Dad Goes Flying.: June 2012

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Lesson 24 : Second Solo

24 Janurary

Warrior III VH-TXU

Weather QNH: 1013, Wind: N 10kts, Temp: 29c

Runway 35L & 35R

Another great looking day to go solo. I'd got a taste last week and now I want more!!

We took TXU to the run-up bay and listened to the ATIS. 35R was shut as they were doing some maintenance, so circuits were being conducted on 35L however they were using 118.1 (the east tower frequency). 35L is the narrower of the 2 runways and means a left hand circuits. I'd only used it maybe once or twice before.

So off we went. The plan was for Jason to do 3-4 circuits with me then I'd drop him off and do 3-4 more solo. My first crosswind leg was a bit off as I tried to establish new reference points, besides that my landings were good and after the 3rd landing we headed back to the southern run-up bay so Jason could jump out. Unlike last week, he was walking back and I'd bring the plane back to the school after I finished.

I redo my run-up and taxi back to 35L and take-off again. The first circuit goes the some way as the previous 3 with Jason but when I make my downwind call on the 2nd the tower opens 35R. They clear me for the touch and go on 35L and ask me to make a RIGHT turn to join crosswind for 35R.

This all goes without drama and I quickly re-establish my reference points for right hand circuits on 35R. I then continued with 2 more circuits of 35R before pulling off the runway onto Bravo and heading back to the school.

I also mounted my GoPro in the plane for the first time (just for the solo part) so you are welcome to watch the raw footage

Really loving the solo flying and after so much trouble getting the hang of basic landings it's a enjoy to finally feel like a real pilot.

VH-TXU Piper Warrior III - 2nd SOLO - 0.5hrs Dual, 0.6hrs SOLO (Total time 25.9hrs)

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Friday, June 15, 2012

Lesson 23 : FIRST SOLO!!!

15 Janurary

Warrior III VH-TAE

Weather QNH: 1021, Wind: SSE light, Temp: 17c

Runway 17L

Headed to MFS hoping today was the day I'd finally go Solo - I had my Student Licence, ASIC card, Medical, Jason was back from holidays and the weather was looking good. However, when Jason started suggesting a lesson in the training area - my heart drop. I quickly pointed out my nice new Student Pilot Licence. After a quick change of plan we were in TAE and taxing for circuits.

I haven't flown with Jason for about 6 weeks, so we do a few circuits to make sure I'm in the grove. My landings are OK, and I even remembered how to do the "go around" correctly. So on the 6th circuit Jason gets a clearance to land on 17R so he can jump out.

As I fly that last circuit and taxi back to the northern run-up bay, Jason gives me a quick brief on what he wants me to do once he is out of the plane.

First I need to go though my run-up checks - as normal
Get my clearance and taxi out to 17L and do my "line-up" checks - as normal
When I make my "take-off request" it will be slightly different " Moorabbin tower, Tango Alpha Echo, for circuit, First solo, ready One-Seven Left."
Once I get my clearance I'll take-off and do 1 circuit and a full stop landings
Then "after landing" checks, Taxi back to the northern run-up and pickup Jason.

"Easy, see you soon" (I say nervously) .

It was strange shutting the door and being the only one in the plane, knowing there no one was checking what I'm doing. I take a deep breath and get started on my checks.

I check anything twice and take another couple of deep breaths before taxiing to holding point "Golf for 17L". More checks, and in no time I'm sitting at the end of the runway pushing the throttles forward.

I've now done this so many time it's almost a none event. However without no one else in the plane it climbs a lot fast, and I find I'm talking to myself - coaching myself around the circuit.

While taking off and the circuit may have seem a non-event the approach and landing weren't. Now the nerves start kicking in - there is no one to "save" my if I don't get this right. I know I've done six good landings already today but Jason had been next to me - just in case.

So we I turn onto base; power back, speed to 80kts, 2 stages of flap, looking to turn onto final around 700ft. Onto final, slowing to 75knots, last stage of flaps, power to maintain correct landing point, I acknowledge my landing clearance, 200ft carb heat off.

All good so far, but I'm still prepared to "go-around" if anything doesn't look/feeel right. Airspeed back to 65kts, We I cross the theshold and cut the power, eyes down the runway, and start the round out, hold, hold, hold....

Then the wheels touch down and I'm braking. I miss the first turn off, so roll down to A6 and clear the runway. I've finally flown a plane all by myself, only taken me 44 years!!!!

When I make my Taxi request I get a big congratulations from the tower and head back to pick-up Jason. It still feels a bit surreal as we park the plane and do the paper work but I like it and can't wait to do it again.

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VH-TAE Piper Warrior III - First SOLO 0.8hrs Dual 0.3 SOLO (Total time 24.8hrs)