March 25, 2012 - Dual/Solo Circuits
Finally, FINALLY, the weather cooperated, and I got to take another flight lesson!!! Wind was very mild both in strength and in crosswind componant, so soloing was also a good possibility.
The first two landings were not bad. As usual, my approaches were not stellar, and the first landing, especially, was a little left of centre. I was also a little slow on approach, starting on base already. I think the problem was mainly that I was already aiming for 60 kts on base, when I probably could start with 65 or 70, then make the switch to 60 on final.
While on downwind of the third circuit, we were told to do a 360 to the right, and we used the opportunity to practise a steep turn, which I held fairly well. But then it was “follow Porter traffic on final”, which meant a longer downwind, to the Eastern Gap, which in turn meant that the things I had wanted to correct from the previous two circuits were now under completely different conditions (i.e. longer final leg)! The change, combined with my generally mediocre flying, resulted in a rather unpleasant landing, that is, I pulled back too suddenly, and up we ballooned, and would surely have stalled and fallen down onto the runway, had I not quickly pushed the yoke forward again somewhat.
Despite that crappy landing, I was sent solo anyway – guess my previous two landings, and the quick correction on the third, convinced my instructor of my abilities to survive on my own in the plane.
So there I was on my own again, flying an airplane!
First time since November. Amazing.
I was more cognizant of my airspeed, though it occurred to me later that I really need to practise guaging AS by looking outside, rather than at the ASI. (This is a general problem I have noticed about my flying, and I am thinking about a blog post on this very topic….)
My three solo landings were relatively smooth – no bouncing or ballooning – and once I was even right down the centreline!!! I played with ground effect a little bit on the take-offs, and noticed how automatic my downwind checks have become. Nice. My trim was also better by the third circuit.
One thing I need to work on is remembering look out before turning, but didn’t really have a chance to practise that or much else, as my kids were waiting at the playground on the other side… so, I only did three circuits, and came back in.
The biggest learning was back on the ground, where Mel, the owner was waiting for me, and marshalled me in. Although I have seen marshalling previously, my instructor usually takes control at that point, and I concentrate on the wings, making sure they don’t hit anything, so I am used to looking side to side. Mel wanted me to look only at him, and I realised suddenly how much trust that took, to focus only on the marshall, and not rely at all on your own visual reference to the sides of the plane! Wow!
All it in all, it was a decent flight; if nothing else, it served to build a little confidence again – I do actually remember what to do in the plane all by myself! Now… let’s hope for cooperative weather next weekend so that I can fly twice!!!
The first two landings were not bad. As usual, my approaches were not stellar, and the first landing, especially, was a little left of centre. I was also a little slow on approach, starting on base already. I think the problem was mainly that I was already aiming for 60 kts on base, when I probably could start with 65 or 70, then make the switch to 60 on final.
While on downwind of the third circuit, we were told to do a 360 to the right, and we used the opportunity to practise a steep turn, which I held fairly well. But then it was “follow Porter traffic on final”, which meant a longer downwind, to the Eastern Gap, which in turn meant that the things I had wanted to correct from the previous two circuits were now under completely different conditions (i.e. longer final leg)! The change, combined with my generally mediocre flying, resulted in a rather unpleasant landing, that is, I pulled back too suddenly, and up we ballooned, and would surely have stalled and fallen down onto the runway, had I not quickly pushed the yoke forward again somewhat.
Despite that crappy landing, I was sent solo anyway – guess my previous two landings, and the quick correction on the third, convinced my instructor of my abilities to survive on my own in the plane.
So there I was on my own again, flying an airplane!
First time since November. Amazing.
I was more cognizant of my airspeed, though it occurred to me later that I really need to practise guaging AS by looking outside, rather than at the ASI. (This is a general problem I have noticed about my flying, and I am thinking about a blog post on this very topic….)
My three solo landings were relatively smooth – no bouncing or ballooning – and once I was even right down the centreline!!! I played with ground effect a little bit on the take-offs, and noticed how automatic my downwind checks have become. Nice. My trim was also better by the third circuit.
One thing I need to work on is remembering look out before turning, but didn’t really have a chance to practise that or much else, as my kids were waiting at the playground on the other side… so, I only did three circuits, and came back in.
The biggest learning was back on the ground, where Mel, the owner was waiting for me, and marshalled me in. Although I have seen marshalling previously, my instructor usually takes control at that point, and I concentrate on the wings, making sure they don’t hit anything, so I am used to looking side to side. Mel wanted me to look only at him, and I realised suddenly how much trust that took, to focus only on the marshall, and not rely at all on your own visual reference to the sides of the plane! Wow!
All it in all, it was a decent flight; if nothing else, it served to build a little confidence again – I do actually remember what to do in the plane all by myself! Now… let’s hope for cooperative weather next weekend so that I can fly twice!!!