Started the circuits yesterday. After a morning of stalls/ spins etc, my instructer stated my pm lesson (my 9th) that we would commence my circuit work. Had a quick sandwich and set off. First circuit was an instructor's demo, which made it look very easy, then it was my turn.......
Using East Mids runway 27, wind at 220/10kts, took off, 500', clear of Castle Donington village, climbing right turn to North, level 0ff at 1000', cruise turn downwnind, call ATC "downwind for right hand 27 touch and go" - "cleared for 27 T & G", pre landing checks, allow for wind drift, turn onto base leg, revs to 1700, speed dropping, 1st flaps, 2nd flaps, turn onto finals, line up on centre line, steer into crosswind call ATC "on finals, 27 for T & G, "Cleared T & G, winds 220/10kts", maintain centre line as best as I can, keep two white/two red PAPIS, flare too soon (again), gently gently, my God what was that, a VERY gentle touch down!! Blimey, that was almost professional!
I'm suddenly aware of the fact that my side window is fogged up, and I'm sweating somewhat!! Bl@@dy hell, that was hard work - my brain is now hurting. Oh no, here we go again, second circuit underway......
Second landing will surely be as easy?? No way!!. Everything seems OK until finals - way too high, throttle down, four whites (for ever it seems), flared too soon (again!), port wing drops, recovered, DONK!, fairly heavy landing to the right of centre line. FULL REALITY CHECK, this is NOT the 'piece of piss' I thought it might be!
What? No time to think, we're off again, flaps up, full power, a lot of rudder to keep straight, rotate, pretty turbulant, I'm getting really warm now, the odd beads of sweat appearing....on downwind reporting, told by ATC to orbit to allow EasyJet Airbus to land, then called to finals. Landing not much better, if at all - will I get the hang of it? Suppose so......Taxied back to school, feeling mentally drained - head seems full of rocks. I'm tempted to blame it on the after effect of the 'flu virus I've just come out the other side of....no can't do that, must just accept that at 61 I've lost a good number of brain cells!!
Back for three more lessons (circuits again) next week - hope it gradually becomes as natural as my instructor tells me it will, 'cos right now it's blooming hard work.
Had a couple of whiskeys last night, and slept like a baby!! I just love it.....
Cheers all
Mike N