After a months break due to Weddings etc taking up my weekends it was time to get my quallifying cross country booked, but after not flying for a while I thought a general handling lesson was in order. A few days before, I logged into the on line booking forum and booked three lessons, a one hour session and two, three hour sessions. So general handling followed by a mock QXC and then my actual QXC, over the course of a week. I also arranged a day from work to help fit it all in.
Sunday came round, and as the previous few days the weather looked wonderful from the ground, but a quick call to the airport proved they were shrouded in mist.
I checked the TAF and it was scheduled to burn off so I grabbed my flight bag and set off.
Stewart and Sandra were waiting for me in the club house.
“So, what do it want to do today?”, Stewart asked.
I suggested a bit of general handling practice, slow flight a few steep turns etc, and maybe a few circuits at the end.
Stewart then asked if I had anywhere in particular I wanted to go. Well I had never been East to North Lincolnshire, so thats where we decided to go.
While Stewart booked us out I went over to check out Romeo Lima.
First stop was security. With it being such a warm day I had not brought my fleece, so my first trick was to set off the alarms by forgetting that my phone was still on my belt! Usually I put my wallet, change, keys and phone in my fleece then put that through the x-ray machine. Security took my mistake in good cheer and I was given a quick pat down and let through once my items had passed through the x-ray machine.
Romeo Lima was parked next to security in Lima Bravo’s spot so I did not have far to walk. Checks did not take long and Stewart soon jointed me.
It was not long before I was lined up on runway 21 waiting for clearance for take off.
Humberside gave me a few instructions which I read back and I also read back cleared to take-off, which they had not actually said, oops! Tower quickly corrected me but then cleared me to take off. I must listen out more carefully and hear what I want to hear, or expect to hear.
I took off and maintained runway heading for a short while. I had not been cleared to turn. Once cleared to turn I made a left turn and headed in a North East direction, intending to follow the river Humber towards the sea. Until I got above 1000′ it was very bumpy in the air due to the rising warm air.
Tower passed me to Radar and I asked and was given a flight information service and the regional QNH of 1016. I informed them I was climbing to 3000′ and once there the air was very calm and the aircraft once trimmed maintained height and direction with out me having to touch the controls.
As we approached the coast Stewart pointed out the main land marks that indicated we were getting close to Donna Nook bombing range. I made an about turn and we spent a little time inspecting local land marks and disused airfields.
While the sightseeing was fun it was time to start work. I made a few gentle 360 degree turns and concentrated on maintaining altitude. First at 15 degree’s, then at 30, then finally at 45 degrees. I had a slight tendency to pull back too much on the yoke gaining a little altitude but I was keeping it within the 200 feet I would be allowed on my flight test.
After the turns I then started to pick headings to roll out on. This was easy so then it was slow flight. Time to remember by early lessons. P.A.T. Power, Attitude, Trim. First set the power, then the nose attitude and finally adjust the trim to maintain it. Again this proved to be very straight forward.
Time for a few circuits. Stewart got on the radio and asked if it would be ok. They said no problem so I headed back. We had a quick play with the aircrafts GPS but with the river Humber to follow and good visibility finding the airport would prove to be very easy. We were cleared for a rejoin via left base for runway 21.
I made a very slow descent to 1000′ and made by downwind checks as I approached.
The wind was varying and as I attempted to touch down it was actually behind me, which made the landing much harder then I expected. I got us down but it was not one of my best landings.
Flaps up and full power, I took off and went round again to have another go.
Attempt two was even worst. I went round again and had one last attempt.
This time I selected full flaps and concentrated hard. This time it was much better and I taxied back to the parking area.
Altogether a very fun day and apart from the landings I flew very well. I think I land better in a stronger wind, but I will blame the slight tail wind. It taught me how important it is to land into wind. Better to learn these lessons with an instructor on board then on my own.
Now to hope for good weather. The following Friday is booked for my practice qualifying cross country (QXC) and I have the day of work to do it. The Sunday is also booked for my actual QXC.