Pilot Training Updates
October 2004
               
On page links to specific dates:
05Oct03, 25Oct04

 

05 Oct 04: Finally, I got to fly again.  Today was going to be Solo # 2. And, if I did ok, I was going to signed off on the Alarus to fly whenever I wanted, with restrictions, of course.  This was going to be like my last solo: Up a few times with Barry, then he would get out and I would do 3 circuits around the pattern by myself.  I got to the airport early and Barry was ready, so I went out and started to do the pre-flight.  As i got about half way through it, Barry said he had just flown the plane, so for me to check the fuel and he would check the oil and we would go on up.  I did a quick go around to make sure all the lights were working and checked the fuel while he did the oil.  All was ok, so we climbed in.  Barry took over and did the engine start and everything through the run-up.  I took over just as we pulled onto the runway.  I made my radio call and we were off. I pushed in the throttle and we started down the runway.  About a quarter the way down, something didn't feel right.  As I watched the airspeed indicator, we getting up to speed but very slowly.  About mid field, usually we are off the ground and about 200 feet up by now, we still hadn't reached rotate speed, 55 KIAS.  Something was wrong.  Right then, Barry said, "Crap!!" and pulled the throttle out.  Just as he did, I saw the same thing he had.  While I was doing the pre-flight, I was following the checklist.  Part of the checklist is to drop the flaps and check them for a solid mount.  Since everything else was hurried, we forgot to raise the flaps before take off.  Luckily, he noticed them, aborted out take off and got us slowed back down to taxi back to the other end of the runway.  So, quite a nice way to start the day. I wasn't sure what was going to happen after that.  We taxied back and started out take off again.  With flaps up, everything did just as it was supposed to.  We did three circuits and I was doing pretty dang good, if I do say so myself.  Barry said I had it down and he thought I was even better prepared today than I was the last time I did it.  The last time I did it, I flew 3 days in a row to do it. This time, I took two weeks of and then came back to do it.  So, after we landed the 3rd time, he got out and I was off to do it again.  Everything seemed to go right and everything felt really good, so I was hoping for a really good day. Not to mention it was daylight this time.  I went to the hold short line and did my pre-take off check list.  everything good to go, I made my radio call and I was off.  Up, around and down smooth as silk. Alrighty!!! Did my after landing checklist, taxied back to the runway, before take off checklist, radio call and back out.  Up, around, and down nice and smooth. Barry came over the radio and said that looked really good and all I had was one more to do.  Cool!!! Although, I had been here before. It was # 3 I had the trouble with last time.  After landing checklist, taxi back to runway. Before take off checklist and then the before checklist again, just to be sure.  Made my radio call and I was off for number three.  Up, around and landed that puppy probably smoother than the other two...  YES!!!!!!  After I landed, I was HYPED UP!!! The way I wanted to be the last time I did this.  I pulled off the active and did my after landing checklist.  Then, I taxied back to the ramp.  Barry was waiting there and said they all looked really good. Of course, I wasn't landing like a 30 year veteran, but for a student of less than 20 hours, I was doing pretty good.  All three landings were just about at the same place on the runway.  It was an awesome feeling.  I parked the airplane and secured it for the night and went over to get my post flight briefing.  Along with the briefing, Barry also signed me off on the Alarus and I am qualified to fly it solo with, as I said, restrictions.  It's an FAA thing and every student pilot has them.  Mine are: Must be in the local area, 5000 ft ceiling, 8 mile visibility and a max 5 knot crosswind.  Easy enough.
Time in Log Book (Dual): .4 hrs
Time in Log Book (PIC): .8 hrs
Total time: 18.7 hrs
Next flight is scheduled for: No flight scheduled as of yet.
We may be getting close to completing Dad's airplane.  If we can get it done and certified "airworthy" I want to get signed off on it so I can get my hours built up with it instead of paying 70 bucks an hour for the Alarus.  I will do my cross country dual in the Alarus and keep flying it on a regular basis to stay familiar with it, but I want to build up my PIC hours in Dad's, which will be so much cheaper. (Paying for gas only as opposed to paying 70 bucks an hour rental fee)

L-R: My first log book endorsements, listing the plane and the restrictions.  My student pilot certificate listing I'm qualified to fly the Alarus (CH2T).
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25 Oct 04: I haven't flown for a number of reasons. But, on this day, we did an hour's worth of Ground School to get ready for a cross country flight.  I have to fly (with instructor) from KMAC to another airport that is more than 50 miles away. According to my syllabus, I have to land at 3 towered airports before I can take my practical. So, to "kill two birds with one stone," we're going to fly to a towered airport that is over 50 miles away.  We're going to fly to Athens, GA (KAHN).  I hadn't planned for a cross country yet, so Barry and I sat down for about an hour and went over what it takes to plan.  We've got that down and will fly the route next Monday, 01 Nov 04.
Time in Log Book (Dual): 0 hrs
Time in Log Book (PIC): 0 hrs
Total time: 18.7 hrs
Next flight is scheduled for: 01 Nov 04 (Dual Cross Country)
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Next Page: November 2004

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Instrument Images taken from Gulf-Coast-Avionics.com