I did an intro glider flight today. I figure that it might help, just to start again and verify that I can still learn and be taught, and be confident in my ability. Plus!! The instructor was behind me, so I can't see his hands hovering over the stick ready to take over. That may help ! ;-)
Anyways, it was fun fun fun. After the takeoff, I flew the tow from 1000 up to 3000 fine without help, with JL taking over for the release. Judging by his comments, I did well, even for a power pilot, who often want to overcontrol the aircraft.
The stick was really heavy and even flying gently, keeping behind the tow plane was quite physical. Rudder was light though. Reaction to the controls was slower than a 172, but it felt heavier, and gentle prods to get it lined up and keep it lined up were the order of the day. My right arm is still a bit sore just from the effort of it.
Once up there, after a little rest, I flew some turns, and flew a rather nice stall. Plenty of buffetting, then a dead straight break, with a gentle pull back up to the horizon. Lots of flying including dancing on the rudder was required to stay wings level and keep the yarn centred. Fun fun fun. The view over the area to the West of Houston was awesome.
After the stall, we loitered around the field and tried to pick up thermals. Seat of the pants and listening to the vario, and glancing at the vario occasionally. Lots more flying to stay at about 46 knots wing level and coordinated. We found a thermal and I got to try out my steep turns technique. I did well, holding a cordinated 45 degree bank in a thermal to gain about 500 feet. I was well pleased with this. JL was really pleased with this also, and I think he enjoyed being there as much as I did.
After that thermal, we tried for more, but didn't find anything good. And then it was time to head back to the field. We got a sniff of a thermal around the right turn to base and (as we were at 1000') we tried a left turn into it, but nothing doing. JL took it at this point and tested the speedbrakes, before turning base. At some point on base, the speedbrake came out again and we turned final sinking like a brick. At the intended point, JL flared still with speedbrakes for a perfect landing. As we slowed, he retracted the speedbrakes and we came gently to rest.
Well, I am going to fly gliders for a bit and try and build my confidence up. I enjoyed that, demonstrated that I am reasonably handy with a stick and rudder, and learned that these glider things *really* *really* need to be flown rather than just 'supervised'. The main thing is, I enjoyed it. The people seem really nice, and the view is great... Joy of Flying... Welcome back.