20th Lesson

Okay, 20 lessons in now. I was supposed to go out flying around the local area solo yesterday, but we had direct crosswinds of 10-12kt at the airport, which is more than Jim recommended that I fly solo in. So, since Jim was still available at the planned flight time, we went out together and worked on my instrument hours. We took off and went north, and then when we reached our altitude and I got the plane trimmed up, Jim had me put on the Jeppshades (like these: http://sportys.com/Pilotshop/product/9407). I got 0.6 hours of instrument training in. We practiced the usual maneuvers - power off stalls, straight and level flight, turns, and climbs and descents both straight and turning - but I could only see the instrument panel. We also practiced unusual attitude correction. Jim would have me close my eyes, then hang my head down and turn it to the left, then fly the plane blind for a few minutes (while he fiddled with the trim wheel I might add). After a while like this, you typically end up in an unexpected attitude. The first time I was in a 45 degree bank to the left doing 120mph and descending - you really can't tell what the plane is doing just from your equilibrium. So, this is good practice for if you accidentally fly into a cloud, where you are effectively blind. So, I'll need another 2.4 hours of instrument training before the checkride. When we got back to the airport, we landed, and then did another lap through the pattern with the crosswinds. I didn't have any problems with either landing, so Jim had me take the plane out solo and practice some crosswind landings. I did four laps through the pattern, and didn't have any trouble with the crosswinds. So, now Jim is comfortable with me taking the plane out with 10kt of crosswind or so. He basically said whatever I feel I'm comfortable with, so we decided 10kt - I'd probably be fine with a little more.

Since this is my 20th lesson post, I'll give an update on my stats. I've completed my second page in my logbook. I've flown a total of 30.1 hours. I've done 92 landings with Jim and 10 solo landings for a total of 102 landings. I have 0.6 hours of instrument training, 28.9 hours of dual training, and 1.2 solo hours. Friday I'm supposed to take the plane out by myself and practice some solo flight around the area. Jim also challenged me to go try a few landings solo at Anoka or Osceola. I want more time with Jim at a towered airport before I go to Anoka solo, so I'll probably head over to Osceola for a few landings if I'm feeling brave (mainly it's dealing with the other traffic that I'm worried about).