21
February 10, 2011
I flew with Matt this morning. We started off by doing a soft field takeoff and spiraled above the airport before heading out to Greensfield. Once we got half way to the first checkpoint, Matt made up a scenario and said that there was a line of thunderstorms ahead and asked me what I should do. I told him the safest thing to do would be to head back to the airport. He then asked me to make a calculation to make sure we would have enough gas. The answer was yes, so we turned around and started flying back. Once I was on the correct course, he said that was good enough and had me turn around and head back towards Greensfield. After we passed the first checkpoint, he had me do a power-on stall. I made the mistake of adding flaps. I knew I was doing something wrong because I couldn't get the plane to stall. So I stopped and we discussed it before he had me do it again. That time went great.
Once we got to the Greensfield airport, he told me to land on 27. I entered the traffic pattern wrong but I knew that I was wrong. I aborted and flew back around and tried again. That time I did it correctly. The runway was completely covered in snow and ice, so instead of landing, we just did a go-around.
On the way back home, he had me navigate to an area that I could set up to land on 18 by coming straight in, instead of following the traffic pattern. I had never done this before, but ended up doing it great. Matt had me do the landing as a soft field. The touchdown was my smoothest yet!
Once we were back inside, Matt and I talked for a bit. He told me that I need to fly solo this weekend, to help me gain the confidence needed for the practical exam. After that, we will fly one more time together and then he plans on endorsing me to take the checkride. So the plan is to do the checkride in about 1.5 - 2 weeks.
Flight Log to Date
Hours flown: 26.6
I flew with Matt this morning. We started off by doing a soft field takeoff and spiraled above the airport before heading out to Greensfield. Once we got half way to the first checkpoint, Matt made up a scenario and said that there was a line of thunderstorms ahead and asked me what I should do. I told him the safest thing to do would be to head back to the airport. He then asked me to make a calculation to make sure we would have enough gas. The answer was yes, so we turned around and started flying back. Once I was on the correct course, he said that was good enough and had me turn around and head back towards Greensfield. After we passed the first checkpoint, he had me do a power-on stall. I made the mistake of adding flaps. I knew I was doing something wrong because I couldn't get the plane to stall. So I stopped and we discussed it before he had me do it again. That time went great.
Once we got to the Greensfield airport, he told me to land on 27. I entered the traffic pattern wrong but I knew that I was wrong. I aborted and flew back around and tried again. That time I did it correctly. The runway was completely covered in snow and ice, so instead of landing, we just did a go-around.
On the way back home, he had me navigate to an area that I could set up to land on 18 by coming straight in, instead of following the traffic pattern. I had never done this before, but ended up doing it great. Matt had me do the landing as a soft field. The touchdown was my smoothest yet!
Once we were back inside, Matt and I talked for a bit. He told me that I need to fly solo this weekend, to help me gain the confidence needed for the practical exam. After that, we will fly one more time together and then he plans on endorsing me to take the checkride. So the plan is to do the checkride in about 1.5 - 2 weeks.
Flight Log to Date
Hours flown: 26.6
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Flight 20
February 6, 2011
Today was a great day. It's been two weeks since I've been able to fly. The weather kept causing me to cancel lessons. I also flew with a different instructor today. My normal instructor Matt was unavailable, so I went with Eric. I really enjoyed learning from him and had a lot of fun.
We departed Runway 18 with a soft field takeoff and headed west to a different practice area that I've never been too. We started off doing steep turns. I must say, the more I do these, the more fun they get. After steep turns, we practiced slow flight. Afterward we headed back to the airport because the clouds were getting too low to practice stalls. We came in to land on 18 again, but at the last minute he told me to add full power and do a go-around. There was nothing that caused us to do a go-around, it was just something that I asked him if we could do. There was a bit of excitement during the procedure too... my seatbelt got stuck between the trim tab and the flaps lever, which kept me from retracting the flaps. So I kept the nose of the airplane up to keep my airspeed from getting too fast. Eric then freed the seatbelt and we could finally retract the flaps.
The second time around we did a normal landing but with a forward slip, then did another soft field takeoff. The last landing was a soft field. Once we got back inside, Eric and I talked for a bit. He said I did great today and that I'm basically ready to take the checkride. He recommends that I go up again and just polish up some things, and maybe do another short mock oral exam. It was also pretty neat that there were 4-5 people inside listening too, and they were giving me all sorts of advice for the checkride. I really feel like a part of the aviation community. Everyone is so friendly and helpful, and we seem to enjoy each others company.
Later this week I will be flying with Matt again. We are going to fly out to Greensfield (M71) to get me to the required amount of dual cross country hours. During the flight though, we are going to do the mock checkride. If everything goes well, he may endorse me to take the real checkride. I'm excited!
Flight Log to Date
Hours flown: 25.3
Today was a great day. It's been two weeks since I've been able to fly. The weather kept causing me to cancel lessons. I also flew with a different instructor today. My normal instructor Matt was unavailable, so I went with Eric. I really enjoyed learning from him and had a lot of fun.
We departed Runway 18 with a soft field takeoff and headed west to a different practice area that I've never been too. We started off doing steep turns. I must say, the more I do these, the more fun they get. After steep turns, we practiced slow flight. Afterward we headed back to the airport because the clouds were getting too low to practice stalls. We came in to land on 18 again, but at the last minute he told me to add full power and do a go-around. There was nothing that caused us to do a go-around, it was just something that I asked him if we could do. There was a bit of excitement during the procedure too... my seatbelt got stuck between the trim tab and the flaps lever, which kept me from retracting the flaps. So I kept the nose of the airplane up to keep my airspeed from getting too fast. Eric then freed the seatbelt and we could finally retract the flaps.
The second time around we did a normal landing but with a forward slip, then did another soft field takeoff. The last landing was a soft field. Once we got back inside, Eric and I talked for a bit. He said I did great today and that I'm basically ready to take the checkride. He recommends that I go up again and just polish up some things, and maybe do another short mock oral exam. It was also pretty neat that there were 4-5 people inside listening too, and they were giving me all sorts of advice for the checkride. I really feel like a part of the aviation community. Everyone is so friendly and helpful, and we seem to enjoy each others company.
Later this week I will be flying with Matt again. We are going to fly out to Greensfield (M71) to get me to the required amount of dual cross country hours. During the flight though, we are going to do the mock checkride. If everything goes well, he may endorse me to take the real checkride. I'm excited!
Flight Log to Date
Hours flown: 25.3
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Cancellations
February 2, 2011
I am having serious withdrawals today. Winter has been pretty bad the last week or two. I was scheduled to fly Sunday, January 30th, but got to the airport to find that it definitely was not VFR (Visual Flight Rules). In order for me to legally fly, the visibility must be at least 3 statute miles and the cloud ceiling at least 1000ft. But Sunday, the visibility was maybe a mile and the ceiling was around 600ft. It wasn't even good enough to stay in the pattern and practice takeoff and landings. But instead of getting nothing out of the day, I asked Matt if we could do some ground school. So for two hours, we talked about sectional charts, airspace, airplane weight and balance, and went out to the plane and discussed more in depth the preflight inspection and the engine. I'm quite thankful that we did this, I am feeling much more prepared for that final checkride. On another note, that same day I also met a man who owns a gyroplane. We talked for 5-10 minutes and now have an open invitation to fly in his gyroplane! I think I might take him up on that offer once it gets warmer outside. It sounds like a blast!
It's now Wednesday, February 2nd. I was supposed to fly this morning too, and had to cancel. Yesterday, St. Louis was under a Blizzard Warning. A Blizzard Warning?!? I have lived here my whole life and never remember ever being in a Blizzard Warning. The news, NWS, and electric companies were really freaking out. They had televised conferences warning people about the storm, which was something I have never seen them do. With the ice and wind, they expected wide spread power outages. They estimated up to an inch of sleet/freezing rain and up to two feet of snow, with a lot of wind and blackout conditions. People here called it Snowpocalypse 2011 because it was supposed to be a record breaking storm and could've potentially shut down the city. We thankfully lucked out. We ended up getting much more sleet, and less snow. I'm not sure of the totals but I'm guessing at my house, we got around 6" from sleet and snow combined. Farther north and west however, they accumulated 18"+. Everything is covered in ice, and topped with snow. I really wanted to fly today, but it was just too risky to drive out on the back-roads to get to the airport.
I never imagined a day that I felt like I was going to go stir-crazy because I couldn't fly. I'm supposed to go up this weekend and the weather looks like it will cooperate. But by time that day comes, it will be almost two weeks since I've flown. It feels like forever! All I can do is think about flying...
I am having serious withdrawals today. Winter has been pretty bad the last week or two. I was scheduled to fly Sunday, January 30th, but got to the airport to find that it definitely was not VFR (Visual Flight Rules). In order for me to legally fly, the visibility must be at least 3 statute miles and the cloud ceiling at least 1000ft. But Sunday, the visibility was maybe a mile and the ceiling was around 600ft. It wasn't even good enough to stay in the pattern and practice takeoff and landings. But instead of getting nothing out of the day, I asked Matt if we could do some ground school. So for two hours, we talked about sectional charts, airspace, airplane weight and balance, and went out to the plane and discussed more in depth the preflight inspection and the engine. I'm quite thankful that we did this, I am feeling much more prepared for that final checkride. On another note, that same day I also met a man who owns a gyroplane. We talked for 5-10 minutes and now have an open invitation to fly in his gyroplane! I think I might take him up on that offer once it gets warmer outside. It sounds like a blast!
It's now Wednesday, February 2nd. I was supposed to fly this morning too, and had to cancel. Yesterday, St. Louis was under a Blizzard Warning. A Blizzard Warning?!? I have lived here my whole life and never remember ever being in a Blizzard Warning. The news, NWS, and electric companies were really freaking out. They had televised conferences warning people about the storm, which was something I have never seen them do. With the ice and wind, they expected wide spread power outages. They estimated up to an inch of sleet/freezing rain and up to two feet of snow, with a lot of wind and blackout conditions. People here called it Snowpocalypse 2011 because it was supposed to be a record breaking storm and could've potentially shut down the city. We thankfully lucked out. We ended up getting much more sleet, and less snow. I'm not sure of the totals but I'm guessing at my house, we got around 6" from sleet and snow combined. Farther north and west however, they accumulated 18"+. Everything is covered in ice, and topped with snow. I really wanted to fly today, but it was just too risky to drive out on the back-roads to get to the airport.
I never imagined a day that I felt like I was going to go stir-crazy because I couldn't fly. I'm supposed to go up this weekend and the weather looks like it will cooperate. But by time that day comes, it will be almost two weeks since I've flown. It feels like forever! All I can do is think about flying...
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