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Astronaut & Autograph Memorabilia Show 2009

Sun, 8 Nov 2009 20:48:49 -0500

I just had the best weekend. Now, I meant to write about my visit at the AAMS show from last year, but I got caught up and the next thing I knew I was attending 2009’s show with no blog for 08. So I’ll try to do some comparing of the two events. They were two different events with the same people... if that makes sense.

2008: Friday, attending the autograph show where I got Shuttle Astronaut Mike Mullane to sign my logbook/autograph book. We snapped a couple of pictures and I then went to meet Charlie Bolden

I’M A PRIVATE PILOT!

Sat, 1 Nov 2008 14:47:00 -0400

I had to fly down to Winter Have (GIF) to do it, but I did it! The weather was beautiful at OCF, but it was a 300’ ceiling at GIF. Fortunately, Alan was flying down with me, filed IFR and shot a GPS approach. Weeeeee.

My “Oral” consisted of 3 pages of questions that I filled out. Sweet. Wipe the sweat off the brow. I don’t do well with tests, but if given a choice, I’ll take a written any day of the week over an Oral. Because the clouds were so bad that morning, Chuck (The Designated Flight Examiner, DPE) had to finish up with another pilot before we could go. So I sat on the dock with my stomach twisting, watching Sea Planes take off and land.

He finally came back and asked me to go pre-flight. Afterwards, we climbed in and taxied to the runway where he wanted a normal take off and landing. Here we go! My landing was flat. Grrrr, but he didn’t touch the controls. So far, so good. There was no one behind us, so he told me to set up for a soft field take off there on the runway. That threw me a bit as I knew to keep moving. So I’m rolling at ‘taxi speed’ when it dawns on me that I just need to go! I gun it and had a nice take off. The Landing was PERFECT! I added a touch of power at the right time, greased the landing and the nose wheel never came down. “All your landings should be like that” was Chuck’s response. We took off again (Normal) and went out for our maneuvers.

We started with turns around a point. Okay, I can do this. I entered downwind and started. Not my best, but I didn’t botch it completely. After one rotation he had me climb to do some stalls. Right on! Here I’m confident. “Let me do some clearing turns first”. I think Chuck liked that, too I think he liked that I was chatty and telling him what I was doing as I was doing it.

3 Power on stalls (one straight ahead, one turning left and one turning right) and on to slow flight. I was still slowing her down (going about 55 knots wanted her down to 40-45) when he said to give him a power off stall. “Don’t you want slow flight?” I asked. “You’re doing it” Oooookay. I was just thinking I could go slower, but I think I got a check mark in the maneuver so I wasn’t going to question it. Once again, did 3.

I then put on the hood and did some Instrument work, he then asked me to put my head down and turn right, left etc. As I did, I could feel the plane start to pull pretty badly. He then said recover, I looked up first at airspeed (which was falling - Add Power!) then at the AI (which was pitched up - drop the nose!) and the pulling? My flaps were down. I reached over and Chuck muttered “Dang, you’re catching on to my tricks”. I think I got big fat green check mark for that one.

Engine out time. This sucks. I looked everywhere for the airport, of course where did I not look? The freakin’ GPS. I was too busy gabbing away “Well first I’m going to put her at her best glide speed of 65 knots. Now I’m going to look for a place to put her” WHERE’S THE FREAKIN’ AIRPORT? Finally I picked a field, very wide, very long and favorable for the winds. “Okay, I’m going to put her in that brown field over there. Now I’m going to troubleshoot the cockpit, fuel, power, radios, blah blah blah” Chuck just kept nodding. Finally I said “Well, we’re still high, so I’m going to do some banking turns to lose this altitude” at this point we just chatted like we didn’t have a care in the world. “You know skydivers do this, just hang out as long as they can banking back and forth” I muttered something back, don’t remember, but I’m sure in a real emergency we wouldn’t be so calm. Finally we got to about 1000’ feet and he said “You’ve got the field made, let’s go back. Oh, and by the way, see that red water tower over there? That’s Wings of Flight, that’s where Sarah Palin is right now, oh and the Airport is behind us”. Yup. I could have made it. Oh well, he did say ‘we were landing on grass and dirt long before asphalt’.

That’s it?!?! No S-Turns? No steep turns? No VOR Tracking? No Short Fields? WHEW! I may actually do this thing!! “Give me a no flap landing” ERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! DAMN. Oh crap, oh crap, oh crap. Okay. I can do this. I can I can I can. Well, I can do the slip to land, but I know Chuck doesn’t like slips. Mike said I can do it without slipping, but we didn’t cover it! He just TOLD me it can be done....crap crap crap.

I turned final and realized I was way too high. “Mind if I slip to land?” I squeeked out. “It’s your plane, do what you have to” was his reply. I dipped the wing and stepped on the rudder. I got her down fast without picking up airspeed, but I was still a tad fast and bounced the landing. I stopped her and Chuck says “My controls” and starts our taxi back. Damn. That’s it. I failed. “You know, you could have extended your downwind and landed without doing that slipping crap”. My mind is beating itself up ‘I told you he doesn’t like slips. Way to go Sarah, you screwed the pooch’.

“Your slip was good though”. One tiny sliver in my gloom. He parked the plane, I shut down and he climbed out. Alan was walking up and as I was securing the cockpit and the plane I saw them talking. Chuck then walked off and Alan came up to me with a smile and his hand up for a high five. “I passed? Are you sure?” I was afraid to celebrate. Chuck hollered that he was gonna grab a quick lunch and meet us in his office for some paperwork.

I knew a bunch of people were waiting to hear how it went, but I was still afraid. Alan assured me that I was done, but I was afraid to hit the send button on a text that would tell everyone I did it. “What if I send it, and he comes back in here and says ‘Oops, I made a mistake, you’re not a pilot yet’” I seriously didn’t believe it until I had that giant Temporary Certificate in my hand. WHOO HOO! I’m official!

The flight back to OCF was just plain FUN. No stomach twisties, no potential questions rolling through my brain, No ‘eek!’ factor. Just flying. Too, Sarah Palin was due to speak at West Port High School which is just below the OCF pattern. Well, a little to the right...so we made a wider pattern that day. Big deal. (She left Wings of Flight and went straight to West Port. You could say she was following us! haha) Saw everyone in the field, the stage and the traffic! Oy!

Let’s just say, my landing at OCF was once again, not the best in my logbook, and as Alan looked at me with a pained expression, I said “Screw it, I’m a Private Pilot now!”, I laughingly made the call that I was clear of the runway and I think Alan made a noise which prompted someone to key the mic and say “You two sound like you’re having entirely too much fun”. They had no idea.

Oh, and my first official passenger landing (Alan’s a CFI, so does he really count as first passenger? Hummmm) with Holly and my Dad was waaaaaaay better than the one right before.

NOW, would anyone like to donate money to the “Make Sarah an Instrument Pilot” Fund?????

Overdue Update

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 18:14:28 -0400

Alot has happened since my last update. I flew my first Glass Cockpit in September. After landing, the jury was still out, but after thinking about it, I prefer the six pack. Now don’t get me wrong, if someone wants to give me a brand new Glass Cockpit Skyhawk (Or any plane for that matter) I will gladly take it and fly it.

Today I went and had lunch in St. Augustine. Got another pin in my map. Yay! Mike wasn’t able to go with me, so Alan took the risk and flew with me. We flew VFR there, had lunch and decided to file IFR back. I bought lunch and in return I made him do all the radio work. HEY! I talked to the tower on arrival! Cut me some slack.

On that note, each time they called 75611 it was as if they were saying my name. My ears perked up and I tuned in. When I flew Foxtrot Alpha to ORL, I was never really in tune as I don’t fly that one as much, but once in my girl, I was at attention every time. TOO, I got some actual instrument time. WOW. It’s one thing to wear goggles and not see anything but your instruments, it’s another to actually NOT see anything outside that window. I can definitely understand the spatial disorientation now. I was told I did well with all my work. 75611 has no auto-pilot so I had to hold the headings and altitude all on my own. Alan even had me do an ILS approach and wouldn’t let me look at the runway right up to the end. Yeah, that’s wasn’t a very good landing, so we went around and tried again this time, everything normal. Yeah, that wasn’t very good either.

Finally, it’s time for the check ride. I took my written test this morning and I passed. I won’t discuss my score because really....does it matter? I passed, right? Yeah. I’m leaving on a cruise Friday, but they want me to check ride that morning. So my cruise will either be a celebration or I’ll be drowning my sorrows with the drink of the day.

This Is The Way We Fly The Plane

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 23:55:04 -0400

Today was a good day. Alan signed me off for my cross country from OCF to CTY (Cross City) and back. Mike had left before I finished my flight plan so asked me to have Alan endorse my logbook.

Clouds were scattered, so I loaded up 75611, and departed 0-8. Climbed up to 4500’ and before I knew it, I was nearing CTY. I found a big break in the scattered clouds and descended. This process took me about 5 miles off course in the direction away from the airport, but I made it safely through the big break which kept me within FAA horizontal minimums. It was a very smooth trip and didn’t hit turbulence until I was under the clouds inbound for landing.

I had a good landing at CTY, taxied back and was once again on my way. I noted my take off time and bit my lip a little. I had reserved my girl till Noon. It was currently 11:45 and I had a 30 minute trip ahead of me. Oh well, nothing I can do about it now. At the appropriate time, I tuned into OCF’s frequency and listened. Not only was I listening to traffic, but perhaps a “75611, are you out there? Where are you?” :-D

After flying over OCF and seeing that the winds once again favored 0-8, and the AWOS reporting 6 knots, I set up for landing on 0-8. Everyone was using 3-6, but Alan had signed me off for a 7 knot crosswind. I didn’t want to risk gusts of 7 to 8 knots on 3-6, so I chose 0-8. Alan was in the pattern as well as two other folks. We all communicated with each other and everything worked out great. Sure, I knew the guys in the Mooney, who broke off and got out of the way, but I didn’t know the pilot who was waiting to depart 3-6, but he asked where I was, I told him and he waited. As soon as he saw me speed taxi down 0-8, he was on his way. Isn’t communication great?

After getting back to the office, I apologized for going over in time. No worries, no one was reserved after me...it was time for her 100 hour inspection. They were waiting for me to haul her into the hanger for her Doctor’s appointment ;-)

Tons of Solo Work

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:35:51 -0400

Today was a great day! First the plan was to go to Gainesville (GNV) and do my towered solos. During pre-flight, I discovered the front tire was too bald to go anywhere. Rather than switch planes, Ron said he would change it. Meanwhile, CFI Mike went over my cross country planning. He then asked if I wanted to go to GNV alone. I guess I still needed that security blanket and asked him to come along.

75611 was ready to go, loaded up and headed North. I made all the calls, Mr. Tower had me land on 2-5 and cleared to taxi to the FBO. The lineman waved me in, I got some last minute instructions from Mike and he hopped out. (To go eat too as they were cooking up food outside “Take your time” *sigh* Unfair). I called Gainesville Ground and when asked what my intentions were I told them two landings taxi back and one full stop. I wouldn’t be surprised if at that point they yelled in the tower “WE GOT ONE!”. I taxied to 2-5.

Sarah: Gainesville Tower, 75611.
Mr. Tower: 611, cleared for departure 2-5 make left hand traffic.
Sarah: Cleared for departure 2-5, left hand traffic, 611.

While turning left downwind, Mr. Tower called “611, cleared for 2-5”. I repeated back his instructions and did my landing (with a touch of a tailwind...whoa, amazing the difference it makes). Taxied back to Alpha 1, got situated at the hold short line and keyed the mic.

Sarah: Gainesville tower, 75611
Mr. Tower: 611, you are cleared for departure 2-5, make right hand traffic.
Sarah: Cleared for departure 2-5, right hand traffic, 611.

So now I’m approaching from the right, as a jet was departing 2-9 and I would have interfered with left hand traffic. Different sights out my window, but same idea and another fast landing. Cleared to exit Charlie 1 and taxi back. Last conversation was the same, but I got to make left hand traffic again for the last one. As I was coming in on final, since I was not cleared for landing, I called Mr. Tower and asked if I was cleared to land. He confirmed that I was and finished my approach. I touched down further on the runway and flew by Charlie 1, so I had to go to the end of the runway.

Mr. Tower: 611, you are clear to exit the runway, was this your first one?
Sarah: Yes sir.
Mr. Tower: You did a Good Job. You’re going back to the ramp, correct?
Sarah: Thank you. Yes sir, I have to go pick up my instructor.
Mr. Tower: Haha, well he’s probably listening, but tell him you don’t need him anymore. You’re cleared, stay on this frequency.
Sarah: Thank you!

Okay, so it probably wasn’t proper for me to reply the way I did, but all is well in the world because Mr. Tower said I did a good job. As I said, I think they knew right away I was doing solo tower work when I wanted to do 3 full stop landings.

I got back to the FBO, Mike hopped in and also said I did a good job. I asked if he heard the last conversation, he said “No”, I was hesitant to tell him. :-D For the last time, I called up, was cleared for my southbound departure and waved good-bye to Mr. Tower.

After a short break back at OCF, I checked the weather, got refueled and headed on my Solo Long Cross Country. Winter Haven (GIF) to Brooksville (BKV) and back to OCF. Another uneventful (which is a good thing) trip. Though, when I thought I was downwind of 1-1 at GIF, I realized I was downwind of the wrong runway. Made a quick correction (basically a degree or two) and landed just fine. Taxied back, departed for BKV. Watched the traffic on I-4 and later on I-75 and was glad I was 2000’ MSL. BKV had a couple folks in the pattern, but I fit in just fine. Some gentleman was ready to depart 0-3 and I was landing on 0-9. He asked where I was after calling final, I replied 1 mile, he said he would wait. I got on the pavement, he asked if I had landed, and after a “yes sir” he departed. Once again, taxied back and headed home. I beat the weather too, as there was some lightening East of the airport.

Total flight time for the entire day? 4.1 hours. I didn’t even get a 100 dollar hamburger or any food all day! I’ll have to fix that next time!

Bose Aviation Headset X

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:16:07 -0400

The doorbell rang. My head perked up from my computer screen and I ambled over to the door. I peeked through the peep hole and saw no one. In the background, distorted and tiny, I saw a brown truck. I knew immediately what would be sitting on the ground and I turned the lock and swung open the door.

First thing I saw was my name emblazoned across the box, then, I saw the unmistakable BOSE logo. OMG OMG OMG! It’s here! I knew it was due today, but having to work in Orlando all day, I figured I wouldn’t get to see it, smell it, play with it until tomorrow. UPS Rocks!

Dad purchased, years upon years ago, the Noise Canceling headset by Bose. Mom’s Acura Legend (when she had it) was a Bose system. The Bose wave radio sits on Dad’s night-stand. Definitely a name you can trust when it comes to sound. Pricey? Yes, but so worth it. I ordered direct from Bose for a couple reasons.

1- Factory warranty. Yeah, you still get it when you buy from, say Sporty’s, but it’s the same price and why not get it straight from them? That way, if there are any problems, less chance of a run around.

2- Free in ear Bose headphones with purchase. Hundred dollar value. Uh, yeah.

3- Payment Plan. No interest. Hello!

They are so LIGHT! LOVE them. Less clamping on the sides of my head too. Right now, my Avcomm ‘trainers’ are so bulky and tight. Headaches are pretty common after flying. Part dehydration (there’s a fine line between staying hydrated and having to pee 3500’ feet up) and part big bulky clampy headset pinching brain. I can already tell these are going to be fantastic! I wore them around the house for a bit with the Noise Reduction turned on while getting ready for work (and all while maintaining a twitter conversation LOL). I’m sure I was a sight to see. I can’t wait to go flying with these!

“It was a great landing and I’m sure Eileen Collins will be happy with it”

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 14:55:12 -0400

Apologies to LeRoy Cain of NASA for use of his quote :-)

Was planning a cross country to Winter Haven (GIF), Crystal River (CGC) and back but the weather didn’t cooperate. So I went up into the pattern for some touch & go’s.

Landing #1. 20º of flaps. Perfect approach. Soft landing. Helicopter had me in sight and followed behind.

Landing #2. 30º of flaps. A little slow airspeed wise so I dropped the nose, sank a bit right at the runway, but still pretty soft. On crosswind, another aircraft asked where I was, called back that I was turning downwind. He spotted me and went around to try and join the pattern again as I think I was in his way. Tucked behind me for a full stop.

Landing #3. 20º of flaps. Perfect approach. Soft landing. (I see a pattern here. I think 20º is my golden choice). Another small plane had taken off while I was on base for this landing.

Landing #4. 20º of flaps. A plane in front of me. Another on crosswind and 2 awaiting departure for closed traffic. Time to full stop and get outta there. Good approach and I hear that CFI Mike is one of the awaiting departures. Can I tell you? That last landing was so good, I didn’t even feel it touch the runway. Even better than the one that made the angels weep awhile back. I seriously thought I was still floating. Whoo hoo!

Summary? 20º seems to work best for me.

Those Ocala Nights

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:57:42 -0400

There it is folks! I finally brought my camera. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s rewind to 10 am this morning. I took 75611 up for 1.0 of S-Turns and 2 good landings. Well, wait, I’m getting ahead again. I was talking to Brad about my ‘slump’ of, crap, I’m getting ahead of myself again.

I had a bad day this week. I had a “I can’t do this” day. I was scheduled to take my check ride this coming Tuesday. After a bout of tears and feeling sorry for myself I decided I’m not going to push myself to frustration for an arbitrary date. So after an online purchase * :-) *, I was cheered up a bit and came back the next day.

NEXT. I was talking to Brad about said slump when he got a phone call. Their Mooney was sitting on 3-6 runway with a flat tire. Uh-oh. Asked for 611’s keys and got outta there. There was a bit of excitement on the runway and as I departed 2-6, I heard someone ask if the 3-6 was clear yet and it was. Found out from Mike that they had landed and when they tried to take off, it was pulling to the left. They had to get a dolly under the left tire and then towed it slowly back to the hangar.

NEXT. 1.0 hours. S-Turns and 2 Landings.

NEXT. Back at 8:30 pm. 596FA. Departed 1-8, flew over Ocala and promised Mom I would fly by her window, do a 180 and fly back. I sure enough did. They had the lights off in the room and watched for me, but after calling, found out I was not seen. Sad.

After a few photos, we headed back to OCF for my 2 landings. The first one was <singing> Peerrrrr-Feeeeect! </singing> Then we turned around...

Mike was doing the flying so I could take this shot:

Went back to 1-8 for our second landing. Oh. Did I tell you my second landing was <singing> Perrrrrrr-feeeeeect? </singing>.

Orlando at Night

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 23:55:55 -0400

Flew in Foxtrot Alpha tonight (an SP) and used the automatic pilot on the way down. How weird to just sit there and the plane flies itself. Called Orlando Approach and they threw a curve-ball. I was all ready to tell them everything I had written down, when they said to squawk a code and ident. Mike stepped in and took care. Then Approach called back and I got the nod to read off what I had written down. We were cleared into Bravo Airspace and I acknowledged.

It was quiet at Orlando Executive (ORL) and came in over the Lake for 25. Taxied off and headed back to 25. Was cleared for Departure and we headed back to Ocala. I did all the flying back. No “cruise control”, as I like to call it. Had 3 full stop landings and we called it a night. I only need 2 more, but it was edging to 11pm and he said it was up to me. I said I wanted to come back another night and bring my camera.

I think I’m a fan of flying at night. It’s very smooth and so much cooler. I promise, hopefully I can get some good photos next time I go up at night. But for now, I have a cross country tomorrow morning and some Gainesville (GNV) tower work on Wednesday!

Night Flights and Solo Cross Country

Fri, 8 Aug 2008 00:17:52 -0400

Thursday night I had my first night flight with CFI Mike. It was so nice and smooth, and my nerves abated a bit after takeoff. We cruised around for awhile and flew over Ocala. What a great sight. As we headed back, Mike did the first landing and the wheels touched before I expected them to. We then went around again for my first stab. Of the three, I only remember the last and the fact that once again we met the pavement before I thought we would. I’ll have to work on those.

My solo cross country to Cross City (CTY) occurred Friday. I arrived at Noon and the weather was not looking good. I filled out the flight plan and everything was clearing up. CFI Mike signed me off and sent me out to 739 Papa Charlie. I had never flown this one before. 40 degrees of flaps and would you believe the big N, E, S, W markings were not on the Directional Gyro. Took me a minute each time to call my position. It was quite boring, which I figured was a good thing. But I discovered a couple things. The Trim on Papa Charlie is very sensitive, and I don’t like flying this particular plane. My landing at CTY was okay. My landing at OCF was cross and 26 was looking really really good as I had the rudder to the floor and the wing down for 18. So my OCF landing was.....well every landing you walk away from is a good landing, right? So my OCF landing was good. :-P

Foiled Again!

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:50:36 -0400

After starting the plane, I realized that I forgot to tighten my boom mic on my headset. Yesterday every time I made a call I had to push it up to my lips and when I let go, it swung away. So, we shut down and ran in looking for a tiny screwdriver. Ron tightened it up for me and we were off again!

I flicked the little button for AWOS and waited. And waited. And waited. Mike finally said “Are you sure you’re on the right frequency?”. Grrrrrr. He had monkeyed with it when I wasn’t looking. Everything was wrong. So, without his help (which is exactly what I needed as the radios are my weakness) I tuned in AWOS. Got the altimeter set and winds, etc. Then I called “Ocala traffic, Skyhawk 75611, taxi to one eight, Ocala”.

“Are you on the right frequency?” I didn’t even have to look at the radio to know he monkeyed with that as well. *sigh* Fixed the problem and we were off.

After departing, we left the pattern on the downwind leg and I started to tune into Gainesville. We were going to try some towered solos. Once again Mike had me do all the radio work, which was great. Now I know, for sure, how to tune in. Once again we practiced what I would say, and looking at the airport diagram he explained how they’ll probably have me taxi, etc.

About halfway there, someone called for landing and the tower replied that he only has 2 miles of visibility and about to go IFR. Crap. We made a U-turn and sure enough you can see all the different rain showers all over. No towered solos today. We returned to OCF, did two 10 knot crosswind landings and called it a day. Florida weather sucks sometimes.

And the Angels Wept

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:30:18 -0400

My first of five touch and go’s today was so beautiful the Angels wept a half hour later. I had 3 GREAT landings today and 2 good ones. A fantastic day! Until the rain came.

It is so surreal, awesome, incredible and unique to fly and see the rain coming. There was a shower North of the airport and one West and creeping closer and closer with every landing. I figured I shouldn’t push it and called full stop on #5. After tying up my girl, the rain, thunder and lightning came in full force.

We hung out in the equipment shed and watched the rain pour while Wes cooked up some cheeseburgers. I guess I’ll have to start chipping in to the food pool.

**Yes, the photo above was taken with my phone. No, I didn’t catch the lightning, that’s just my awesome photoshop skills :-) Yes, it was a wicked storm and the lightning was present. No, the “N” models do not get placed in the hangar. Yes, that’s 75611 on the far left.

Gainesville Tower......I’m Baaaaaack!

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:00:22 -0400

Back to Gainesville for more tower work. I was given a choice this morning. Leesburg or Gainesville. Well you see my choice. I don’t know why, but I feel more comfortable up there. The faceless voice just seems.....nicer.

On the way we practiced what I would say. We also had another simulated engine failure. They’re so common now. Was told a tip. Racetracks made great runways. They’re long, wide and straight. Ocala is horse country, so if I lose my engine around town, I’m good to go!

My initial call to Gainesville tower was greeted with flutters in the stomach as I’m always afraid my mind will go *poof* once I click the button, but I’m happy to report that it did not happen.

“Gainesville tower, 75611”
“75611, Gainesville Tower, go ahead”
“75611, Skyhawk one seven two, 15 to the south at 1700 feet, request touch and go’s, information Juliet”
“611 report 5 miles, anticipate left base for two five”
“Report 5 miles, anticipate left base two five, 611”

“Gainesville tower, 75611, 5 miles south”
“611, left base two five, cleared for the option”
“Left base two five, cleared for the option, 611”

At one time the tower told me they would call my base, I responded back what he said and it was all good. Yay! I think I’ve officially conquered a towered field! Still didn’t want to do my towered solos just yet, even though I was asked if I wanted to. I think I’ll be ready next time.

On the lighter side, ended up hanging out at the airport all day. I got done around Noon and didn’t leave till 4-ish. Watched Alan wash a plane, cracked jokes with Wes, watched Brad spin foggles, let Ron tease me about my landings and listened to Mike ask me to pimp him out. Good times. OH, and by the way guys....never got my laundry done.

Touch & Go’s

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:09:01 -0400

Today I spent more solo time in the air. This time with my girl, 75611. I think she was still upset with me for soloing in Foxtrot Alpha as on our second landing we porpoised a couple times. How embarrassing. The third wasn’t all that much better, nor was the first. I was about to give up the ghost for awhile and practice some maneuvers out West but sucked it up and tried again. Four, Five, Six & Seven were much better.

I had to abort landing attempt #1 as someone was on approach and I guess he wanted to ignore all my calls previous for as I was about to turn final he called for a 2 mile final “anyone in the traffic please advise”. UH, YEAH! Hello! I’ve been calling out every leg! I told him I had him in sight and I would go around. Gave the girl full throttle, flaps to 10 and merged over to the upwind leg. When I got back to the school, I told them what happened and I was told a couple things. First, if ever in doubt ‘go-around’. I did. Good. Second, for him to call “anyone in traffic please advise” is WRONG. I was told that last lesson and for CFI Mike to NEVER hear me say that. When I heard this guy say it I figured he didn’t give a rat’s ass that I was in the pattern and I was all set up for landing so I better get out of his way.

They also asked how the rest of it went, and I said if they didn’t see that second landing, then everything was great. If they did....well. Yeah. Of course I was razzed that I didn’t make 7 landings, but 8 or 9. I went outside to take the above picture and as I came back in I joked with Ron “Is it normal for the propeller to be in the ground?”

1.1 in the logbook for PIC. 7 okay landings. Hot but beautiful day.

3.0 Hours of Hood Work. Check.

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 22:51:20 -0400

Well the Hobbs meter ran for awhile trying to get out of Ocala. Planes kept coming in. Besides we didn’t get any weather information so I set the altimeter to field elevation and finally we were off with a soft-field takeoff.

We cut between some clouds, climbed up to 4500’ and it was time to put on the dreaded ‘hood’. Well once again I kicked some Instrument ass. Stayed within standards under the hood with a 30º turn to the left and 45º turns to the left and the right. Maintained heading on Power off and Power on stalls. More Unusual Attitudes, Slow Flight (I chose clean) and VOR tracking to Crystal River (CGC). I took off the goggles, did a 45º into the downwind and did the best soft-field landing I could. Eh. We taxied back and did a soft-field takeoff.

As we were climbing, I was told to put the goggles back on. Then I was told we were going to practice short-field landings.......at Cedar Key (CDK). *gasp* Wait. Whoa. Isn’t that, like, one of the most dangerous airports in Florida? 2300’ runway? Um, well, okay, Mike’s in the seat next to me...and we are in a little single engine....and if it doesn’t look good, well... “go around”. Just when I was starting to get comfortable with the idea, Mike figures we better practice at our airport. Back to OCF.

I VOR’d our butts back to OCF when I was told “You’ve got your hour, you can take your hood off”. Yay! I’ve got my 3.0 hours done. Mike then demonstrated a short field landing and we taxied back to our parking spot for some ground work. As we headed back to the office I was told that my Instrument work is very good. <gloat moment> The best of his students </gloat moment> How many students total do you have Mike?

So now to build up my solo hours, get our dual night flying done, solo cross country and a few other pesky little things and I’ll be almost ready for that checkride. Yeah, where’s that study book again? Anyone willing to run flash cards with me?

Towers, Towers, Towers!

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:02:02 -0400

Cross country from OCF to LAL (Lakeland) over to LEE (Leesburg) and finally back home to OCF. My whoopsie moment was when I called LAL Tower with “Leesburg Tower, 75611”. Er, oops. I was told by the disembodied voice that I was on the wrong frequency. Yeah, well, not really. “I’m sorry, Lakeland Tower, 75611”. Not too bad from there. Handled most of the communications. CFI Mike jumped in once or twice. Had to do a straight in approach after I extended my downwind. I’m not too great at these as I never know when to start descending. But would you believe, it was a very nice landing. We requested to taxi back and depart once again.

On our way to LEE, I looked out and saw the Turnpike Toll Booth. Well, HAHA! It’s awesome seeing things that I go through every Monday & Tuesday below. Quite a different perspective:

LEE was awful busy. Reported my 15 miles and was told to land on 21. After a couple other instructions, we landed with a standard pattern (thank you!) and taxied back for departure. Much to their dismay, as they said we could stay and play. Mike told them we were trying to beat some weather, which we were. It was getting a tad ‘foggy’ around OCF. I was following my map pretty well in the air and we decided to do a bit of “dead reckoning” back to OCF. I spotted Lake Weir, US 441 and other checkpoints. Next thing I know, I see the K-Mart Distribution Center ahead (Giant white roof). It’s a pretty big landmark at OCF and common to use for getting back.

Mike asked me to cross the field at 1500 and teardrop into the downwind for 36. Right as we were about to cross, Mike yanked the throttle out and called simulated engine failure. Awww man......Well....land on runway 26. After some pretty steep turns to bleed airspeed and altitude we had a good landing on 26. As we taxied back I mentioned “My smart ass self should have just pushed the throttle back in and said ‘problem fixed!’”. Mike then said something along the lines of, if I HAD done that he probably would have accepted it as I did ‘troubleshooting’ or something. Well.....eh, it’s good practice.

On a side note, when I first arrived, Alan presented me with my shirt tale. Now, how to display it? I know some folks go all out. Any suggestions?

**Well apparently the launch of the new “MobileMe” has messed up some applications. Although I am able to publish blogs, the comment widget is not working correctly. I don’t know when the comments widget will be working. In the meantime I loaded a ‘shoutbox’ for comments. I guess this will be my new comment system until things are back to normal.

SOLO!

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 15:54:54 -0400

I got home Thursday night and there was a thick envelope from the FAA in the mailbox. I opened it up and the third or fourth sheet in was my Medical/Student Pilot License. I have to do a bit more than the average pilot to renew my medical every three years, but that is NO PROBLEM for me!

When I got to the airport we were planning on a cross country to Lakeland (where we were going to meet up with Holly and have lunch) then up to Leesburg and then back home to Ocala. But with the form in my hand it all changed. I called Holly and told her I was going to Solo and not to expect us.

We filled out all the required paperwork and I was out the door for preflight. My baby girl, 75611, was getting a spa treatment and she’s missing some parts so it was off to Foxtrot Alpha. A few differences. 5 fuel sumps in each wing and 3 in the nose. Fuel Injected. The one sump in the nose sprayed and got me in the mouth. Nothing like a little AVGAS in the morning!

Mike gave me a short tour of the cockpit (a couple more differences) and we took off. We did three touch and go’s on a calm runway three six. Mike grabbed my camera and snapped a couple shots of the third approach:

He then said “Okay, drop me off”. He told me to do 3 and then come back. Now, while we were up there together, there were a couple planes coming and going. One was in the pattern with us but eventually left and by the third one we were alone. As we were taxiing back, there were a couple radio calls of folks on their way in. I had to share the playground. (OH, and there was this one jerk, on the second dual landing, who didn’t have a radio or chose not to use it and cut us off from the right while we were on short final. NOT cool. Or safe. And please let him be gone by the time I go solo....he was.)

Well, I’m on my own. I departed runway three six and as soon as my wheels left the ground I knew I was committed. I stayed in the pattern, watched my airspeed and repeated in my head over and over: “Pitch for speed, throttle for altitude. Pitch for speed, throttle for altitude....”. I was a bit high (but most of my approaches are anyway, so no big surprise there) and had a bumpy but okay landing.

For some reason I was more nervous on the second. I guess it finally sunk in that I had no one sitting next to me to bounce questions off of. Maybe I realized it when I was much higher on final for the second landing. Should I use my third notch of flaps? Well Sarah, *pucker factor* if you’ve got ‘em, use ‘em. I did and I got down without picking up speed and another landing. Better than the first.

The third was once again high, but the smoothest of the three.

As I taxied into the parking spot Alan and Mike pulled up in the cart and were smiling and snapped a shot of taxi skills. I got out feeling a bit like Maverick wanting a need for speed.

Time for the traditional shirttail cutting.

“A tradition among student and CFI's after a first solo flight. Some say this tradition is rooted in the old days of flight instruction, before radios, and before a CFI and student would sit side by side. It is said that to get the students attention in the "in-line" configuration, a CFI would tug on the shirt tails of his student seated directly in front of him. Once you solo, you no longer need the shirt tug. hence the removal of your shirt tails.”

With my shirttail gone (and my new t-shirt over the mutilated one) we scheduled another flight, celebrated a bit, filled out my logbook (which I got to log myself for the first time) and headed out to celebrate the rest of Independence Day. July 4 Independence Day has two meanings for me now. The day our country declared our Independence from England, and the day I flew Independently of my CFI.

Gainesville Tower, I Have No Idea What I’m Doing

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 21:21:53 -0400

Did my cross country today. Flew up to Gainesville (GNV), landed, taxied back to the runway and departed for Cross City (CTY). Did a touch and go, then a full stop. Headed back to Ocala (OCF) for another touch and go then full stop. Of the 5 landings, the last was my best. Gotta love your home airport.

As far as the tower went. Blech. I wimped out for most of it and Mike had to key the mic. Then he told me to answer them when they told me to hold short of 07. As soon as I pressed the button, my mind went blank. Oh boy. I never had radio fright till now. They’re very nice and not rushed or anything like some of the horror stories, but I still botched it. Next week we will be returning for some more tower “torture”. Yippee. Can’t wait.

Did find the tower feed for GNV online. I’ll be tuning in all week. You can bet on that.

As far as the cross country went, I would say overall I did okay. My checkpoints were a little wonky on the GNV to CTY leg but there’s not much out there to begin with. For the home stretch Mike told me to go VOR and turned the GPS screen ‘off’ so I couldn’t cheat. I got us home with no problems.

Oh, and a tip that I was told last week by Ron. After you highlight your sectional with your route, you can save your map by dipping a Q-tip in some bleach and running it across your highlights. It takes just the marker off and leaves the map ink alone. Just a tip from me, don’t rub too hard or you’ll take the ink with it.

** for the non pilot readers, a sectional is an airspace map. Here’s a snippet of one:

Unusual Attitude Recovery

Fri, 6 Jun 2008 23:24:55 -0400

Did 1.1 hours of hood work today. For those that don’t know, that is when you wear a sight limiting helmet or goggles. It allows you to see your cockpit instruments, but not out the window for visual clues. It’s to simulate flying in clouds, or anything else which does not allow you to see the ground or the horizon. I seem to have a knack for this, as when told to take a heading of this and climb or descend to that I did fairly well.

I then continued to wear the hood and do power on and power off stalls. If that wasn’t enough, we then did stalls while turning. Oh, I really didn’t like that. Thankfully we only did a few of those. We moved on to slow flight and finally finished with some unusual attitude recovery. Today was my first time doing so. When my CFI Mike told me “Let me know if you get sick or dizzy” I was like “Whaaaa? Um, Okay”. Chin to my chest and eyes closed he took control of the airplane. Well, “control” of the airplane. He dipped, he dived, he climbed, he descended. Actually I have no idea what he was doing, but my stomach told me it was fun whatever it was. During the first I gripped the arm rest and in my mind I said “What’s this metal thing I’m grabbing on to?” then it dawned on me that it was the door lock. I then removed my hand, cinched my belt and placed it onto the bottom of my seat.

“Recover” Mike said. I looked up, grabbed both the yolk and the throttle and went to my AI and my brain said “Whoa”. We were in a right wing down dive. I then scanned the other instruments and made my adjustments and recovered calmly. Now everything I just stated above took less time than it took for you to read this, but I had to tell you “whoa” because I think if I were able to see out the window I would have probably being going “crap”.

We did three more, but none were as extreme as that first one, however the last one he dipped and dove for a full minute or so (seemed like forever as I clutched the bottom of my seat. Talk about the seat of your pants!) Mike then said the magic words “recover”. I immediately grabbed the yolk and throttle and scanned. Scanned. Scanned. Scanned. Meanwhile I’m making no adjustments.

“What are you doing?!?!” Mike says.

“Um” scanning, scanning, scanning, scanning, “Uh, Nothing?”

“Yeah, I tricked you and put it back in straight and level” Mike laughs.

I will say it was a good test. I kept scanning and my brain is saying “we’re okay” and I would scan “we’re okay, right?” scan scan scan “right?”.

We then we to Williston Airport for a few touch and go’s (not the best I’ve done, but...eh...maybe when I can solo that’s all I’ll practice for a day) and then headed back to Ocala for a few more touch and go’s.

NOW, I was asked if I’ve seen the Doctor yet, and the answer (at the time was ‘no’) but now it is “YES”. I gave her the letter sent to me by the FAA, because they explain exactly what they want in there. We talked and I told her how I haven’t had one in over 6 months because of my diet. I’m eating better and we both believe that all the crap some of us eat can really trigger problems. (So, to all the people out there that said “Why are you on Weight Watchers?” while sneering...THAT’S WHY!) I also explained that I have never gotten halo’s, blacked out or been so incapacitated by one that I couldn’t function. The Imitrex I take gives me no ill side affects either. The worse symptom of the migraines is that I get nauseous. She wrote up another letter and I paid my co-pay and went home. I called Dr. Benson and set up another appointment, but turns out that’s not what I need. All I need to do is send in my new information with a post-it or a note stating I’d like to be re-considered. YAY! I’ll be doing that Wednesday when I get back home from Orlando!

They Call the Wind Mariah

Fri, 16 May 2008 14:21:35 -0400

So I met Mike, my new instructor, and we went up in the Skyhawk 75611. What a windy day! Also, visibility was poor so we did straight and level, slow flight, S turns and turns around a point. We headed back to the airport for some crosswind landings.

One day, Mary and I were in the Piper Cherokee and did about 5 crosswind landings. Turns out the winds were around 21 knots! The winds were strong today, but I’m not sure what the speed was, but it was definitely my first try in the Skyhawk. Well, it was a tad embarrassing, we did 3 landings, and the last we were bouncing around all over the runway. Gag.

Mike said I had a great take-off (considering it had been about 3 months since my last flight) and everything else looked great. Turns around a point took a bit to ‘get into’ but I finally got it. His criticism is that I’m too timid with the throttle, so I’m gonna work on being a bit more aggressive with it. My approaches were spot on, but as I said above, the landings....gag.

We’re going to start getting into Cross Country and filing flight plans. Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about!

A Kick in the Pants

Sun, 4 May 2008 22:56:32 -0400

Yesterday, Dad and I went to the Astronaut Hall of Fame Inductions. Unlike last year, where they cut the line off too early (Jim Lovell), they had a ‘stand-by’ line to see Bob Crippen, America’s First Space Shuttle Pilot. As you can see from the picture above, I made it.

Now I have to rewind a bit. I went to the airport Friday to buy another log book (to use as an autograph book) AND to schedule a flight. I will meet my new instructor, Mike, Friday the 18th. Mike is available Friday mornings at 10. When I explained to Brad and Ron why I wanted another log book, they thought it was a great idea.

So back to the Crippen. The prep girls looked at the cover of the book and said “clever”. It was now my turn to meet him. The girls slid my log book over and Mr. Crippen commented immediately about how he liked the idea. He then asked if I was a pilot, which I responded “Student, yes”. How many hours did I have? etc. He asked me to please get my IFR as he’s lost many friends and would hate to see something happen to me.

We talked some more and it was all about flying. This was the highlight of my day. OH, and as far as the question you might have of “why didn’t you get in the line sooner to assure you would meet him?” Welllllll, that’s because I was having lunch with Apollo 16 Moon-walkers Charlie Duke and John Young over on the other side of the complex.

AND wandering around with his Daughter and Granddaughter was Guenter Wendt, Pad Leader for Mercury, Gemini, Apollo. He worked STS until his retirement in 1998.

AND 5 time shuttle Astronaut “Hoot” Gibson remembered me as I waved Space Camp Barbie, which garnered a smile and a thumbs up. All in all it was a FANTASTIC day which is huge departure from last years debacles. But that’s another story....

OH! and
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICAN SPACE FLIGHT!
Tomorrow is the anniversary date of Alan Shepard’s historic flight.

Ocala UNICOM is 123.0

Wed, 2 Apr 2008 20:51:10 -0400

So I haven’t been back as often as I would like for one main reason. Usually I scheduled my flights on Fridays at 10am. My new instructor is not available on weekdays until 12pm. Why haven’t I arranged another instructor or some other plan? I haven’t told the owner of the school yet. Yeah, lack of communication on my part.

Okay, maybe it’s two things. I still haven’t made time to see my doctor about writing up a detailed migraine history report. I feel like I’m wasting my time and money going to the airport without that solo under my belt. But why haven’t I made the time? Deep down, do I not want to do this anymore? Or am I really just that busy. Some days I want it. I really want it. Other days I, pfffft, don’t have the passion. That isn’t correct either. Passion is the wrong word. I have the passion. I love flying, the history, the planes, the fact that you’re high above the ground because of something as simple as lift. BUT I don’t have the passion to be a pilot. Does that make sense? Or rather, I want to be a pilot without having to do the hard stuff.

Anyway, I feel as if I’m rambling now so I’ll be back in a few days where I write a blog about how much I want this.

FAA and Medicals

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 23:40:52 -0400

Well I got a letter from the FAA asking for more information on my migraines. So I'm going to have to go back to my prescribing doctor and ask her to write up another more complete report on a list of items.

The great news is, since I've been on my diet, my migraines have been limited to an average of maybe 1 every 3 or 4 months. Before I was averaging 1 every 1 to 2 months. I knew that 80% of my triggers were food related, so this will help me in informing the FAA that they are few and far between. Also, I do NOT, nor have I ever, gotten the aura or tunnel vision migraines. Another plus in my pursuit of the illustrious 3rd Class Medical.

It's just a major pain in the butt because I had my physical back in October/November. Ugh...by the time I get approved, it will be time for another physical!

Anyway, I can't solo until I get that stupid thing in my hand. And I'm ready!!! I'm soooooooo ready! It's just another discouragement in my mind.

Well I guess if it were easy, everyone would do it. Too bad they don't make it this tough to drive a car....

Back in the Saddle Again

Fri, 8 Feb 2008 23:24:36 -0500

Well I went back up since Dec 7. The last time I flew was Dec 7 as Dec 14 we only had ground school.

I decided to start this blog to keep track from here out of things I learned and my thoughts and feelings. Perhaps too I will link my instructor to this blog so that he will know what I walk away with each lesson. We'll see.

For those that don't know, my previous instructor Mary, the one I had ground school with on the 14th of December, killed herself the next day. After the memorial service I stayed away from the airport for awhile. It was arranged that I would start working with a guy named Evan. Well here it is, two months and one day from my last flight.

I arrived at 1:15 for my 1:30 appointment. I was shaking when I packed up my flight bag, and with my nerves, had the urge to throw up. On the drive over, I choked up a couple times thinking of Mary. I sucked it up and though I said out loud a few times "I don't want to do this", I pulled into the airport. I was given the keys to the plane and headed out to do my preflight.

I completed my preflight and waited to meet Evan.

And waited.

And waited.

And waited.

The cool thing was there was an Airport Open House that had some WWII bombers, I got to see two of them land among other very cool planes, while waiting in the shade of my planes wing.

Finally Evan walked up and apologized as he thought we were meeting later. Yogurt.

He is very cool and not a total opposite of Mary, but very calm and very easy to fly with. He certainly asks me many more questions than Mary, but like Mary, he's easy to talk to and I don't feel stupid asking questions. VERY important when looking for an instructor!

We did some slow flight, and I learned the "dirty" version. Apparently slow flight without flaps is "clean", which is what Mary and I did, now I know the "dirty" version which involves the use of flaps.

Power Off stalls. The same as I did with Mary, but less..."panicked" than Mary. Very cool. Didn't like them before because of the RUSH RUSH RUSH feeling, but I may learn to like them now.

Power On stalls. Always enjoy these, and nothing new there.

Touch & Go's. First at Dunnellon airport (THANK GOD as Ocala was BUSY BUSY BUSY). The first two I was turning base too early and I was way too high. I told Evan to bear with me...it's been two months!! So we didn't even touch down the first two attempts.

Third attempt was much better. Not bad for such a long break was my response. The fourth was okay. We got back into the pattern for another landing, but we would have to extend the downwind for another plane and it was getting close to 4 so we left the pattern and went back to Ocala.

Evan had to tweak my yolk (wow that sounds dirty, but I assure you it's not) on the first Ocala attempt and we took off and went again. He said we had time for two more, but my back was aching and asked we did a full stop. WELL, right as I was about to drop the flaps 10 degrees, Evan reached over yelled "OH NO" and pulled the engine to idle. He said "you just lost your engine, what do you do now?" I just looked at him like "huh?"

Not the best reaction, sure, but I was like "WTF is he doing?" then I realized he's simulating an emergency. And made the call on the radio his intentions. So he answered for me and said "If I were you, I would turn base now". So I did, and made the call. He also said he wouldn't be below 500 before turning final, so looking at my glide speed and all, I started right into final approach and made the call.

I did it all!! The landing was the best of the day. I kept the nose off a lot better than previous landings and it was a soft one. Yay.

So I think I made all my observations above, both about the flight and the new instructor. I will be cutting back to 1 or 2 lessons a month as I need to pay some bills, but I will continue this thing and I will get that license!

Sad News

Wed, 19 Dec 2007 19:56:32 -0500

My instructor, Mary, died over the weekend. I just got the phone call. They're holding a memorial service Friday at 10 when I had a flight scheduled. Monday I got an email that my reservation had changed to a different instructor. I figured she was busy that day or something came up and I would be working with him until our next appointment, seeing as Mary wasn't leaving till mid-January. I looked at the flight schedule and it said 'tex' under her name. As I said, I got the call this morning, and her family is flying her body back to Texas, but they were going to have a service if I wanted to attend that instead of my flight. Well of course I do! I'm just in shock over this entire thing. I didn't think it would hit me as hard as it had. I liked her, we had fun together. It's just not right. Not right at all.

Greased Lightning!

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 19:40:57 -0500

We did touch and go's today. John Travolta watched. Yes, he was taxing to the runway when I was on my downwind. Mary said it was him and pointed the plane, a Gulfstream G-2, out to me. She told me that he was listening to my radio calls. I said "the calls don't bother me so much as him watching me land this plane". She replied "You better make it a good one then". Ha! Great. I blocked it all out and it was a good landing. We ended the day on that note and I noticed his plane has his initials on it... JT is the ending of his registration number.

He took off and flew 6 miles to Greystone airport, his home. We switched channels and listened. He was there in a minute or less, I bet he didn't even retract his landing gear. Beautiful plane.

Yup, that’s his!

Plane For Sale

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:39:16 -0400

They sold the Piper Cherokee. I will now be flying a Cessna Skyhawk 172. Also, the FAA has to approve my medical, so I will not be doing my solo until that comes in. Could be 30-60 days. Mary said we will progress past the solo and when the certificate arrives, we will go back and do my solo. So we're staying on track for now, just sucks I have to wait. Mary also got a new job and will be leaving in mid-January. I hope the certificate comes in before she leaves. I'd like her to see me solo, since she is my instructor and has been since I started this thing.

Privately Private

Sat, 11 Aug 2007 23:22:24 -0400

I'm getting my pilot's license. Well working toward it anyway.

Piper Cherokee 140 N6711J

I did my first radio calls Wednesday. "Ocala Traffic, Cherokee six seven one one Juliet, taxi to runway three six, Ocala". I nailed it.

"Ocala Traffic, six seven one one Juliet, departing runway three six, Ocala"

Mary (my instructor) said I did it perfect. Sometimes students make up stuff right after she tells them what to say. Also did power on stalls. Wow, roller coaster. I don't know if I like them or not. We're going to do more today, and learn Power off stalls, so we'll see. I'll let you know. I get frustrated at times, but it's because it's so much information. I need to write down questions. But, I don't know what those questions are, ya know? Anyway, I'll keep you posted. But for now diary, I'm going to bed. I have to study tomorrow before my flight.