Lesson: 33
02/V/2011
- Lessons time: dual - 0.5h, solo - zeeero
- Total time: 28.3h (1.1h solo)
- Location: EGAD
- Aircraft: G-BNKR (C152)
- Instructor: David P
Lesson booked for 9, but I decided to be earlier this time. And what happens ? I had to search for my instructor, cos he wasn't there. Obviously I would need to be earlier few times more for anyone to notice :) When David finally showed up (was talking to another instructor) - his diagnosis was pretty clear. You want to get solo hours, forget about Today. Crosswind is quite strong, and despite the fact that there's quite a few runways at EGAD, none of them suit the wind. Oh joy. So I just said - give me half an hour, better then nothing.
Once I got to the aircraft, I realised that I didn't pack my checklists. Usually my GF takes care of that, but she was over at mom's house for a while. No bother (with belfast accent !), someone in the club always has one. I managed to speak to some other student pre-flying (flighting?) 172. Social interaction between students, rare thing.
Anyway, off we went. David showed me what to do in case I really forget the checklist, how to cope. Basic idea is to go through every knob and lever. Of course, not really a good idea to fly without the checklist. Some people won't be able to tell us about it.
The wind was quite strong. So strong, that I had to extend downwind a bit, and go through landing configuration quite swiftly. Of course I didn't do it quite well the first time around, so the usual procedure was carried out - go around.
I had quite fun landing in cross wind. Never before in my short life as rookie-wannabe-pilot had I to aim at the runway through the door window. But there's always the first one.
All in all, very enjoyable. I learned massive amount of little things about crosswind handling. Of course not the best set of circuits ever, but nonetheless I think David wasn't disappointed with my performance.
To keep him happy, I asked him to take few pics of myself flying. A, my family never seen me doing this, and B - 28h under belt, and no pic in the cockpit. Shouldn't happen ;)
Please forgive my massive double neck. I should have had my fleece zipper undone. I look more chubbier then usual. Otherwise, enjoy ;)
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- Route: T/O RWY04 circuits, maaasive cross winds, wind-shears, and of course 1 go around .
- Milestones: back in the saddle.
- Exercises covered: circuits.
- Weather: quite a gust, otherwise beautiful day.
