Lesson 1:
Batelle is prepping me for that Stage 1 check ride, so we've been practicing everything we've learned so far. Got 1.8 hours in the first lesson today, the longest flight I've had thus far. Another double header today, so I'm mentally prepped to get my brain ambushed by flying info today. Definitely hitting up the gym after so that my brain can take a break and so that the learnings from the day can rattle around a bit.
In relation to my previous post, I'm going to try something new in preparation for my lessons: the liquid diet. I want to have enough food to feed my brain, but I don't want to feel stuffed during lessons. Also, I want to make sure I'm hydrated so that I don't get headaches in the air. I "ate" this for breakfast and lunch today, and it seems to be doing the job. Don't feel super full or hungry, and I'm getting enough protein and veggies. Definitely an adjustment because I like eating food so much, but it ain't so bad!
There was a mic issue in Snoopy today, so Batelle took over the radio calls after the run-up. Squawk!
We got to altitude (3500'), and practiced slow flight with airspeed and altitude adjustments (maintaining altitude with power, airspeed with attitude). Then we practiced power on and off stalls, steep turns, descent and glide, and emergency landings. The landing at Frazier Lake (1C9) was a lot of fun! It's a grass strip, so the landing wasn't as bouncy, and it was easier to keep Snoopy straight after we touched down. I can see why learning tailwheel on grass strips is heaven.
Some notes to add on to my previous notes:
1) For the stalls for check ride, start with slow flight. Watch nose attitude and keep the wings level/ball in the center. When the plane stalls, lower the nose first (below straight and level) and increase power and carb heat cold (for power off). For power on, keep low nose attitude for a second, check nose high attitude, and then resume straight and level flight.
2) For steep turns, roll to enter the bank more quickly. Check nose attitude so that you remain at the same altitude.
3) For descent and glide, maintain about 60 mph airspeed (best glide).
4) We practiced forward slips in the downwind to crosswind turn and crosswind to landing turns for the emergency landing. Slip in the turn direction. Get to pattern altitude, using slips or 360s, when you know you can make it to the runway.
5) For soft field takeoffs, you don't push the stick forward as much. About half a normal field takeoff. The plane will lift off, and then keep the stick position in the initial part of the climb. We climbed at ~70 mph.
General note to self: WATCH NOSE ATTITUDE. THE PICTURE IN EVERY PLANE WILL BE A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT. Kind of obvious, but I keep having to slap myself on the wrist for this one.
Check out dem neck rolls. Don't worry, I asked before I snapped the shot ;)
Lesson 2:
Did about 1.5 hours of ground school (FAR stuff, Sectional Stuff, and Plane System stuff, Airworthiness stuff, and performance stuff).
Then we practiced more ground maneuvers (turns around a point), emergency procedures, and a landing. The emergency landing was fun because we were cruising at 2500' and then Batelle just pulled out the power and told me to set up best glide/make it to a good field. I made it :) Well, we got to 300' above the ground before she had me recover (throw in power) and climb out from the field I chose. But she said I did a good job.
She said we should schedule the Stage 1 check next week, so I'm kinda stoked about that. But if i'm not ready yet, that's cool too.
I'm tired. 2.6 hours of flying and 1.5 hours of ground school. Keep on it!
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