Categories: all aviation Building a Biplane bicycle gadgets misc motorcycle theater
In which Kristin takes to the air
Yesterday morning, I had time scheduled in another Cessna 152. Kristin had bravely agreed to a practical test, to see if she could stand being up in a small plane. The idea was, I'd go through a normal touch-and-go scenario, and she was asked to cry foul at any point she felt uncomfortable (obviously, once in the air, she'd have to content herself with waiting, so hopefully she'd feel any anxiety before that).
I urged her to tell me at any point, including first sight of the Lilliputian flying machine, to tell me she didn't want to go. The last thing I want to do is drag along an unwilling passenger.
However, despite her initial nervousness and my initial concerns, it all went smoothly. The sight of the little plane didn't seem to cause her any undue concern. Not even when we got into the plane and I explained what to do if I was unresponsive for any reason did she really seem to balk (although she implored me not to pass out).
Side note: if you're in a small airplane with dual controls, and the pilot passes out, you grab the throttle and shove it all the way forward, and make sure the nose of the plane is above the horizon. Then you grab the transmit button and say "mayday" until someone pays attention to you. Then you go from there. Actually, if you can remember to say, "I'm declaring an emergency," that's even better, since that's the magic phrase that gets everyone's attention, including diverting jumbo jets away from you.
Anyway, there was no need for any heroic action on her part. I completely failed to pass out.
We went up and down the requisite three times (it's not actually required, but if you do three takeoffs and landings, you reset the 90 day "I can legally carry passengers" clock). Kristin seemed unphased, although one unexpected burble of turbulence caught her off guard.
We landed the final time (these landings were much better than the night landings of a week or two ago), and taxied in. Kristin appeared to be happy and smiling, so that was all positive.
Of course, now that we've successfully done this, I have a sudden urge to fly places. Having a willing partner makes the idea of flying much more appealing, just in the sense of being able to enjoy it with someone else. It's amazing how much of a difference that makes.
Posted at 10:35 permanent link category: /aviation
Let the aviatory excursions begin (again)
A few weeks ago, I signed up for some time in a Cessna 152, for night-flying practice. It was a nice night, and a quick call to the weather briefer confirmed this observation. No clouds, comfortable temperatures, easy, predictable (and straight down the runway) wind. Perfect!
I got myself familiar with the 152 again. What a tiny plane. Seriously, this is a plane where I can fly by myself, or with a small passenger (think under 150 lbs). Anything much over that, and we exceed the maximum load. Two guys my size? Hah! On top of weight issues, our shoulders would literally have us pinned to the windows, it's so narrow. Every time I come out of one, I find my legs shaking from the effort of holding them in such a relatively cramped-up position. I wrote in a previous journal entry ages ago that a 152 is capable of lifting me, half fuel, and a banana (or something like that). That's very nearly a literal truth.
Anyway, I got back in the plane and remembered what it was all about -- oh yeah, tube radio. And that's it. You get your basic six instruments, a radio that actually uses vacuum tubes, and a transponder so air traffic control knows where to look when you scream "mayday." Great! Oh well, I wouldn't be needing most of the instruments, and I have a backup radio I always carry.
The flight itself was pretty good. I (re-)discovered that flying in the dark is harder than I think -- I always think it's going to be pretty easy, with all those lights twinkling, making everything so obvious. Of course, then I proceeded to fly three passes where I turned very prematurely for the final turn each time, touchdown itself was acceptable, but I always flared early, etc. Nothing heinous, but not as good as I would have liked.
I taxied back in and filled out my paperwork. 0.6 hours of night flight, and 3 take offs and landings. Cool. I was set for my night flight on the 4th.
Posted at 10:14 permanent link category: /aviation
Categories: all aviation Building a Biplane bicycle gadgets misc motorcycle theater