There is hope! I ran into Mr. Rogers at the airport today. He runs Liberty's aviation program and when he asked how the flight training was going I was honest and told him that I was enjoying the challenge but was currently in a frustrated funk.(see previous post)
He told me that this is very common and that around flight 7-8, things would start to click, especially the landings. That was very good news as I keep trying to convince myself that this should be much easier than it appears to be.
Today's flight was in sunny but breezy conditions. Today we practiced some more power-on and power-off stalls, slow flight, steep turns, and then an emergency decent. This new maneuver caught me slightly off-guard. We climbed to about 5K feet and then Carl suddenly cut the power to idle and shoved the yoke almost into the panel. This results in a very steep dive. Seeing the ground rushing towards you at about 180 mph is a little bit worrisome. While we were screaming towards the ground, I was to pick a place for an emergency landing. Apparently closing your eyes, screaming and hugging your instructor is not an appropriate response. We descended like a stone to about 1000 feet at which point I leveled off and worked towards my selected field. It certainly gets the ticker going and I noticed I actually broke a sweat. Not from any exertion, but rather from fear or being planted into the soil at high speed.
My landing at the end of today's lesson was almost smooth. The Piper had mercy on me, or, perhaps slamming yourself into the ground repeatedly to humiliate the student gets old after awhile. The old girl is giving me hope.
Overall a fun and exciting day.
Let's go flying.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Some Things Don't Come Easy...
Finally, after what seems like endless days of rain and fog, today we had sunshine and unseasonably warm weather. Today's flight was a mixed bag of frustration, minor victories and more frustration.
I'm used to things that come easy and I guess as I have gotten older I have consciously or unconsciously avoided those things that would be difficult to master. Although this was only my third training flight, I find myself frustrated that this new skill cannot be simply and quickly mastered. An author described smooth precision flying as a love affair with the airplane...making love. YIKES! Today's flight was more like a messy domestic dispute. The airplane and I went to war and the wind was on her side.
Today's flight was awkward and I struggled to get back in flying mode after almost a month. What is flying mode? I think of flying mode as that frame of mind where one can anticipate, react and direct the machine (airplane) to do what you (and your instructor) expect it to do. Flying mode puts every distraction out of mind for the purpose of concentrating only on precision flying. Today's flying was sloppy and anything but smooth.
The landing approaches were complicated by some random gusts that seemed intent on making my flying look confused, or possibly drunk. Just when the aircraft would be lined up properly, a gust would throw us to one side or the other. At low approach speeds, corrections must be smooth and gentle. For anyone who has met me...I'm anything but smooth and gentle. I find myself struggling and trying to manhandle the airplane into the proper configuration. This just makes everything worse. Think bull in a china shop.
I'm used to doing things that come easy. It has been so long since I felt this kind of frustration at my own ineptitude. Perhaps this is what it feels like to grow. I hope Carl can cash in some of his credits with the chiropractor.
On a positive note, low fuel prices have reduced the rental fee of the Piper Warrior to $105/hr. of frustration. (I mean flying)
Tomorrow we will go again. Must get back on this horse!
Let's go flying....smooth.
I'm used to things that come easy and I guess as I have gotten older I have consciously or unconsciously avoided those things that would be difficult to master. Although this was only my third training flight, I find myself frustrated that this new skill cannot be simply and quickly mastered. An author described smooth precision flying as a love affair with the airplane...making love. YIKES! Today's flight was more like a messy domestic dispute. The airplane and I went to war and the wind was on her side.
Today's flight was awkward and I struggled to get back in flying mode after almost a month. What is flying mode? I think of flying mode as that frame of mind where one can anticipate, react and direct the machine (airplane) to do what you (and your instructor) expect it to do. Flying mode puts every distraction out of mind for the purpose of concentrating only on precision flying. Today's flying was sloppy and anything but smooth.
The landing approaches were complicated by some random gusts that seemed intent on making my flying look confused, or possibly drunk. Just when the aircraft would be lined up properly, a gust would throw us to one side or the other. At low approach speeds, corrections must be smooth and gentle. For anyone who has met me...I'm anything but smooth and gentle. I find myself struggling and trying to manhandle the airplane into the proper configuration. This just makes everything worse. Think bull in a china shop.
I'm used to doing things that come easy. It has been so long since I felt this kind of frustration at my own ineptitude. Perhaps this is what it feels like to grow. I hope Carl can cash in some of his credits with the chiropractor.
On a positive note, low fuel prices have reduced the rental fee of the Piper Warrior to $105/hr. of frustration. (I mean flying)
Tomorrow we will go again. Must get back on this horse!
Let's go flying....smooth.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Sunshine...finally....and lots of wind.
What do we have to do around here to get some decent weather? Monday dawned clear, sunny and very cold. I happily booked a couple of hours off work and practically skipped to the airport. As soon as I stepped out of the van I realized that something had changed during the 10 minute drive from home to the airport. It was suddenly very windy. Windy as in 15-20 mph with gusts almost 30.
I went into the classroom area and immediately noticed that Carl was sitting behind a huge pile of books. Guess what? No flying today...too windy. Let's do some groundwork instead. I wanted to stamp my feet and whine like a 2-year-old. I have spend countless hours in the books over that past semester and now I WANT TO FLY!!!
Carl said that nothing worthwhile could be accomplished today with the wind so, after two hours of bookwork, I headed back to work. To protest, I refused to answer my phone or any emails for the rest of the day. I read flying blogs and planned my revenge. Not sure what that revenge will be...but it's gonna be good! I'm not even sure how you get revenge on the weather but somebody is going to pay. My first full month of flight training and I have an amazing 2.2 hrs in my logbook. At this rate it will take me over two YEARS to get my licence. Actually, at this rate I will never get my licence because my dying brain cells require me to pretty much re-learn anything after I've been away from it for a week.
I guess one positive is my flying account hasn't been hurt much. Small consolation. We will try again on Monday. Until then...
Let's go flying! (Or I'm going to hold my breath until I pass out!)
We are scheduled to meet
I went into the classroom area and immediately noticed that Carl was sitting behind a huge pile of books. Guess what? No flying today...too windy. Let's do some groundwork instead. I wanted to stamp my feet and whine like a 2-year-old. I have spend countless hours in the books over that past semester and now I WANT TO FLY!!!
Carl said that nothing worthwhile could be accomplished today with the wind so, after two hours of bookwork, I headed back to work. To protest, I refused to answer my phone or any emails for the rest of the day. I read flying blogs and planned my revenge. Not sure what that revenge will be...but it's gonna be good! I'm not even sure how you get revenge on the weather but somebody is going to pay. My first full month of flight training and I have an amazing 2.2 hrs in my logbook. At this rate it will take me over two YEARS to get my licence. Actually, at this rate I will never get my licence because my dying brain cells require me to pretty much re-learn anything after I've been away from it for a week.
I guess one positive is my flying account hasn't been hurt much. Small consolation. We will try again on Monday. Until then...
Let's go flying! (Or I'm going to hold my breath until I pass out!)
We are scheduled to meet
Monday, December 15, 2008
Rain, Fog, Clouds....
I see now that my June 9 target completion date is probably too optimistic...especially given the weather at this time of year. I have been grounded for the past two weeks. The only sunshine has been on weekends which is probably perfect for most people, but not for me. We have been busy with work, and the wedding of my second son. That's all good, but I'm itching to get back to flight training. This week looks like clouds and rain all week, with maybe a slight glimmer of hope for Friday. I'm hoping Carl will be available if the weather finally cooperates. Let's go flying! (Praying for sunshine.)
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Flight #2: Hard Landings
Today was the ultimate day for flying. I met Carl at 8am and the day was crisp, cold, and clear. There was no wind and not a cloud in the sky. A perfect excuse to burn some more time off and get in my second flight lesson.
I did the preflight and by the time we were finished the frost had burned off the wings. When those wings are all that stand between you and disaster, you quickly learn that you want nothing to interfere with the smooth flow of air over that wing that generates your lift. Even a light frost can be dangerous.
The air was as smooth as glass today...hardly a bump...unitl I started practicing some landings. Carl's other student is a chiropractor and that may come in handy if we keep landing the way we did today. Carl insists that I fly the landing while he gives encouragement from the right seat. He has this amazing ability to remain absolutely calm despite the fact that I'm dropping us onto the asphalt like a brick. I guess it just feels that way because he says I'm doing fine. Or, perhaps he's just trying to be kind.
If flying wasn't difficult, everyone would do it. It is the most challenging thing I can ever remember tackling. I'm convinced that as long as I keep practicing regularly and don't give up, I can do this.
For a student pilot, flying consumes every ounce of mental energy and concentration, leaving no time to think of anything else. I feel the same way when I'm playing hockey. When you walk away from the airplane after a training flight you are mentally exhausted, but strangely exhilarated to be back on the ground, aware that just a few minutes ago you were 4,000 ft above the earth traveling at 120 mph.
I must attend to work and a busy weekend cooking kettle corn at a parade and two football games. No time for flying. I am aiming for next Tue. or Wed. for my next flight(s). Until then..."Let's go flying!"
I did the preflight and by the time we were finished the frost had burned off the wings. When those wings are all that stand between you and disaster, you quickly learn that you want nothing to interfere with the smooth flow of air over that wing that generates your lift. Even a light frost can be dangerous.
The air was as smooth as glass today...hardly a bump...unitl I started practicing some landings. Carl's other student is a chiropractor and that may come in handy if we keep landing the way we did today. Carl insists that I fly the landing while he gives encouragement from the right seat. He has this amazing ability to remain absolutely calm despite the fact that I'm dropping us onto the asphalt like a brick. I guess it just feels that way because he says I'm doing fine. Or, perhaps he's just trying to be kind.
If flying wasn't difficult, everyone would do it. It is the most challenging thing I can ever remember tackling. I'm convinced that as long as I keep practicing regularly and don't give up, I can do this.
For a student pilot, flying consumes every ounce of mental energy and concentration, leaving no time to think of anything else. I feel the same way when I'm playing hockey. When you walk away from the airplane after a training flight you are mentally exhausted, but strangely exhilarated to be back on the ground, aware that just a few minutes ago you were 4,000 ft above the earth traveling at 120 mph.
I must attend to work and a busy weekend cooking kettle corn at a parade and two football games. No time for flying. I am aiming for next Tue. or Wed. for my next flight(s). Until then..."Let's go flying!"
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Flight #1
Most flight training blogs seem to focus on the mechanics of each lesson. After reading many of these accounts, I choose to focus less on the technical and more on the personal impressions and mental gymnastics required in flight training.
I met my flight instructor and I knew right away that we would be a good fit. He has a wealth of experience and has trained dozens of aviators. He re-started his own flight training at the age of 50 after soloing 20 years earlier. He is laid back but speaks in a way that gives you absolute confidence in his knowledge and abilities. I thought it was interesting that he said that at his age (early 70's) his medical permit could be pulled at any time, but, he would hang with me as long as possible and make sure I get handed off to a good CFI if that becomes necessary.
Our aircraft is a 1979 Piper Warrior II, a 160 HP workhorse with almost 9000 hard hours of training on her. She shows her wear in obvious places, (like the seats) but she reminds me of driving a really old tractor that has seen just about everything that a rookie pilot can throw at her. Aircraft cabins are small, so my big FOP frame encroaches a little bit on Carl who has maintained that wiry aviator physique. This aircraft is well suited to husky frames and just happens to be cheaper to rent than the common Cessna 172.
It is hard to describe the first takeoff. I guess absolute terror mixed with child-like excitement would be a good analogy. The terror comes from the rational side of the brain that says there is something really wrong with a husband and father of seven, grandfather of two, racing down a narrow patch of aspahlt and climbing thousands of feet into the air in a 30 year old piece of equipment. The child-like glee overpowers that terror as you watch terra firma shrink below you and you realize that just as you always dream...you are flying!
There is so much going on when an inexperienced pilot is at the helm, that there is little relaxing about flight at this stage. It seems like there are five things to watch and do at the same time, and everything seems strange and unfamiliar. What an amazing challenge! Landing was pure adrenaline as every fiber of your being screams "PULL UP!", and yet, you fight the urge and with the help of calm, cool, Carl, the plane is guided safely onto the ground.
1.1 hrs raced by and at the end I was mentally exhausted but exhilarated, all at the same time. I paid my bill and then asked Carl when we could do it again. He said the weather was iffy later in the week but tomorrow looked good. So...tomorrow morning at 8am we shall go for flight #2. I'll burn some more time off at work, but around the holidays is a good time to do this.
Until tomorrow...Let's go flying!
I met my flight instructor and I knew right away that we would be a good fit. He has a wealth of experience and has trained dozens of aviators. He re-started his own flight training at the age of 50 after soloing 20 years earlier. He is laid back but speaks in a way that gives you absolute confidence in his knowledge and abilities. I thought it was interesting that he said that at his age (early 70's) his medical permit could be pulled at any time, but, he would hang with me as long as possible and make sure I get handed off to a good CFI if that becomes necessary.
Our aircraft is a 1979 Piper Warrior II, a 160 HP workhorse with almost 9000 hard hours of training on her. She shows her wear in obvious places, (like the seats) but she reminds me of driving a really old tractor that has seen just about everything that a rookie pilot can throw at her. Aircraft cabins are small, so my big FOP frame encroaches a little bit on Carl who has maintained that wiry aviator physique. This aircraft is well suited to husky frames and just happens to be cheaper to rent than the common Cessna 172.
It is hard to describe the first takeoff. I guess absolute terror mixed with child-like excitement would be a good analogy. The terror comes from the rational side of the brain that says there is something really wrong with a husband and father of seven, grandfather of two, racing down a narrow patch of aspahlt and climbing thousands of feet into the air in a 30 year old piece of equipment. The child-like glee overpowers that terror as you watch terra firma shrink below you and you realize that just as you always dream...you are flying!
There is so much going on when an inexperienced pilot is at the helm, that there is little relaxing about flight at this stage. It seems like there are five things to watch and do at the same time, and everything seems strange and unfamiliar. What an amazing challenge! Landing was pure adrenaline as every fiber of your being screams "PULL UP!", and yet, you fight the urge and with the help of calm, cool, Carl, the plane is guided safely onto the ground.
1.1 hrs raced by and at the end I was mentally exhausted but exhilarated, all at the same time. I paid my bill and then asked Carl when we could do it again. He said the weather was iffy later in the week but tomorrow looked good. So...tomorrow morning at 8am we shall go for flight #2. I'll burn some more time off at work, but around the holidays is a good time to do this.
Until tomorrow...Let's go flying!
Monday, December 1, 2008
"There are no fat pilots." Part 1
My instructor in Ground School informed the class recently that there are no fat pilots. I looked around the room at the 25 other budding aviators and I had to admit that I look a little out of place. (of course they are also all in their late teens or early 20s) They are lean and trim, while I'm "husky". That's what mothers say when they describe their chubby children. I've always been husky. I've had varying degrees of success in losing weight over the years but once I left football and farming for a desk job, being husky has been a fact of life.
Today is Dec. 1 and since I have my first meeting with my flight instructor tomorrow afternoon, I'm thinking I should take some definite steps to become "less husky." I've recently read a couple books by Charles Lindbergh. The books have been great but the pictures confirm my instructor's assessment. No fat pilots in pictures here. I took hope from the old photos that these guys were all in their mid'20's back in the early 1930's and their trim physiques surely must have ballooned over time. Unfortunately, I found a picture of Charles later in life and he somehow managed to maintain that trim aviator figure. "There are no fat pilots." To be fair, I have paid careful attention during my recent commercial travels and I have seen some slightly husky commercial pilots. They give me great hope and if I wasn't worried about being perceived as a security risk, I'd love to give them a hug for their huskiness. There is hope for me!
Today I am 6 foot 1.5 inches (I've somehow shrunk 1/2 an inch) and I weigh 248.5 lbs. I'm thinking that since my flight instruction is going to require extreme discipline and concentration, I might as well try to kill two birds with one stone and utilize that discipline in my eating and exercise. Let's see...if I hope to get my pilot's licence in time for my 25th wedding anniversary (June 9), and I lost 1.5 lbs per week, that equals 1.5 x 27 weeks = 40.5 lbs. Hmmmm...that would mean that on my 25th anniversary I would weigh about 10 lbs less than I did on the day I met my wife as a senior in high school. My wife already looks better and weighs less than she did in high school, so I could look at this as a way to try to keep up with her...and keep the young studs at bay.
Sounds like a plan. Tomorrow afternoon I meet Carl for the first time and he hinted that if the weather cooperates, we may go for an introductory flight.
Let's go flying....tomorrow!
Today is Dec. 1 and since I have my first meeting with my flight instructor tomorrow afternoon, I'm thinking I should take some definite steps to become "less husky." I've recently read a couple books by Charles Lindbergh. The books have been great but the pictures confirm my instructor's assessment. No fat pilots in pictures here. I took hope from the old photos that these guys were all in their mid'20's back in the early 1930's and their trim physiques surely must have ballooned over time. Unfortunately, I found a picture of Charles later in life and he somehow managed to maintain that trim aviator figure. "There are no fat pilots." To be fair, I have paid careful attention during my recent commercial travels and I have seen some slightly husky commercial pilots. They give me great hope and if I wasn't worried about being perceived as a security risk, I'd love to give them a hug for their huskiness. There is hope for me!
Today I am 6 foot 1.5 inches (I've somehow shrunk 1/2 an inch) and I weigh 248.5 lbs. I'm thinking that since my flight instruction is going to require extreme discipline and concentration, I might as well try to kill two birds with one stone and utilize that discipline in my eating and exercise. Let's see...if I hope to get my pilot's licence in time for my 25th wedding anniversary (June 9), and I lost 1.5 lbs per week, that equals 1.5 x 27 weeks = 40.5 lbs. Hmmmm...that would mean that on my 25th anniversary I would weigh about 10 lbs less than I did on the day I met my wife as a senior in high school. My wife already looks better and weighs less than she did in high school, so I could look at this as a way to try to keep up with her...and keep the young studs at bay.
Sounds like a plan. Tomorrow afternoon I meet Carl for the first time and he hinted that if the weather cooperates, we may go for an introductory flight.
Let's go flying....tomorrow!
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