It's been a very frustrating few weeks. This due to a combination of weather and not being booked in often for flights. This last week has been the most frustrating by far. I've been booked in to fly every day, with two flights booked on two occasions and they've all been cancelled with the exception of one, which I didn't complete due to becoming uncertain of my position so turning back seemed a safer option.
The essentials. Instagram - hiclark141
There always seems to be something with the weather at the moment that forces a cancellation. It's either been raining, too windy or too hazy, meaning the visibility isn't good enough to fly in or the crosswind exceeds my limitation. I had just two solos to complete this week which shouldn't have been a problem but I am still to complete them. Now due to monthly checks running out, I have to skip ahead to dual instrument flights, renew the monthly checks and then go back to the solos.
A typical schedule over the last couple of weeks (Red = Cancelled, Grey = Completed, White = In Progress)
A DA20 cockpit
After my first solo I had a few solo circuits which I really enjoyed, practising flapless landings, glide approaches and normal landings of course. Then when the instructor was there, a few simulated engine failures after take off were done too. This done in fairly tricky conditions too. There was one particular day where there was a bit of drizzle around and the visibility wasn't great. I also had about a 15 kt crosswind which was gusting up to 25 kts, it certainly was an interesting experience but very good practice. I feel if I can land a Katana in those conditions, I can land it in any.
I had a couple of dual lessons out of the circuit where the instructor assesses your ability to get in and out of the zone by yourself, which I did well with no issues. We practised forced landings (PFL's) and steep turns, both very fun lessons.
PFL's is basically simulating engine failure during flight which requires you to carry out a few emergency checks, mayday call and passenger safety briefing and then pick a suitable field to glide in to. Once the instructor is happy you're going to make it into a good field you go around and do it again. I really enjoyed it and the gliding experience I had before definitely helped.
steep turn to the left
steep turn to the right
Steep turns was also fun. We were one of the few flights that went up due to difficult weather conditions but we managed to dodge the showers. A steep turn is a turn with 45 degrees angle of bank. I was required to do several 360 degree turns at this angle, using the horizon (not instruments) as guidance whilst losing as little height as possible. I think this went quite well and we got some stunning views on the way back!
What a view!
Dodging showers
It was my room mate's birthday recently so I made him a birthday cake and we all went out for a meal at a nice restaurant in Hamilton. It was a very nice evening.
My wonderful assistants #the decorators
DJ blowing out the candles
The crew @ DJ's Birthday dinner
I seem to have played a great deal of golf in the last few weeks due to my lack of flying. My game is certainly improving and the handicap is gradually coming down. I couldn't think of many better ways to spend days off to be honest.
A pleasant stroll around the lake
I've been going to the local cricket clubs training sessions too and the first match should be this weekend which is exciting, hopefully I'll get to play a few games this season. I've been asked to play for the 1st team too which is very nice surprise. Let's hope for good weather to come now so I can get lots of flying, cricket and golf in!
It's been another quiet week but I managed to record my second solo circuits lesson. I was on my own in the circuit for an hour and completed 8 circuits. I really enjoyed it and thought I flew and handled the radio well so I'm feeling pleased with myself at the moment.
I had another 4 days off over the weekend and haven't been scheduled in again tomorrow. It seems to be a golfing holiday with a bit of flying on the side at the moment. Things could be much much worse!
Here's the video of one solo circuit with ATC recorded. Enjoy!
The weather wasn't great for it but good enough. It was quite cloudy but the cloud was above 2000 feet which is fine for circuits. There was about 8 - 10 kts of cross wind with a few gusts and a down draught when coming over the threshold which was a bit tricky but I think I dealt with it ok.
My first take off on my own
A change in QNH during the climb out
I had 5 circuits with an instructor who assessed my competence on flying a circuit on my own. He tested me on engine failure after take off twice which was fun, although I miss-judged my field a bit on the first attempt so had to find another one which resulted in us getting really low! before he told me to go around. I enjoyed it though. Once he was satisfied, I landed and taxied off the runway and stopped where he then jumped out and sent me up on my own.
The circuit was very quiet thankfully for my solo, I was number one and cleared for the big runway, 36R. EASY!
There'd been such a big build up for it and it was done in about 5 minutes. I hardly had time to feel nervous.
ATC congratulated me once I'd landed to which I responded; "Taxi CTC, cross 36 left, thank you, time for a beer!"
Sadly my camera fell off during the flight so I didn't catch it on film which is very disappointing. I'll just have to film the next solo circuits lesson I do.
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