Lesson 11 - Circuits (3)

18th September 2011  VH-TXU

CIRCUITS

It had been a couple of weeks since my last lesson but it was a better day for flying  – still overcast (with low cloud) but much less wind.  I was concerned about the low cloud while heading for the airport but luckily we were doing circuits again.

This time we would use 17L – this was only the second time I’d taken off to the south and the first time for left hand circuits.  This meant different taxiways, different reference points and of course, left hand turns.  The other thing this meant was the wind was coming from the south, something I almost forgot as I entered the run-up bay and started to line up to the north for my run ups!.

The low cloud meant at one point Jason needed to request “Special VFR” (In Class “D” VMC requires you to be 500ft below cloud ) however for most of the time the cloud stayed above 1500ft and we always had the required 5km visibility.

So around and around we went again.  Flying the circuit is starting to come together, I’m trimming better and quicker, getting through the pre-landing checks more effectively, but still struggling with the landings.  While I managed a couple of rough landings, my biggest problem is wanting to "push" the plane onto the runway – especially when I “balloon” or "bounce".   I need to relax and wait for the plane to settle itself onto the runway.

Being a better day also meant there were other aircraft in the circuit.  It one stage we were following a slower aircraft doing looong finals.  This meant we needed to slow down on the  downwind leg in order to give ourselves some space.  Luckily the tower gave as the option to “pass” them after a very late landing clearance.  Jason took over and rather then best rate of climb (79kt) we climbed at “best angle of climb” (63kt) and at ~300ft we turned crosswind and joined downwind ahead of the other aircraft.  

Another enjoyable but frustrating lesson.  I making progress and while I managed a couple of rough landings, I was far from consistent.  –  maybe next week.

VH-TXU – Piper Warrior III 1.1hr (11.8hr)

---

Things to watch

1. Think about the wind direction when entering the run-up bay.
2. Make sure to stay on the ground frequency until ready for take off.
3. Watch the turn on to final (especially overshooting as this puts you in conflict with the aircraft landing on the parallel runway.)
4. DON’T push forward on the yoke once I’ve started the round out. Pause and wait for the plane to settle or go-around.
5. Make sure to keep my feet off the brakes while landing,
6. Relax on the flare (couple of times I yank the yoke back which caused the plane to balloon) Aim is for a smooth round out.