Hi All,
I had two lessons booked this week - one on Monday, when I managed to fly, and one on Tuesday where our lovely British weather intervened once again!
Spent Monday doing crosswind and flapless approaches with a different instructor from my usual - this one was an ex 757/767 captain and liked to take the dual crewed approach to checklists etc. That was quite fun, but I caught him out when he flew a circuit - on the downwind checks he touched the carb heat but didn't actually put it on! Lesson, no matter who you're flying with - always question any potential safety issue (diplomatically!)
Then some solo circuits, but it was beginning to get a bit gusty and I decided it was time to land. Delighted to be told on final to go-around (runway occupied), when I'd really had enough and wanted to get back on the ground!
Ch. Flag, your trip sounds fun - I wish I was in a business with that kind of opportunity! I've sat in the back of many an airliner watching the approach carefully and often thinking after landing "That felt like one of mine!". However, my usual instructor, an ex 747 captain, tells me that on some airliners they are trained to make a firm landing, rather than a gentle one - especially in poor weather. I was in the front of a 737 into LHR once, where the landing was so firm some of the lockers flew open. It was quite breazy and as we taxied reciprocal to the runway the captain commented to me "The great thing about heading this way is I can watch everyone else screw up their landings as well!" Anyway, I'm sure you'll get that solo soon - I remember well how frustrating it can be waiting!
My Data, don't worry too much about the gap between lessons. I didn't fly for nearly 2 1/2 months, but getting back into it only took a few minutes. Maybe you can keep up your cockpit scan rate on MS flight Sim, that helps.
Maz, can't wait to read about your trip!
HH