Introductory Flight Lesson

[tkrahlin]

Introductory Flight Lesson

For my birthday, my wife got me a one-hour Introductory Flight Lesson at Frederick Flight Center (http://www.frederickflightcenter.com/) in a Cessna 172.

I'm considering bumping my lesson up to the Extended Introductory Flight Lesson (one-hour ground school and one-hour in the plane).

I have to call - but I think she said I'm scheduled for Sunday 9/20.

I found this guy's description online (http://kristopherjohnson.blogspot.com/2004/12/introductory-flight-lesson.html).

[ATIS]

Lucky dog... I guess we will be missing you when you start flying the full scale stuff and stop coming by!! :)

[apprentice1]

Nice, let us know how it goes. Try and get an instructor with some grey hair :)

[WJCJR1]

Nice, let us know how it goes. Try and get an instructor with some grey hair :)

That way you can land on your own after you give him a heart-attack when practicing your knife-edge!

Good for you, tell your wife we find this most awesome and will, with her permission, use her as a shining example to our wives.

As ATIS says LUCKY DOG!

Wayne

[tkrahlin]

Lucky dog... I guess we will be missing you when you start flying the full scale stuff and stop coming by!!

I dunno… when I show up with my 5-Minute Epoxy, they may just give me my money back and show me the door ::tonguee:

I hadn’t realized there were different levels of pilot licenses. It might be cool to go for a Sport Certification.
http://www.aopa.org/letsgoflying/ready/certs/categories.html (http://www.aopa.org/letsgoflying/ready/certs/categories.html)

Check out the chart:
http://www.aopa.org/letsgoflying/cert_comparison.html?keepThis=true&TB_iframe=true&height=530&width=675 (http://www.aopa.org/letsgoflying/cert_comparison.html?keepThis=true&TB_iframe=true&height=530&width=675)

[WJCJR1]

I looked at the stuff, cool.

My wife and I were once told by a man in his 80's that he used to fly a lot. He expanded further to say him and his late wife would take weekend trips quite bit with the plane, his last comment caught us by surprise but I suppose it's quite true. He said, "It's amazing what you can do and how far you can go in a weekend when you have a private airplane."

Wayne

[ATIS]

just tell the 5 minute epoxy is stronger then the CA you were going to bring!!!

[CLSSY56]

My parent's did that for me when I was a freshman in high school (1989 or 1990). I absolutely loved it. One of my fondest memories. My flight was in a Cessna 150. To put that in perspective, about the same size as a Mazda Miata. My instructor was 6'4" and I was 5'10". We filled the cabin quite easily. With previous knowledge, as my Grandpa was a pilot at the time, I read all of his books and magazines (Flying, AOPA,...) since I was a young kid. I have a lot of them still. Anyway, the only thing I couldn't do on the walk-around is to look into the fuel tank by placing my foot on the wing strut and pull myself up. For some reason I just couldn't quite pull myself up there so my instructor reached up and pulled the cap and stuck his finger in the the tank to see if it was full, as it was. After we sat inside the cabin, he went over everything that I would need to know for the flight. At this time we closed the doors (I think back now, I think this is the only time I had ever done this as the pilot closes the doors, as Grandpa did many times.) He had me set the throttle and mixture then start the engine. After it warmed up we did some taxi-ing around, showing me how the individual brakes will spin you faster. We taxied to the end of the runway and received clearance to take-off. I taxied out to the center of the runway and lined up. I set my flaps, shoved the throttle to the firewall and away we went down the runway. It felt like I knew what I was doing. It climbed just as I imagined, until... my door popped open around 100'. He told me to go ahead and open and close it, what a feat that was at ~60mph. I tried and when I did some how I pushed the yoke forward and the nose dipped, my natural reaction was to pull back. When I did, I pulled too much and to me it felt like it was going to stall so I lowered it again and regained my feet per min. Now I don't know if he helped me or just was watching what I did, as it happened so fast I felt that I knew what I needed to do. He reached over me and closed my door, what a relief. He had me do some turns and coordinated turns as I followed every command. After a while he would just tell me to fly at 270 degrees at 2500 feet, turn and go a different direction. I was having so much fun I lost track of time and apparently so did he as I flew for 15 min longer then he planed and told me we was enjoying the flight. He had me do the final and then the landing. Taxied back to the hangar, shut the engine off and congratulated me on my flight. I have it on video, I should make it digital some time and share with ya'll. I remember my parent's going to Radio Shack and renting a camcorder, as we didn't have one yet. What a fun day that I will remember always like it was yesterday.

[CLSSY56]

I dunno… when I show up with my 5-Minute Epoxy, they may just give me my money back and show me the door ::tonguee:

I hadn’t realized there were different levels of pilot licenses. It might be cool to go for a Sport Certification.
http://www.aopa.org/letsgoflying/ready/certs/categories.html (http://www.aopa.org/letsgoflying/ready/certs/categories.html)

Check out the chart:
http://www.aopa.org/letsgoflying/cert_comparison.html?keepThis=true&TB_iframe=true&height=530&width=675 (http://www.aopa.org/letsgoflying/cert_comparison.html?keepThis=true&TB_iframe=true&height=530&width=675)

The bad thing about a Sport Pilot Certificate is that you are limited in flying aircraft. They can only have so much power, so much weight and only a 2 place. However, a sport pilot does not have to have a doctor's waiver.

[WJCJR1]

My parent's did that for me when I was a freshman in high school (1989 or 1990). I have it on video, I should make it digital some time and share with ya'll.

What an awesome experience that sounds to have been. If you ever had the time/ability/desire to make a digital and share as you propose I for one would be interested.

Then we can compare/contrast Tim's experience with yours. For sure Tim is going to double check that door now that you said something!

Thanks for sharing,
Wayne

[WJCJR1]

TWO days to lift-off buddy. What else have you learned/decided. Are you going for the extended prior to flight class?

Funny how you mentioned the sport license, as I was driving home the other day I saw a little sport plane taking off from a flat farm field. I have never seen one up close and as he was jetting across the field it looked rather stable and fun to fly. I would guess right as he was going to get airborne he blew up, just kidding a stand of trees got inbetween my field of view and the plane so I lost visual. Was on a back highway detour surrounded by cages of death.

Wayne

[tkrahlin]

TWO days to lift-off buddy. What else have you learned/decided. Are you going for the extended prior to flight class?

Funny how you mentioned the sport license, as I was driving home the other day I saw a little sport plane taking off from a flat farm field. I have never seen one up close and as he was jetting across the field it looked rather stable and fun to fly. I would guess right as he was going to get airborne he blew up, just kidding a stand of trees got inbetween my field of view and the plane so I lost visual. Was on a back highway detour surrounded by cages of death.

Wayne

Jeez, I’m still trying to drink away the sight of my PT-19 auger’ing into the ground.

Seriously - Yeah, I’m looking forward to it. Well okay - actually, I’m kinda stoked. Like most of us, when flying, I’ve always wished I were at the controls. But honestly, I don’t want to sit here and write checks my arse can’t cash. There’s a huge investment to be made to get any level of cert (and not just money).

I’m going to go into this as advertised - an introductory course. Am I interested in learning to fly? Heck yeah – always have been. However, I’d be in a better position had I gotten this for my 26th birthday instead of my 56th.

The one-hour on Sunday goes towards your logbook, so if nothing else it’s a great way to take ‘airplane rides’ while logging seat time and learning. I’ll spend some time with the people there, discuss what path(s) can be taken and what it will realistically take on my part.

Something else I came across and will ask about is aircraft repairman certification/classes. I’m not sure, but it looks like some type of cert you can get if you do home-built, experimental or are an aircraft owner. I think the cert allows you to do your own maintenance (?). In any event, it would be kind of cool to spend about 20-class-hours in the hangar as a sidebar to logging hours in the plane.

Maybe they have a groupie certification ::tonguee:

Here's a list of some LSA: http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/regulatory/sport_aircraft.html

[WJCJR1]

I hear you about the license and cost thereof in time, money, commitment etc.

I went skydiving for the first time 2 years ago, absolutely incredible. An experience that is unmatched in my life. I was immediately interested in getting a license, after you are licensed it is rather inexpensive until then it is pretty hefty. I was lookig at package rates, ONLY way to go, parachutes, altimeters etc... I have not jumped since. I took the expanded course wehre you got about an hour or 90 minutes of training both manuscript and simulation.

To streamline the process to a full altitude jump I went tandem otherwise to go alone with this Skydive org. and maye even to meet law standards you needed a credit in static line where right when you jump out the cord is automatically pulled. I did not have the time to invest on all this 2 days training.

I have told many of my friends, up to this day, if you're going to jump I'll go with you. A couple have almost taken me up on it but backed in the end. I think when I told them if you get in the plane there is ONLY one way out and that's not walking down the ladder!

For the sake of being brief the plane I flew in was a POS. Took 25 minutes to get to 10,000 feet and it wasn't going much higher. It was duct-taped EVERYWHRE. The panel walls vibrating on takeoff and the interior flexed and popped throughout the flight. When the door was first popped open for a few people jumping out early ~6000ft. that was a unique experience, you know you are going skydiving but it's not normal to open the door on an airplane that is flying.

At the door waiting for the camera guy to get set at the edge of the wing I was definitely wondering if this was now a good idea. Little late to have a shock of wisdom.

We jumped, two things kind of sucked. Our combined weight over loaded the drone that is attached to the bag which slows you descent, keeps you in the right attitude and allows the camera dude to take nice pictures and gives you a longer freefall. The camera guy said we fell like a brick and after he realized us getting real small he dived in but by the time he caught up to us we were near the time of having to pull the chute so he got a pass or two on video and a couple snap shots. Also in not helping myself out I did lot press my knees out and left them sort of bent which helped our rapid fall as well.

Not a single feeling you were falling or any fear once you were in the air, tranquil, aside from air rushing noise, beautiful view, FREE. Looking around I noted we are a very small part of a huge puzzle.

If you want to hear more let me know, anyone around MN going let me know.

Wayne

[CLSSY56]

Here's a list of some LSA: http://www.aopa.org/whatsnew/regulatory/sport_aircraft.html

It's sad, but a Cessna 150 can't be on the LSA list. You can get one for a price of a new car and it's a 2 seater.
http://www.trade-a-plane.com/classified/search?atcode=A&collection=&searchtype=atcode&code=A&webclass=11380&year_from=&year_to=&min_price=&max_price=&min_totime=&max_totime=&min_engtime=&max_engtime=&state=ALL&country=ALL&keyword1=&kwflag=AND&keyword2=&timelimit=0&tlvalue=2&browse=detail&maxads=100

[CLSSY56]

Here is my Grandpa's first plane, I wish I had the money to buy it. It's been for sale for a few years.

http://www.trade-a-plane.com/clsfdspecs/789834

Now:
http://www.horizonrcflyers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1441&stc=1&d=1253385519

Then: Grandma, Grandpa, Mom and me @ 2 years old (1976)
http://www.tri-5chevy.com/Family/N7318G.jpg

[tkrahlin]

I went skydiving for the first time 2 years ago, absolutely incredible. An experience that is unmatched in my life. ...the plane I flew in was a POS.

That was to encourage you to out of the plane!

I have NEVER had the desire to jump from a perfectly good airplane. I had the chance back in the 70’s when I belonged to a custom van club. We all made a day trip to a local jump school (not far from where I live now). Four guys and a girl from the club went through the classes and did their static line jump at the end of the day.

There was an instructor on the ground with a bullhorn shouting instructions. The girl came closest to the big bull’s eye out in the filed.

Now, this WAS the 70s and this WAS a van club so we had some characters. Most of those characters believed in “Better Living Through Chemistry’ and one of them was a guy named Ernie.

Ernie was the last one down and we became aware that the guy with the bullhorn was screaming the same instructions over-and-over and getting louder each time. We watched Ernie, seemingly oblivious to the ground instructor, float off into the corn field on the next farm over. Three of the ground crew piled into a pickup and went bouncing off across the field in the direction where we last saw Ernie. Twenty minutes later they returned with Ernie in the back clutching his bundled up parachute with corn silk and leaves sticking out everywhere. He spent the rest of the night picking silk and leaves out of his clothes.

When we asked him WTF? he told us, “Wow man – it was sooo cool up there. You’re just floating and it’s so quiet and you can see everything.” We asked, “Well, didn’t you hear the guy screaming at ‘ya?” And he said, “Yeah, and he was bugging me. I wanted him to just STFU. I thought I had plenty of time then all of a sudden - WHOOSH - all this F%$^ing corn comes rushing up at me!!”

For the next two years, anytime he came around, we'd say, "Sniff-sniff? You smell that? I smell corndogs - do you smell corndogs?"
.

[tkrahlin]

FreeFall.jpg

You're the one without the helmet, right?

That explains a lot... :laughing:

[WJCJR1]

Funny story you got there Tim... How did ole Ernie turn out afterall?

Yes I am the guy without a helmet, they sort of offered me to use some of their euipment and I was actually going to. I left my jumping gear on after the classes and went out to the plane to get more acquainted and then next I know we are all piling in this thing little thing and we're off.

I was expecting to put some of hte other gear on but it never happened and there was a FULL plane so we kind of got crammed in. That plane was something else man, it was normally a 4 seater plane and we had I think 7 guys in there, WOW was it crammed. I think I mentioned 25 minutes to 10,000 feet and a guy jumped out at 4,000; static line and then a couple more at 6,000' then 4 more at including I at 10,000'. The pilot later told me if we had all stayed in there it would've been 32-33 minutes to 10,000'.

SO HOW did your flight go? Are you thinking of remortgaging the house to buy a plane? I am sure your experience was electrifying. Was it what you expected, was it more than you expected? I look forward to your full report. By the way, Happy Birthday Tim!

Wayne

[tkrahlin]

SO HOW did your flight go? Are you thinking of remortgaging the house to buy a plane? I am sure your experience was electrifying. Was it what you expected, was it more than you expected? I look forward to your full report. By the way, Happy Birthday Tim!
Wayne

I took my lesson on Sunday the 20th - the coolest thing I’ve ever done!!!

I’ve been about this '' close to being annoying to my co-workers all day long - LOL!!!

My wife's gf Lena went along and video taped with her new camera. I’ll have something on YouTube when I get to sort through it. Lena also took a glider ride with the 78-year president of the glider club name Gene who flew his first plane in 1950. I've affectionaly named him, "Gene-Gene the Flying Machine". He charged us $35 for her ride... I think we paid his dues for the year - LOL!!

My instructor at Frederick Flight Center was Dominick Moyer – I didn’t want to say anything to piss ‘em off, but I’ve got tools older than him, but it was nice to have him along… LOL
http://www.aopa.org/aircraft/articles/2009/090903deafstudent.html

Nice guy, but a little less than enthusiastic. Maybe it was because he had to work Sunday morning or because I mentioned I wasn’t really sure about going full boat for my license right away.

We did the walk around and preflight together. I’ve been doing a lot of reading so I was able to follow along and asked a few questions for clarification.

Frederick Airport is un-controlled. We were all wearing radios, but he of course he did all the talking outside the plane. He also taxied it, did the run-up and took off.

At about 2200’ he handed me the controls (“Your Controls”). He still worked the throttle and trim and of course the radio while I made all the turns and altitude changes.

I got the feel for the rudder pretty quick and even my first turn was fairly well coordinated. I had to ask how I did and he said, ”yeah, that was fine.” (having the ball to step on made coordinated turning easier than RC flying).

At one point we got pushed around a little by the wind and he said, "That's right just make your corrections when that happens." Then he said those magic words that really pulled it all together for me, "Make the plane do what you want it to do."

That's what I'm talking about!! He probably could have used that as the hook back in the office and got me to sign up right there.

We turned back to overfly the airfield. From a few miles out and after the turns, it took quite a bit of pointing on his part for me to find the airport. After we flew over the field, I entered the pattern with a left turn to parallel the runway for our downwind. Then he took it back “My Controls” – by that time I didn’t want to let it go. He turned it for base and final and landed the plane. I was surprised how soon he turned on the base.

It went pretty quickly. He taxied back and we pushed it into the parking spot, did the post-flight and tied her down. I resisted the urge to pat the plane when we walked away.

We went back to the office and talked about lessons and possible certification. I asked about Sport Pilot Certification, but Frederick Flight Center is only setup for Private Pilot License. They don’t have any Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) available to train on. I purchased a pilot log book and Domenic made the first .5 hour entry. I was told I could come back anytime and log time at $180 per hour which I plan on doing, but it would be nice to have a plan. The only person at Frederick Airport who is certified Sport Pilot Instructor and has an LSA available is the guy with the Gyrocopter. There are instructors with a fixed wing LSA at Cumberland Airport and Essex Skypark, but both are 1.5-hours away.

[WJCJR1]

Congratulations Tim glad to see you had a good time. How was the view?

Is it safe to assume, since it was lacking in your highlights, there were no barrel rolls or stunt fly-byes?

Well first .50hr in the book and a journey in front of you. I look forward to your video!

Wayne

[tkrahlin]

Is it safe to assume, since it was lacking in your highlights, there were no barrel rolls or stunt fly-bys?
Wayne

Pattern was full ::tonguee:

On the way home from work tonight I watched a Cessna climb out over I-70. When I walked in the house, I told the wife, “Someone’s out flying my plane.”

No one warned me about this part… it’s only been two days, but I feel like I need to get back up there.

“Honey!!! Have you seen the home equity checks anywhere?”
.
.

[WJCJR1]

Yeah you better keep that quiet, “Honey!!! Have you seen the home equity checks anywhere?”. Hate for you to get yourself in trouble already!

:)
Wayne

[tkrahlin]

I stopped at the flight center on the way home from work (hey, I have to drive right past it). Looks like I'll be going back this weekend for a two-hour lesson.

I met and spent about 45-[free] minutes with another instructor. Very patient and engaging young man who answered all of my questions and than some.

Tim

[WJCJR1]

Nice deal Tim! Look to hear your report. Will you be flying with this instructor you spoke with tonight, I sense you communicate better with this new gentleman?

Wayne

[tkrahlin]

Nice deal Tim! Look to hear your report. Will you be flying with this instructor you spoke with tonight, I sense you communicate better with this new gentleman?Wayne

Exactly... I just emailed him looking for two-hours. Weather is clear all day Friday while Saturday is calling for showers after noon.

[ATIS]

Tim, your in trouble now.... say bye bye to rc flying....LOL Congrats on the flight!!

[tkrahlin]

I just wanted to share with everyone what can happen to you after taking one of these introductory flight lessons.

My wife and her girlfriend Lena from college went to the flight school with me in my Nova. After my lesson and Lena's glider flight, we took a cruise through the park up on the mountain just west of Frederick City. Lena with her new camera riding shotgun and my wife in the backseat. Music is from the car CD player, not dubbed onto the video afterwards.

Be sure to watch in HD and "Crank It Up"

I feel the need.... the need for speed ::very happy::
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G63KbFwFrpU
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G63KbFwFrpU)
.

[WJCJR1]

The ambience is clear. The tunes, the mood, the car all were gelled together nicely. BTW sweet car too!

So back to business how was the latest 2 hour session?

Wayne

[tkrahlin]

So back to business how was the latest 2 hour session?

Yeah, I know I’ve been negligent. I guess I’ve pretty much jumped in with both feet and things are moving rather quickly.

I lined up the 1-3 p.m. slot this past Friday and took along James my 11-year old wingman / neighbor kid. Once again, he’s the one you see running from the plane in some of my videos (callsign: Running Bear). He’s in the Explorer Program with AOPA. They do field trips, ground school; wash planes and generally hang out. In exchange, he gets his intro ride for free and seat time at reduced rates.

I introduced James to Justin (my 23-year old Flight Instructor) and explained that James’ only other flight was in a commercial jet when he was three-years old -- so this was pretty much his maiden. After the preflight and before we taxied, Justin wanted to see if maybe James may need to hold the barf-bag:

Justin: So, James. Do you get seasick?

James: Uh – No.

Me: James?

James: Yea?

Me: Have you ever been in a boat?

James: Uh - No.

Me (glancing over at Justin): Okay … Do you get carsick? Like maybe if you’re reading in the backseat of car while your dad is driving?

James: Uh – No.

I explained to Justin that he'll learn these things once he has children of his own. For a minute, there I was the senior man in the cockpit.
::cheerful::

[WJCJR1]

That's awesome and so FUNNY!
Wayne

[tkrahlin]

The preflight took over an hour. James and I had lots of questions and, of course, at each check we discussed what right and wrong might look like. That was fine because I wanted James and I to fully realize the weight of the preflight. None of us wanted to give or get the impression that it’s okay to rush through a preflight.

There were just as many, if not more, questions and explanations of things in the cockpit. Much, much more than the intro flight covered. For all intents and purposes, this was the first day of my schooling. Again, at each check discussing what right and wrong might look like as well as a short discussion of the airplane's fuel burn rate to ensure we have enough.

Following Justin’s instructions and checks, I did the entire cockpit/dash preflight. Touch each dial while verbally announcing its state. Run your fingers over the rows of circuit breakers while visually checking each one to make sure they are all in. I did the engine start sequence checking to make sure oil pressure comes up then hold the brakes and increase engine idle to warm her up a little.

Justin took the controls and taxied us past all “these other expensive planes.” I told him how my dad, when teaching me to drive, said, “Just be sure to hit something cheap.” Once past the other planes, he turned the plane over to me.

WHO THE :censored: DRIVES WITH THEIR :censored: FEET!!!

You would have thought I was in an old tail dragger juking side-to-side so I could see around the cowl. Half the time I’m steering with the rudder pedals doing fine and the other half I’m instinctively cranking on the ‘steering wheel.’ ---- What the Hell - Why isn’t this stupid plane turning? And the whole time Justin just sitting there reminding me, “That doesn’t turn the plane on the ground… That’s not going to help you.”

"Well, at least tell me you would step in and stop us before we rolled onto the grass, wouldn’t you??!!" ::irked::

"Left hand on the yoke and your right hand on the throttle"
"Put your right hand back on the throttle"

[CLSSY56]

I guess I had the advantage of growing up flying. Ya, you steer on the ground with your feet ;)

[WJCJR1]

I look forward to more of your experience in this adventure. Very commendable of you to bring along and share this with your young friend.

Sounds like you are learning. Keep up the learning and as always keep the reports coming. BTW any flying lately of your R/C planes?

Wayne

[tkrahlin]

We finally made it out to the run up area, did the run up, checked the magnetos, and waited for two other planes to land before entering the runway.

Frederick is an uncontrolled ‘see and avoid’ airport (no tower). Everyone on the ground, in, and around the airspace announces each move before they make it. Not only do you need to know where you are; you need to know where others are by what the say on the radio. This is where you need to know the lay of the land and air, the pattern and the pattern ceiling. Oh yeah, and aircraft recognition comes into play – Is it the Cherokee that just touched down and turning off with the Archer on final or the other way around? Everyone in the plane becomes a spotter. Of course, Justin did all the radio and, needless to say, James and I were just tickled to have him along.

I ordered a scanner from Sporty’s today. My house is just four miles from the airport. I can’t see the airport from my house, but we get a lot traffic overhead. we can also take the scanner to the airport, hang out and do some plane spotting on our own (aka; airport rats) as well as get the weather - AWOS (Automated Weather Observing System). ATIS at controlled airspace, but at least one person on here already knew that...
::cheerful::

[tkrahlin]

Sounds like you are learning. Keep up the learning and as always keep the reports coming.

This is about the most demanding thing I've done in a long, long time... and the most rewarding.


BTW any flying lately of your R/C planes?

Believe it or not, it's been way too windy.

[CLSSY56]

Sporty's, wow does that name bring back memories. I always got all my grandpa's flying magazines and catalogs. I use to have that darn catalog memorized :) A lot of these are still in my parent's basement.

I have both of my grandpa's scanners. One is a GE 10 Band, manual dial bought in 1976, and my other is a Radio Shack digital scanner from the 80s. Still works good and I have mostly local emergency programed in it.

[tkrahlin]

...Very commendable of you to bring along and share this with your young friend.

I met a guy my age at the airport that flies a Velocity pusher plane (http://www.velocityaircraft.com/) (140kts cruising speed). He’s really cool, very approachable and we’ve talked a few times. He was looking over my Nova while I looked over his plane. We found out just the other day the guy’s wife is James’ English teacher. She said he loves taking people up in his plane… Hmm, small world.

[tkrahlin]

Well, I knew this was going to be a problem, but not only have my eyes let me down, they’ve turned against me.

I’ve been using reading glasses for some time now (1.75x cheaters). In the car, I can see two exits ahead, but the dash and gauges are a little fuzzy around the edges. Not a big deal, I don’t really use the speedo anyway, but a different story in the plane. I spent part of the time with my cheaters sitting down on my nose. The other part of the time I tried flying without them – all of the time without any sunglasses.

Besides the scanner, I ordered a 172S cockpit poster (so I know which fuzzy gauge is which). And I also ordered a pair of sunglasses and a set of plastic stick-on 1.75x magnifiers.

[tkrahlin]

Once I taxied out and lined up the plane on the runway, Justin took the rudder pedals -- I did the throttle and yoke and executed my first [assited] ROG.

It’s an overused cliché, but there’s a flood of emotions.

You think to yourself, “This could go so wrong so quick.” But, you sort of answer yourself with, “Well, then you better make sure you do what’s needed to make sure it doesn’t.” --- something like that.

Then it’s like this: "Whoa... Mrs. Krahling’s curly headed boy is flying a freaking plane!" :wide eyed:

My climb out was a little steeper than necessary… a near hi-performance takeoff in a low performance aircraft. The 172 didn't seem to mind at all, Justin wasn't concerned and just told me to bring the nose down a little. I later blamed it on James lying about his weight ::tonguee:

Once at altitude and out of the pattern I was much more comfortable. Justin had me turn this way and that (all coordinated thank you very much). I did the requisite climbing and descending turns. Descending turns come quicker and get your attention more :o

Admittedly, I felt a little skittish about banking over very far. I don’t know, maybe it had something to do with watching my PT-19 tip stall and auger in just a few days earlier…:eye pop:

When it came time to head for home, I needed help again locating the airport. Justin had me concentrating so hard lining up the nose with the horizon, making turns and altitude changes that I didn’t have any time to watch the terrain. Maybe, given another eight-tenths of an hour, I could have found my way. Baring that, I guess I would have had to do a low-and-slow and ask the farmer, “Hey!!! Is this the way to Paris??!!!”

Once he pointed the airport out to me and briefly described the pattern, we headed home. Following his instructions, I descended, slowed, entered the pattern, and did the downwind. Slowed some more, turned on the base, and with just a few rudder corrections found the centerline. He let me glide in to about a quarter mile before the apron before he took the controls back. Once we turned off, he let me taxi back until we got close to the expensive things again. Okay, after flying with my feet for nearly an hour, driving with my feet made a lot more sense and taxiing came easier.

Justin and James pushed the plane back into the parking spot while I stayed in the plane and steered. We all did the shutdown checklist together, then it happened…

When I got out of the plane and stood up I realized just how much work this all had been!! Two days later and my leg muscles are still stiff.

Man, I gotta get out more and hit the gym!! If I wanted my legs to ache for the two days, I would have just spent the money on a bicycle. At least than I’d have it in the garage, “Hardly Used,” and ready for the next yard sale.
.

[tkrahlin]

I had driven my Nova to the airport, so I took Justin out and let him drive around town for about 45-minutes. He’s a sharp kid and, as I explained things to him about the car, the engine and drag racing, he picked right up on them. We discussed the similarities of how car and aircraft engines work and monitoring its functions – vacuum, fuel pressure, air/fuel ratio, etc.

I got him out on a strip of highway and had him ‘go full throttle’ while I shifted the Hurst ratchet shifter chirping the tires. It was this reciprocal kind of cool from him in the plane to me in my car.

Back at the office, we did our flying lesson critique. It was mutual and Justin took constructive criticism as well as I did. I mentioned to him that there were a few times when he would say something like, “bring it down to 2200” without being clear whether he meant RPM or altitude.

I told him for a newbie it feels like there are about four more things to do than humanly possible. I suggested more verbose instructions like: “Descend to 2200 feet” or “Throttle back to 2200 RPM.” and he agreed.

He told me my next lesson is going to be “Slow Flight” practice.

“Slower than we went today?”

Yep

“How slow?”

Uh... about 70-knots… and dirty.

“Why?”

Because a slow plane handles a lot differently and you have to fly it differently. You're need to learn this and be proficient at it in order to land.

In spite of this, I scheduled another two-hours next Friday...
::irked::

[WJCJR1]

Looks like you found the right flight instructor who will teach you with his skills while listening to your critiques and needs.

Glad you are enjoying yourself so much! Sounds like an absolute blast.

I bet you will really enjoy the slow flying a lot, learning to feel and read the plane at slow speed and just what your inputs do and how much is needed. That should be fun, intuitive and a growing experience. Remember R/C two mistakes high.

Good job!:clapping:

Wayne

[kirch]

... And I also ordered a pair of sunglasses and a set of plastic stick-on 1.75x magnifiers.

I think the magic word is "bifocals" ... allows you to see distance and read.

Unfortunately I am already up to trifocals so I can read computer screens and dashboards as well as books.

[tkrahlin]

I think the magic word is "bifocals" ... allows you to see distance and read.

I’ve had progressive bi-focals for a few years and could NEVER get used to them. I was told to wear them all the time so my eyes (and brain) adjust. Right… Once you fall down the flight of stairs and break them, you wouldn’t even be able to see to sign yourself out of the emergency room. I tried wearing them driving to work and sitting in the plane. Trust me - For the time being, I’m better off flying with my cheaters on my nose. The car dash is a little bigger, less crowded and much more familiar.

I’ve heard some good things about these stick on magnifiers on aviator sunglasses. The nice part is you can trim them to the size you need (or not).


We'll see what works even if it means another trip back to the eye doctor.

[tkrahlin]

...Frederick is an uncontrolled ‘see and avoid’ airport (no tower).

Now that I read this in morning’s first light, let me correct myself: Frederick is a nontowered airport.

For obvious reasons, in all the information about the airport, I can't find the word 'uncontrolled' anywhere.

Also, practicing ‘see and avoid’ is in your best interest no matter where [or who] you are.

:opto:

[CLSSY56]

I believe "uncontrolled" is correct.

[tkrahlin]

I did my second two-hour lesson Thursday in a 172R for a total of 2.4 hours in my log book.

I've chosen planes with old school, standard gauges over glass cockpit for now. It just seems right – I can remember my Dad insisting I learn to drive on a stick.

I got my first order from Sportys on Wednesday. A 172R cockpit poster, a scanner so I can monitor 'Frederick Traffic', a pair of aviator sunglasses and those stick-on magnifiers.

I wore the sunglasses with the magnifiers yesterday and they worked like a charm - I CAN SEE!!! (and the cockpit poster helps too).

I got to do everything Thursday except the landing: I taxied all the way out on my own (rudder steering gets easier on the ground once you flown with the rudders). The whole time I thinking either this kid is whacked to let me do all this already or he just might have some confidence in me. But, I’ve said it before and I’ll say again till I’m blue in the face, It’s good to have him along! http://www.studentpilot.com/interact/forum/images/smilies/wink.gif

I took off on my own with a little bit of crosswind from the right. Full right aileron -to keep that wing low- and right rudder to counter the torque. It really is easier to allow the crosswind to lift the wing up to level than to try to force it back down.

The takeoff WAS NOT PRETTY and I'm glad no one was along to video tape it. We managed to get off the ground in the general direction of the runway heading. I'm sure anyone watching got a kick, but they were either nice enough not to say anything or just had to maintain radio discipline. Frederick Fight Center alone fields about a dozen planes, so I'm sure it's nothing they haven't seen before. Actually, I think it turned into a nice recovery if I do say so myself. Once we got airborne, it was much easier to make the plane go where I wanted.

I flew out to the practice area west of Frederick climbing to 3000’ and did some new maneuvers:

45-degree banked turns at cruising speed – first level, then climbing and descending. Yeah-Boy.

Then some 45-degree banked circles – Point the plane at a landmark, turn and hold a 45-degree bank, circling [while trying to] maintain 3000’ then, when the instructor says so, exit on the same landmark.

The instructor did a few of these first to show me what it should look like. Holding the bank while demonstrating altitude correction by raising and lowering the nose. So it was something like: “Round-and-round and up-and-down and a one, two, three kick, one, two three, [don’t] jump…”

I don’t know if it was because I was trying to get the stupid song out of my head or the motion(s) of the plane, but I got some righteous vertigo while the instructor was doing them. However, when I did them (and even sloppier), I was fine. It was almost a Yee-Haa moment… but not quite.

I had heard from the glider pilots that this circling is the toughest part for their passengers (and some pilots). They have to circle tight to stay in a thermal while gaining and losing lift… and there ain’t no throttle.

Then I did some slow flight practice. WOW!!

Half flaps, full flaps, left hand on the yolk, right hand on the throttle, keep it at 40-knots while [trying to] maintain 3000’.

“Pitch down for speed -- Throttle up to climb.”

What the heck? Either that’s the stall indicator or somebody’s sexually molesting a cat in the backseat!

The plane felt like a brick. Or, maybe more like a mechanic bull, but you had to stay on much longer than 8-seconds.

Just about the time it seemed like I was getting the hang of it, he told me make a 90-degree turn to parallel the mountains, hold 40-knots and maintain 3000-ft.

"In this configuration??!!"

"Yep, just don't bank so much and remember *Pitch down for speed -- Throttle up to climb*"

When we were done, we followed Rt-340 back into Frederick and I was able to find the airport much easier this time. This is what all the slow flight maneuvers was about. It all simulates entering the pattern; Slowing the plane, throttle and pitch control, flaps, fly, more flaps, slowing even more, all the while maintaining a visual reference of the runway, then turning 90-degrees for final while slow and dirty.

Nothing else matters, it demands your full and undivided attention. You can’t wait for the planets to align, you have to make them align… and you have to do it after flying for an hour.

Everything else is optional - Landing is mandatory.

The instructor was supposed to take the controls on final, but when I banked a little steep, he decided then would be a good time. He had to do some S-Turns to bleed off some speed then he landed the plane.

Sitting here writing this now, I can’t wait to get another shot at it. It’s scary, humbling, and rewarding all in one. I used to think of myself as a pillar of the community, but If I found a wallet today at the grocery store, I wouldn’t turn it in. Sorry.

Once the instructor taxied off the runway, I got the controls back and we did the post-landing check. It was a little crowded so I got to ask a lot of questions about courtesy and right away. You almost want that magnetic “Rookie Driver” sign on your plane. Inspector Gadget behind us in his Gyro-Copter took a shortcut 3-feet across the infield grass to get to his hanger. The State Police Medivac helo was lifting off, but flying away from us. He has a very distinctive British accent on the radio.

I taxied the plane all the way back. At one point we had another plane taxiing towards us on the same taxiway. We were pretty far apart and, when I asked, the instructor told me he’s going to turn right and he did.

I kept the controls all the way back to the parking spot – even past all those other expensive planes this time. Up to our parking spot and shut down. Note to self: The closer you line up with the parking spot, the less you have to push the plane.

Tim

"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always want to be." --Leonardo DaVinci

[tkrahlin]

My Certified Flight Instructor is a 23-year old University of Maryland College Park graduate who majored in economics (it helps him to know just how broke a Flight Instructor can get).

His credentials at 23 just makes you want to say, “WOW!” -- Private Pilot, VFR and IFR, Private Pilot Instructor, Multi-engine rated and is currently studying for his IFR Instructor certificate.

My wife and I took him out to dinner Friday evening to a great BBQ ribs place here in Frederick. Okay, so it was a thinly veiled excuse to spend some time talking shop while feeding on some darn good ribs.

No one in his family (that he knows of) have een pilots. He became interested in flying as a result of playing an online, multi-player video game while in high school.

During his college years, he worked at College Park Airport “the World's Oldest Continuously Operating Airport” -- That’s him, the fourth from the bottom on the left: http://www.collegeparkairport.org/ and he still works there one day a week.

[WJCJR1]

Couldn't get photo link to work.

Boy oh Boy it sure sounds you are learning and advancing rather quickly. Very nice! Your instructor sounds like the perfect match for you.

Where do you go from here? Are you going for the Sport License looking at renting asport plane from the airport, purchasing something?

As you quoted Mr. DaVinci, "there you will always want to be."

Great Job Tim and thanks for sharing in such detail your adventures, learning, trials and successes.

Wayne

[tkrahlin]

Couldn't get photo link to work.

Fixed it and also re-posted it below. That’s my CFI - the fourth from the bottom on the left:
http://www.collegeparkairport.org/

The link to the Aviation Museum on the airport's home page is broken. The correct link is shown below. I'll be making a pilgrimage there soon.

I didn't know this before, but after the Wright brothers won the contract to design planes for the Army, this *airport* was carved out just so they could come to Maryland and teach Army Officers to fly. It had to be as close as possible to the seat of power and, what would become, the DOD.

Now, after 9/11, the TSA considers it the greatest risk to Washington DC.

College Park Aviation Museum
http://www.collegeparkaviationmuseum.com/home.htm
.
.

[tkrahlin]

I took another lesson yesterday.

I took off from runway 30 with 12kt winds gusting to 17kts out of the north. It’s not enough that torque wants to pull you to the left side of the runway, but couple that with a right crosswind and it sux.

Crabbed and slipped my way somewhere close to heading 300, we turned 270 and heading out to the “western practice area.”

At 3000’, the CFI says, “either that’s three birds out there in front of us or three planes.” It’s not unusual around here to see marine helicopters flying to-and-fro Camp David (about 14nm north of us). It’s just as common to see turkey vultures riding thermals.

I believed they were helos heading north and I said as much, but we soon realized they were not moving left-to-right. In fact, they seemed to be getting bigger, a little lower and heading east.

The instructor keys UNICOM, “Frederick Traffic… Skyhawk 3513 Foxtrot westbound at 3000’ in the western practice area.”

…..... nothing!

We weren’t on a collision course, but the instructor told me to bear left and climb a bit… works for me!

As they got closer, I could see they were war birds --- THREE WAR BIRDS in formation!

I couldn’t help myself - “Jesus! They look like freaking zeros! Are they Japanese Zeros?!! Should we call the base?” Then, as they we came abeam, I recognized them – “those are AT6s… Dude - those are Texans!” It was so cool to see three war birds –in formation- passing below us. I really had to fight the urge to bank over and [try to] follow them.

I’m really new to this, so I had a few questions for my CFI… like, “Why didn’t they respond? Shouldn’t they be on the Frederick Traffic freq?” When we got back, I asked and no one at the flight center knew anything about them. The Lost Patrol? What the heck?

[WJCJR1]

How's this going Tim. Have you been continuing to receive flight lessons?

About your last training entry and specifically
“Why didn’t they respond? Shouldn’t they be on the Frederick Traffic freq?” When we got back, I asked and no one at the flight center knew anything about them. The Lost Patrol? What the heck? I don't know what to say. I assume if you broke a certain radius they'd break their silence.

Also possible they were reenacting a certain run or revisiting the old days. Keep silence unless absolutely necessary, not that I think it's right but???

Wayne

[CLSSY56]

I just wanted to share with everyone what can happen to you after taking one of these introductory flight lessons.

My wife and her girlfriend Lena from college went to the flight school with me in my Nova.
.

Should try this site for your Nova
http://www.chevylegends.com

[CLSSY56]

I hear you about the license and cost thereof in time, money, commitment etc.

I went skydiving for the first time 2 years ago, absolutely incredible.

I found the video of you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4qt79eds-s&feature=player_embedded

[tkrahlin]

Originally Posted by WJCJR1 http://www.horizonrcflyers.com/forums/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://www.horizonrcflyers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4227#post4227)
I went skydiving for the first time 2 years ago, absolutely incredible.

I found the video of you...
And I found a still photo - WOW!!!!
http://geekwhisperin.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/shattner-gremlin-twilight-zone.jpg