Roost Air Lounge => General Discussion => Topic started by: spacer on October 14, 2008, 07:16:03 PM
Title: Flight training update
Post by: spacer on October 14, 2008, 07:16:03 PM
Today, after 7 full stop landings (and, of course, the same number of takeoffs), my instructor advised me that for my next lesson (Thursday) I should bring a shirt that I don't mind cutting up.
Actually, he told me I could solo today if I wanted, but I really like this shirt... and felt I'd be more comfortable with one more lesson under my belt.
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: Oddball on October 14, 2008, 07:30:37 PM
well done mate here's to your solo |:)\ ::drinking:: ::drinking::
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: cotejy on October 14, 2008, 07:53:49 PM
congrad and have fun on your first solo!
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: Frank N. O. on October 14, 2008, 08:07:27 PM
Congratulations and as said: Have Fun |:)\
Frank
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: TheSoccerMom on October 15, 2008, 12:00:29 AM
Sounds good!! :D
Way to go! |:)\
|:)\
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: spacer on October 15, 2008, 01:23:11 AM
Thanks, all. My better half is planning to take the day off so she can be at the airport. No pressure, right? ::sweat::
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: spacer on October 16, 2008, 07:02:34 PM
02010KT 4SM -RA BR BKN007
:(
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: Rooster Cruiser on October 17, 2008, 12:44:26 AM
This is why I would never tell a student to expect to solo on the next lesson. Too many variables that can affect a lesson. In your case the weather was crappy. In other cases it might be that the winds were ok for dual instruction, but too high for me to consider soloing a student. Still other cases where the student just had a bad day and it would have to wait til the next lesson.
Sorry to hear your expectations were dashed, Spacer. Don't worry about it. It'll happen sooner or later. Just enjoy all the minutes you are in the air, period. |:)\
RC
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: Mike on October 17, 2008, 01:19:15 AM
we'll keep our fingers crossed for you buddy!
you should be fine (as long as Chuck wasn't your instructor)..... :o ;)
btw Did you change your forum name? I don't even know how you do that.....
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: Frank N. O. on October 17, 2008, 02:16:33 AM
you should be fine (as long as Chuck wasn't your instructor)..... :o ;)
btw Did you change your forum name? I don't even know how you do that.....
Yes, it took me a few seconds before I figured out who it was too since I couldn't understand that this "new" name already had 400+ posts, and the avatar did look familiar, then I saw the profile and saw the messenger-name and homepage and then it was the 25-ear coin fell (danish expression, and we just here the first gave up on the 25-ear coin so now a 50 ear, 0.50 crown is the smallest currency, which is about 10 US cent atm).
I seem to recognize a few things of the cryptic line above to indicate it's an avaition weather report right? And by the smilie then it looks like bad weather, but that doesn't necessarily mean it won't be a good flight.
Frank
Title: Flight training update - From an FAA e-mail
Post by: Ragwing on October 17, 2008, 12:56:51 PM
No matter how many times you beat it into somebody's head, they will surprise you.
From an FAA e-mail: How often have you watched as your student accomplished a first solo, or set out on the first solo cross country flight? The all alone feeling you may have experienced is a part of being a CFI at that moment. There's no need to feel alone with the questions and problems you face as a CFI the rest of the time, that's what CFI Workshops are for. Meet with your colleagues, young and old, to share what you know and learn from others.
An example is the story of "A load of Anvils" which was shared with me by a CFI that I know. As a young flight instructor, this fellow watched his student became a small speck on the horizon as he departed on his first solo cross country flight. A lonely feeling crept over the instructor as he watched. He thought "did I remember to tell him everything." Later in the afternoon the student’s Cessna 172 landed and taxied to the ramp. It seemed to be a bit tail low. As his student tied the aircraft down, the instructor approached to ask how the flight had gone. The student replied "Couldn't have been better. Look at what I found at the flea market near the airport." Curious, the instructor peered into the baggage compartment and saw an anvil appropriately tied down. "How'd she fly for you" the instructor asked. The student replied somewhat unconcerned "Really wanted to climb… too bad they only had one anvil for sale." The instructor resolved to never again allow his students to solo before they understood the principles of weight and balance. Think of the safety benefit if the instructor had learned this from one of his fellow instructors at the CFI Workshop instead of from his experience that day!
This leaves me wondering,
Where was Chuck?
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: spacer on October 17, 2008, 08:56:04 PM
Anvils... lol.
Yeah. He'd actually told me I could solo on Tuesday if I wanted, but I kinda pushed it off to the next lesson, which was how I knew we had it planned for yesterday.
As for the name change, I picked up a stalker somewhere along the way, and he evidently didn't know about this forum yet, so I pre-emptively requested the name change from velo to spacer. I really shouldn't use the same name for politics *and* aviation..
Title: Solo
Post by: Ragwing on October 18, 2008, 12:26:30 AM
He'd actually told me I could solo on Tuesday if I wanted
Spacer, Have the time of your life! You know how to fly, so take off and enjoy!! After this, you will be refining your habits. When I travel, I rent an airplane or helicopter for an hour or two and listen to each instructor as I sight see. From each instructor, I find something that they have that I like better and incorporate it.
Yes sir ree, we had better not hear about your instructor finding anything from a flee market when you get back. But that anvil followed me home, can I keep it?::whistle::
Title: I done did it!
Post by: spacer on October 21, 2008, 07:57:45 PM
Flew out to a nearby airport, did two landings there, and came back to ORK. Once we were on the ground, he stepped out of the airplane, signed me off, and gave me the lighter-airplane speech, then I was off. Yep, took off like she was allergic to asphalt, and I floated it just a touch on the first landing. Still was able to turn off midfield, though. Second landing was a great approach, but I didn't quite flare as much as I should have. Still a good landing, according to my CFI. Third landing, I had it nailed. The air started getting a bit bumpy, enough for him to notice from the ground, but he thought I did a fine job of riding it out and I made a textbook landing. Funny thing, I thought I'd be a bundle of nerves alone in the plane, but I was just fine. As I pulled off the runway for the last time, Mike told me I could either go back out and fly some more, or park it. I think I'd already mentally ended the flight, and I came off the flight high a bit jittery, so I brought her in.
A few pictures and scissor-strokes later, and I was leaving the FBO with a silly smile on my face and a draft on my back.
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: FlyboyGil on October 21, 2008, 08:40:46 PM
Congrats DOG!!!! First solo is always so memorable. There's alot of hard work, but you'll have that upbeat feeling for a long time afterwards!
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: Oddball on October 21, 2008, 09:40:23 PM
Ill go with what Gill said. ::wave::
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: TheSoccerMom on October 21, 2008, 11:13:33 PM
Congrats!!
You'll never forget this day.... you'll forget birthdays, and anniversaries....
But you'll never forget this date!
Way to go!!!!!!
::bow::
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: Skygal on October 22, 2008, 05:14:34 PM
Congratulations |:)\
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: spacer on October 22, 2008, 05:16:57 PM
Thanks, folks. Now it'll be next Tuesday before I can schedule the plane again. *sigh* Ah, well... I'm still basking in the glow. :)
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: Rooster Cruiser on October 22, 2008, 07:14:05 PM
Spacer, just have a few more beers to keep that warm glow a while longer. Hehe ::drinking:: ::drinking:: ::drinking:: ;D
Congrats! That's something you'll never forget! |:)\
RC
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: spacer on October 28, 2008, 07:49:50 PM
Glow's still there. Today dawned bright, clear, and cool. Of course, the airplane still flew too well, without my instructor aboard. (Is there such a thing as 'too well'?) The air had just a little texture to it, nothing that messed with navigation or knocked my wings off-level at all.
I went up mostly to reinforce my first solo. I navigated out to the practice area, about ten miles to the west, did some clearing turns, and just winged around for a bit. On the way out, I met a column of rising air (I guess that's what it was) that almost lofted me into the upper deck of LIT's class C airspace, so I had to put the nose down for a minute until I flew out of it. On the way back, I was glad to know that the land seemed familiar to me and I had no trouble getting back visually, using the chart to double-check myself. Three landings and logged.
Then I got roped into helping a Gulfstream get ready for flight. The other guy on the line was holding the single-point connector and scratching his head.
Then, I went to pick Zoe up from daycare. All in all, a good day.
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: Rooster Cruiser on October 29, 2008, 02:27:02 PM
Ah, yes. A little solo flight, work around a nice Gulfstream (and give a little instruction on it, as well), then home to da family. Sounds like a perfect day to me! You're on the right track, mister. |:)\
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: cotejy on October 29, 2008, 05:54:25 PM
Congrad for your first solo.
I was surprised you were told by your instructor long before the flight. From what I've seen, no instructors tell their students before the flight. In mine, we went for a regular landings and take off practice. After 2 landings, my instructor told me to do a full stop. She got out of the plane and told me to go by myself. No warnings, 0 preparation, 0 anticipation and no time to be stressed. There was something like 30 seconds from the moment I was told I'm ready for solo until I went airborne solo. I think this is better than having to go through stress of anticipation for weeks.
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: spacer on December 02, 2008, 09:19:22 PM
First dual cross-country today.
Did a flight plan on a trip to Danville, showing a -10 degree course correction for the wind. In the air, I needed about half that, so the weather was a little off. I picked a first checkpoint that was within view as soon as we climbed out, so I was able to make the correction quickly, and didn't have any problem after that correction. There was enough turbulence that I had to stay pretty much on the controls the whole way. We made all our checkpoints within a minute of my figures, and arrived over Danville to see the windsock sticking out... perpendicular to the only runway (11-29). I made a good pattern entry and approach, and my ground track brought us directly to the runway, where Mike helped me land. Yeah, the wind was a bit over my limits at this point.
On the way back, to get a little practice with the GPS, and some of my IFR time, I strapped on the hood and took us D> Petit Jean, which we knew to be closed... just wanted to see whether they'd marked it properly. Then, while under the hood, I reset the GPS for ORK. While setting it up, I held my heading/altitude pretty well.... until Mike told me I was doing it pretty well. Then, while hitting ENT a couple times, I lost 200 ft. Figures.
I recovered my altitude and changed course for ORK. About 10 miles out, Mike pretended to be ATC and instructed me to descend to 2000 on 012, which I managed pretty well under the hood, then within 5 miles he called for 1500 ft. The course had me right on. He let me take the hood off as soon as I reached pattern altitude, and I finished the flight as normal. There was a milder crosswind on runway 23, and I handled it much better than before. I think I have a mild fear of the direct-coupled nose gear, after straying pretty severely once on landing. I'll just have to get over that.
We have another dual scheduled for Thursday, and if all goes well, my first solo x-c may happen on Friday.
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: TheSoccerMom on December 02, 2008, 10:29:58 PM
Hey Spacer,
You make me wsh I was out in an airplane today! Sounds like a good, and through, flight. :D
It was like getting to go along with you -- thanks for sharing with us. ::wave::
::wave::
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: spacer on December 03, 2008, 03:37:14 AM
Aw, yer welcome.
We have another dual xc scheduled for Thursday, and if all goes well, I'm going to try to schedule my first solo xc for Friday. Otherwise, I'll shoot for Tuesday.
Movin' along! ::cowboy::
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: spacer on April 01, 2009, 01:18:03 AM
Gawd, I'm necro-ing my own thread. :)
I did my solo X/C flights about a month ago, and since then, weather, thumb surgery, and the airplane being gone on a long trip have conspired to keep me out of the cockpit. As the weather isn't supposed to be all that great on Thursday, I think I'll take the opportunity to go ahead and take my FAA written test then.
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: TheSoccerMom on April 01, 2009, 07:24:02 PM
Hi Spacer,
Glad you're still working away at your goals there....
It always seems like the weather, and airplane scheduling, manage to screw up at least SOME of one's plans, but hang in there...
Good luck on the written! :D
:D
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: spacer on April 02, 2009, 01:22:22 AM
Since the Mrs wasn't feeling well today, and I had to go to the airport to get signed off for the test anyway, I discovered that there was a gap in the Cherokee's schedule. YeSSSSSS!
Also, since the air had lots of texture, and there was a somewhat gusty crosswind on both runways, it made for some really good practice. Chalk up 1.1 hours for Spacer today. I'm really glad I got to fly in this stuff, as I was really worried about how I'd do.
Now, I guess I need to find the study guidebook, because Sporty's Study Buddy isn't cooperating with me. Gargh!
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: spacer on April 02, 2009, 05:27:17 PM
Well, I took the Private written today. Didn't do as well as I'd hoped, but also not as badly as I had feared.
I got an 83. Now, I'm gonna read Stick and Rudder a couple times, then go over the Practical and Oral study guides, concentrating on those areas where I didn't do so well on the test. Probably weather, more than anything else.
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: G-man on April 02, 2009, 05:56:53 PM
Well, I took the Private written today. Didn't do as well as I'd hoped, but also not as badly as I had feared.
I got an 83. Now, I'm gonna read Stick and Rudder a couple times, then go over the Practical and Oral study guides, concentrating on those areas where I didn't do so well on the test. Probably weather, more than anything else.
Ahhhh the dreaded 83---look at it this way---13% wasted effort. In reality 20 years from now---no-one will care what grade you got. (I had 8% wasted effort on mine if I remember correctly.. ::whistle:: ::whistle:: )
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: spacer on April 23, 2009, 07:27:42 PM
Earlier this week, I did my three full-stops at LIT, since I was required to do 'em solo. The last one ended with me taxiing over to the Flight Deck for lunch with Mrs S and Zoe. That was a good thing, because I had to call clearance delivery and go through all the steps needed to start from zero at a controlled airport.
Today I just did some pattern work, and had my first encounter with wind shear. Oy... interesting stuff, that. After I got back on the ground the first time and settled down, I went again just to be able to say I didn't punk out.
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: G-man on April 23, 2009, 07:42:44 PM
However--that is a mighty large airport to be doing your 3 solo towered landings.. Was there nothing a little closer that is a little less intimidating?? Having said that, I used to go to OAK for a bunch of my solos, and even flew through SFO airspace, but was not allowed to land as a student due to it being one of the "dirty dozen".
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: TheSoccerMom on April 23, 2009, 09:01:05 PM
Cool deal, Spacer!! ::bow::
Way to go. Fun, eh?? :D
Glad you're having fun... |:)\
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: spacer on April 23, 2009, 09:21:02 PM
However--that is a mighty large airport to be doing your 3 solo towered landings.. Was there nothing a little closer that is a little less intimidating?? Having said that, I used to go to OAK for a bunch of my solos, and even flew through SFO airspace, but was not allowed to land as a student due to it being one of the "dirty dozen".
Nothing closer, as LIT is just across the river. I think the closest otherwise is Hot Springs. Fortunately, I worked as a mechanic at LIT for a while, and was pretty familiar with the place.
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: cotejy on April 23, 2009, 09:36:46 PM
Quote
Earlier this week, I did my three full-stops at LIT, since I was required to do 'em solo.
::bow:: Cool! I love to read this story of your ongoing training. It revive some of my own memories...
When I was in training, I flew in a small airport 25 miles from a desolated international airport (YMX). This airport was a stupid lost of tax payers money. 2 runways strips 200 feets wide, 12000 feets long. Airport with all top of the line technologies. Today, there are something like 10 landings and takeoff per day (and I'm generous). Mostly done by Fedex. Stupids politicians.
But such a good place for us to take our first lessons on controled airspace. The controlers were always happy to see a 150 or 172 comming for touch and go. They sat there with all this technologies and waiting for something to happend. On my first night flight, we went there and they gave me the "christmass tree". I felt like flying a 747 or something like that.
I remember doing a touch and go, climbing to 1000 AGL, and if I wanted to, I could have gone down and land with what left of runway. Sad lost of tax payers money, sad lost of farmers lands... If you ever need an easyer place for controled airspace, I recommand http://maps.google.ca/maps?near=cymx&q=google+map+ymx&f=p&rl=1&ie=UTF8&ll=45.686516,-74.032059&spn=0.084783,0.15295&t=h&z=13 (http://maps.google.ca/maps?near=cymx&q=google+map+ymx&f=p&rl=1&ie=UTF8&ll=45.686516,-74.032059&spn=0.084783,0.15295&t=h&z=13)
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: G-man on April 23, 2009, 10:36:47 PM
That thing is huge..
When I flew for US Fish and Wildlife, I worked out of here: Zoom out a little bit and look South East, and you will see the longest runway I ever hovered over..(not allowed to touch skids down..). Somewhere, I have pictures of controlled burns I lit off all around the runway and the two pads. They are at home---I will try to dig them out.
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: Gulfstream Driver on May 14, 2009, 03:01:19 AM
NASA Shuttle landing strip? Cool!
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: spacer on July 24, 2009, 08:14:45 PM
We've been dancing around, trying to get the last few requirements in (3 hour dual night cross-country, 1.3 hours of hood time remaining) before we start my pre-checkride prep. Feels like forever, but given the realities of life and family, I guess I can't really be too upset.
Even when we can't schedule a dual flight, I've been taking the Cherokee up for a little while every week or so just to keep the cobwebs off. Today, being my birthday, my lovely wife and Zoe agreed to go up with me (with my instructor, of course) on a flight. This time, we left the Cherokee on the ramp and took the recently repaired (tornado wrecked) Cessna 172 to Saline County Regional, a little ways southwest of LIT. I started out in Skyhawks before I moved to my current FBO, but have been spoiled by the Cherokee's manners (especially in a crosswind), so I felt a little awkward in the Cessna at first. For one thing, the controls feel pretty darned light, especially in roll, though the rate doesn't seem to be that much different. She also seemed to need a bit more rudder than the Cherokee, so I found as I wallowed through a couple of turns.
On our return to ORK, we found the wind favoring 23, but I went ahead and entered the pattern for 17, to try my hand at a crosswind with my instructor on board. The first one would have been salvageable, according to Mike, but I went around anyway (I tend to be a lot more cautious with my wife and kid in back). While I waited to gain a little altitude before bringing the flaps in a notch, I quickly found out why doing that with a heavy plane was a bad idea. We weren't climbing. AT ALL. Flaps back in, pushing on the throttle and watching the speed, we got Vx and eased the flaps in (didn't care for the non-detent electric flaps... not at all, I was longing for the lever in the Cherokee) and got back to pattern altitude. The next landing was fine, though not the smoothest I've done, but Mike told me to just practice those crosswind landings in the Cessna (and that it would probably improve my Cherokee flying) and signed me off for solo in the 172.
So, work on rudder skills. Practice crosswind landings. My altitude holding stayed well within limits, even while we were sight-seeing over Little Rock, and I was able to find my way around well, satisfying because I was afraid the GPS in the Cherokee was spoiling me. In the Cessna, I was looking outside the cockpit a lot more, and found the Saline County airport just fine.
I enjoyed the view downward, but being a tall, all-torso kinda guy, my eyes were right at the wing roots. While there was plenty of room in the airplane for us, my view to the side was pretty well blocked, forcing me to lean forward against the non-reel shoulder belt to avoid rocking the airplane too much for my rear seat pax.
Mrs S and Zoe enjoyed the flight immensely, and when we were exiting the plane on the ramp, Zoe was trying to clamber back in, saying "Again!"
::cowboy::
All in all, a good flight.
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: Rooster Cruiser on July 25, 2009, 04:00:45 PM
Alright!!! Way to go Spacer! Ya done good, mister: Pleased the missus and hooked your daughter on airplanes! Hehe. |:)\
Can't have a family outing that gets any better than this.
RC
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: TheSoccerMom on July 26, 2009, 03:20:17 AM
Your post brings back a lot of nice memories. It's so neat to hear how much you enjoy flying.... that's great! |:)\
Keep us all posted.... we are a fortunate group I think, and you're even more fortunate when you take your family up and share the enjoyment.
Way to go!! ::bow::
:)
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: spacer on September 06, 2009, 02:19:34 AM
Oooooh-Kay.
How much can the instructor's presence mess up a student's performance, anyway? I just took the 172 up for a couple circuits after work, and the Cessna let me know why people love to fly 'em so much. All my turns, my approaches, and my landings were spot-on, and the only real difference between today and the last flight was the fact that I was alone in the plane... well, there's less weight I guess.
Heck. It's 5 bucks cheaper per hour... I'll have to seriously consider finishing up in it. The Cherokee is pretty popular for folks wanting to take trips, so it's frequently gone when I'm able to spare time for training.
Title: Re: Flight training update
Post by: Rooster Cruiser on September 06, 2009, 07:23:40 AM
Spacer, your post about the family flight reminds me of the last time I had my family with me on a trip. My goodness! It's been two years since this pic was taken! :o
I need to get another flying job where my family will get invited along... ::banghead::
