Ask Captain Scott, such a great resource!!!

I just wanted to share this website, askcaptainscott.com

I have been watching his videos for a while, but now that I am actually taking lessons I am finding his videos very beneficial to use as a post lesson review. Check him out!

Second Lesson: Steep Turns, and Slow Flight Glides

When I arrived for today's lesson the first thing I noticed was that my plane wasn't in its usual spot, sure enough someone had it out. No problem though, I was a bit early anyway. Once the plane came back I filled out I was given a binder which contained the checklist for the plane, the keys, and a log of who had the plane and what the planes tach and hobbs meter read.

With the check list in hand, I made my way around the plane visually inspecting the plane according to my CFI's input. Last lesson I followed him around while he told me what I was looking for, but today he followed me around and helped me find what I was looking for. The plane needed fuel, so we made the call and waited for the truck to arrive. 

Once we were fueled up, we started up the plane, taxi'd to the runway, and eventually took off...each of these steps had its own checklist which needed to be followed. I also learned the basics of how to talk on the radio. You want to first state who you are calling (tower), who you are (plane number), where you are, and why you are calling...so that's how it works!

Once in the air it was time for today's lesson: steep turns. The turns I practiced were made at 45 degrees of bank, which felt a lot different then the turns we made at 30 degrees of bank. I found these a little more difficult to control, and they felt a lot sketchier, as I could feel the g force while doing these turns...although I did catch myself going closer to 60 degrees of bank instead of 45 at times. Some turns went better than others. I did notice that when I would glance down at my instruments to make sure I wasn't losing altitude, I would look up to find the planes pitch not where I wanted it to me. 

After a few steep turns we practiced slow flight glides, these were difficult too. Man, I didn't think flying was going to be tough until I was in a few lessons, but sure enough its lesson 2 and I am finding it difficult. The slow flight glides were tricky because when your at such a slow speed your controls react differently. For example I was using throttle to maintain altitude, and pitch to maintain airspeed...the opposite of how you would control the plane at normal speeds. 

And with a couple slow flight glides under my belt we were headed back. That flight went by fast! I made the final approach to the runway, and my CFI made the landing. I was in control of taxing the plane once we landed though, and even maintained control once we got near other planes and buildings...this was definitely the sketchiest part of the day. The last thing I wanted was to bump into another airplane...that reminds me, I am going to sign up for renters insurance as soon as I post this blog entry.

Well that's it, another 1.1 hours added to the log book! Paid my CFI for 1.6 hours of his time, and paid 1.1 hours for the plane rental, a grand total of $171. Next lesson is Monday. 

Checklist for the Cessna 152

My rental

Another entry to the logbook

First Lesson: Straight and Level / Turns / Climbing and Descending

Well I went through with it...I had my first lesson. It took me 5 minutes to commute from my office cubicle to the flight schools office. Upon arriving I was greeted by Kam, who would be my instructor. My first impression of my him was that he would be too old, and his personality too rigid for me to be able to relate too, but that wasn't the case at all. I found him to be funny, personable, and a great teacher. I felt like he really enjoys teaching, and wants me to learn...and isn't there for any other reasons besides that.

We started the lesson by going through the pre-flight checklist on the Cessna 152 I was renting. He showed me what I was looking for, and had me check the fuel levels on my own. After that we taxi'd for take off. Kam had me get a feel for the rudders while taxing to see how the plane reacted. We waited for a small jet plane and another Cessna to take off, and then it was our turn.

Once in the air Kam had me fly the plane straight and level. He then had me make 30 degree turns to the right and the left. After that we climbed, and then climbed while turning. We then descended by pulling the throttle all the way out, and he told me about when to use the carburetor heat. We made some turns while descending, and then headed back to the airport. He had me control the plane for the final approach to the runway, and then took over for landing. 

On the ground he once again had me control the rudders while taxiing. He took over the controls once we got near some parked airplanes...man what a tight squeeze... that's going to be a bit tricky for me to handle I think. We tied down the airplane, and went inside. Kam filled out my logbook, which I purchased there...my first entree...how exciting! We put exactly one hour on the hobbs meter, and Kam only charged me 1.5 hours of instruction, even though he spent over 2.5 hours with me this day. Awesome! The cost was definitely not as high as I thought it was going to be, a grand total of $172.04 (includes logbook), and the experience was better than I had expected. All in all a fantastic experience.

The plane I rented, a Cessna 152

Inside the Cessna 152

My brand new pilot logbook

First entry into the logbook, how exciting!

First lesson is booked!

Well the time is finally here. Day light savings has arrived, my tax return has been deposited, the out of town guests have gone home, and my zero interest credit card has been activated. Guess I've run out of excuses... Wednesday after work will be my first real flying lesson. LETS DO THIS!

I just discovered the most amusing instructional videos...

Check out the videos from profpilot.co.uk on YouTube, they are entertaining and informative.