Learning the Basics

    9/15/2012

    Naturally excited, I arrived to the airport early. This time, I knew how to open the hangar doors and pull 19L out of the hangar. As I waited for Craig, I looked over my logbook and checklist and reviewed was was learned last lesson. 

    When Craig arrived, I preflighted the airplane under close supervision with one or two things forgotten. Following close checklist procedures, we started the plane and I taxied to the end of the runway. I completed the run-up following the checklist. We got our clearance for takeoff and I was allowed to takeoff under very close watch from Craig. Even though I wasn't alone, this feeling felt great. I had just lifted an airplane off the ground. 

    Nearing the practice area, I began practicing my turns, climbs, descents, and turning climbs and descents. Now, being more familiar with the instruments, Craig gave me a heading to turn to and I did. I realized the importance of getting a sight-picture for all phases of flight. I am under Visual Flight Rules so my eyes cannot be glued to the instruments. 

    We then practiced my first steep turns. When your wings are at a 45 degree bank, a lot of back pressure on the yoke is needed. My arm was sore the next day! Also, this lesson was my first experience practicing slow flight. I didn't do so hot. For some reason I just could not comprehend the thought of flying an airplane through the air at 60 mph without gaining or losing altitude. 

    Towards the end of each flight, Craig likes to show me a maneuver that will be accomplished for the next lesson. I carefully observed him demonstrate a power-off stall. For fun, he demonstrated a few "zero-g" maneuvers for me because they are one of my favorite! 

    As we approached the airport, Craig went over the very basics of flying in the pattern. Turning final and beginning our descent towards the runway I was told to shadow his controls and maybe we'll attempt a landing for the next flight. 

    We touched down and got our taxi clearance back to the hangar. I completed the engine shutdown procedure using the help of the checklist and the plane was pushed back in the hangar. The logbook was filled out and I was given a reading assignment for the next lesson. I said goodbye to the plane for the time being and started my reading as soon as I got home.