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.
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