Wednesday, 29 November 2006

Settling into the routine

Lesson: 9, 19
Flight Hours: 4.0 Dual

Isn't it amazing how fast the human body can settle into a routine? I am by nature not an early riser, but as of late I don't have a problem with getting up before 5 in the mornings! I also found at last night while reciting the procedures for downwind and finals checks that my rate of breathing goes up. Probably because I am not particularly crazy about the rate at witch Mother Nature rushes closer at short finals, but today I got a first taste of what it was all about.

I did not wake up this morning, I launched into my routine, and got to the airfield at 05:50. Everyone at the club seemed to be in a good mood today, yet concerned with the weather messing with out universe. Henk wanted to head out to Bronkhorstspruit dam today, but with the impending low clouds and fog towards the north east, we decided to stick to doing stall recoveries in the general flying area, and some low level flying. Having done one or two power off stall recoveries during the previous session, I managed to get the hang of it quickly with good coaching from Henk. There is still a lot of "feel" that I need to develop flying these magnificent little craft, but everyday it becomes a little easier.

Heading downwind in the GF to attempt a few more stalls, I spotted another student and instructor bombing over the ploughed field below at about 2 metres above the ground. I anxiously asked Henk what this was all about, and he replied that I will be doing the same in a few minutes! All psyched up I almost climbed into orbit with my last power-on stall recovery for the day, now feeling the nerves doing it's job. Henk took control, and demonstrated the low level run over a small road between two ploughed fields, then, in the same direction line up with what seems like an abandoned runway, and the climb out. The ground rushed by at an alarming pace and one needs to be very quick on the bar to keep flying level over solid soil. He entered a left hand circuit, and it was my turn. I descended and turned into my attack run, kept the speed up, and went for gold! I had to settle for bronze when I let my RPM slip, and at one point Henk had to jerk the bar forward a tad to make sure this did not turn into a high-speed landing exercise!

This first run was absolutely terrifying for me, but I could not wait to try it again. The second time round it went much better. I lined up quite well with the runway, and for the first time I could see the whole approach thing coming together. I climbed out a bit early, but there are some majestic Eskom high-voltage pylons ahead that I would like to avoid at all costs. Overall Henk was happy with my performance at this stage, and it really feels better every time I do something new.

We joined overhead the field, and Henk initiated another simulated deadstick approach that I have come to enjoy considerably over the past few sessions. He encourages me to keep my hands on the bar during this approach, and the landing is becoming very understandable of what movements are required on the bar, and how to hold off until touchdown. The hours are slowly but surely building up, and I am really looking forward to my next session tomorrow morning!

No comments: