From Zero to Forty Five - my PPL Diary

[maggioneato]

Mazzy. I think we heard you doing the practice Pan. We were ready for departure at Sherlowe about 12.05, to go to Stoke Golding and it was a LFS aircraft. If it was you, your RT sounded great. You never know who is listening. It was a lovely day Mon, even nicer today, and I am on the ground.

[mazzy1026]

Hey Maggi - thanks. Hope I didn't hold you up

[maggioneato]

We were waiting for the oil to reach the green, so no you didn't.

[mazzy1026]

Well, the weather has been pea soup all week, and has got worse today - tomorrow looks the same. I will not be getting my QXC done this week

My next bookings are the first week in November, every day and to have bad weather again for that week would be third time unlucky. Having admitted defeat, I understand that this is possibly the most difficult part of the PPL to complete, and having seen how long others have waited, I can't really complain (yet). I need to keep relatively current, so I will probably have a flight again in the 4 seater - it's a jolly flight but it is a massive help. If any other kind soul would like a flying buddy within the next 4 weeks, I am more than happy to come along

I suppose a positive of this is that I can get the remaining 2 exams complete (Nav and Planning) and then go over the QXC on paper, so it is still firm in my mind.

I think I am taking a trip to Barton on the weekend, gonna have a look round the place - it's not definite yet but if anyone is there, or going there that would like to meet up, give me a shout.

Don't forget MSN - we have quite a few people on there now:

[email protected]

Would be great to chat.............

Thanks all, sorry for no QXC posting of mine but a massive thank you to those that have posted their QXC.

Lee

[kookabat]

Ahh trying to fit flying around work or uni and then copping weather-related delays on the one day a week (or whatever) you're available is not too fun at all... you may remember I was waiting for some three months before I got the chance to do one of my navs for the PPL. That was one of the best-planned flights EVER - three months in the making - I had to re-plan from scratch once because all my charts went out of date!!! The worst bit, certainly, was the drop-off of currency. On the plus side the finances got healthier again after notflying for so long!

[MyData]

Mazzy - and other potential QXCs here...

During my QXC I hadn't planned anything specific to say in the 'pass your message' but found myself saying:

PA28
1 P.O.B.
Student PPL on Qualifying Cross Country.
etc..

When I arrived at Tatenhill I met the controller in the cafe having a break. She said that she had made a note of the fact that I was on QXC and so paid more attention than normal to ensure that I would be monitored and also to listen in to my R/T skills.

On reflection I did find that all the controllers I spoke to had been more 'gentle' than usual. Note that the Waddington controller had left me alone and that East Midlands had dispatched me early to Tatenhill, and had also left me to my own devices en-route to Sandtoft.

This might be wishful thinking on my part (and someone will no doubt come along in a minute to confirm this), but perhaps stating the fact that I was QXCing did make a difference to the controllers.

Worth bearing in mind.


Kookabat - a 3 month plan for a nav trip? That must be the most meticulous planned trip ever! Some of the moon shots in the 60's probably didn't get that much attention between launches

[Bob Stinger]

Keep going lads and lasses, i passed my GFT in April and have not contributed to this thread since. However just keep plugging away and you will get to your goal , and when you get there and have your bit of paper go somewhere! I have flown 50 hours since my GFT and am currently part way through my IMC training, its great fun good luck to you all.

[mazzy1026]

Thanks all. Data, I haven't used that one! I think though when the instructor rings them up to book in etc (in the past it was me, but I think for the real thing he will contact them) he will obviously tell them that I will be solo QXC, so unless they don't change controller, I would say that is a good idea - no harm to throw it in eh

Ah well, here I am - couldn't have booked a worse week off at all I suppose like the above people I will at least have plenty of time to plan this. I am going in for the planning exam next Saturday so wish me luck.

Until then,

Lee

[Chequeredflag]

Stalled!!

Stalled?? Not literally, but the last time I flew was on the 14th September, when I did my first solo flight "away" (from the warmth of the EMA CTR). I was then away for a couple of weeks on the boat, but had no less than 8 lessons booked last week. The first two I had to cancel due to other last minute(ish) commitments, but the rest have all been canned due to the weather. Low cloud, mist, fog etc. you name it, we've had! It's really frustrating isn't it?

I've got only about 7/8 lessons (hopefully!!!) before (again, hopefully!!) the Skills Test (horrifying thought!!!), and I really want to get on with it. However, patience is very much a virtue in aviation, so I guess it's all part of the scene!!

Cheers all.

Mike N

(Bob Stinger - many congrats on gaining your ppl - great stuff, I'm envious....)

[mazzy1026]

Your quite right cheq - reading back through my diary you can see phases that a lot of us go through were we get fed up with the weather. But after every trough is a peak - so gotta hang on in there!!

[MyData]

Mazzy - Chequered...

Did you managed to get any flying time over the weekend? The skies over Yorkshire / Lincolnshire were fine.

I spent 1hr 20m going through some of my 'fears'. Those parts of the skills test that you don't practice everyday: flapless and glide approaches (went well), steep level turns (went well) and PFL (went very well).

Last time I did a PFL was many months ago and I couldn't get to grips with the glide attitude, and the calls and checks, and the aiming for a field, and the altitude and position etc. Yesterday it all came together really well. Engine off, 70kts glide, keep the field in sight, glide and descend gently, simulated calls and checks made, down to 500ft then power away. I was really pleased to get this out of the way and it gave me great confidence in knowing how to get the aircraft into a glide attitude and to control it.

Steep level turns were also something I hadn't done for a while and remember them being all over the place with attitude and altitude not quite in synch! This time they were much much better which I can only put down to being much more experienced and familiar with the controls and actions.

A couple more hours of solo time to build then I reckon I'll be ready to apply for the test. Fingers crossed.

[mazzy1026]

Data, nice one - sounds like your getting along very well. I was the same with the PFL for the first few attempts, but it does start to gel together like you say. I was originally impressed with how long the aircraft actually stayed in the air.

I'm afraid I can't share the same positive vibe with you today, as last week was awful for me - couldn't have picked a worse week for weather, and what's the weather like today when I get back to work.............. Clear skies & sunshine, ok a little wind, but 10 times better than last week. I look forward to the day when I can say that I am preparing for the test, but until then, I await the QXC!

Lee

[Chequeredflag]

Mydata. No, I was not able to fly until last Tuesday, and afterwards wished I hadn't!

I arrived to do a land away, EMA to Turweston (a small private field near Silverstone). I set about plotting the route/wind etc as normal, and was happy enough with the result. However as the plane was late back, I thought I would check the figures again. Hellfire, they were all over the place!! For some reason, my brain simply did not want to function properly - I eventually replotted the lot, and arrived at the correct headings based on the latest wind readings.

Somehow, I did not feel right, far from on top of everything as self and instructor walked to the plane. The viz was pretty shocking, and looked pretty dodgy over the high ground South of the field. It was agreed we would look and see, and if too bad would come back and leave it to another day. As it happened, the situation was not too bad, and we climbed to 2500 once zoned out. This took us into cloud, so I descended back down to 2000, and we were just below the cloud. The viz was shocking however, seemingly no forward view at all. Had I been on my own I would have turned back long before now, but we plodded on. The nav was working pretty well, but in myself I was not comfortable.

I was now aware I had a headache forming, and was pleased to be back down on terra firma at Turweston. A break and a cup of tea later, having watched a Spitfire take off to go back to North Weald (it's evidently privately owned and a regular visitor), we taxied out to the runway- the sound of that Spitfire was incredible by the way.

We took off and headed East for Podington (Sata Pod Raceway), and then turned North for East Midlands again. By now I was feeling curiously uncomfortable, and was finding it difficult to do all the RT, navigate in the poor visibility, maintain level flight etc. In a word, my brain was completely overloaded, and I was not doing at all well. In the end I made it back to the zone entry point at EMA, and simply could not find the right words to zone in!! I've done it dozens of times and can do it in my sleep, but today it was virtually beyond me. Couple that with a approach behind a 737 and a hefty crosswind (which to my amazement was just about the only thing I did right all day), ended my worst flying experience ever.

I was left sweating and feeling dreadful, not only physically, but mentally beaten up as well. "Not your finest hour" as my instructor sympathetically put it. I returned home in a daze, crawling down the M1 at 60 mph, trying to work out what was wrong with me. I seriously contemplated whether it was worth continuing I was so bad. Admittedly, for one reason and another, I had not flown for 4 weeks, but neverthless after 50 hours I should be better than that!!.

I went to bed early, and it was with some considerable relief I found the reason the next morning. I had a severe dose of the 'flu. I was sweating, had a thumping headache and so tired I could not stay awake. 48 hours on, I'm feeling much better, full of confidence again, and cannot wait to get flying again (which sadly will not be for another 3 weeks due to work/travel commitments)

So, a good lesson learned. DO NOT FLY, IF YOU FEEL UNWELL. I must confess I did not pick up the signs early enough, but there were plenty of clues:

1) The poor route planning.
2) The inability to think "straight"
3) Missing a couple of pre-take off flight checks
4) Crap RT
5) Mentally lagging behind the aircraft

etc,etc,etc

Hope I'm better next time when, 'cos of the time lapse I have to get up to date with stalling/steep turns etc. Then it's two solo navs/MATZ penetrations etc, another land away and then QXC (unless I continue as I left off!!!)

Good flying all!!

[mazzy1026]

Cheq, I have had exactly the same thing in the past. Its a strange phenomenon that I can't describe, kind of a weird feeling before your flight, which usually starts on your way on the airfield in the car. There is a strange feeling of "something isn't right" and you can't quite seem to put your finger on what it is. It can be illness, as in your case, but I believe there is something else to it also - I think Whirlybird was talking about this a while ago.............

The way to get over it is do exactly what you have done - reflect. By writing it up and identifying your actions, you have improved (my own diary helps me when I read back on some of the stuff!!).

So, onwards and upwards along this massive, never ending learning curve!!

Lee

[Chequeredflag]

Yes, that's it Mazzy. A strange feeling indeed. On the way up the M1, I sort of felt, I didn't really want to do it, which is an unusual feeling for me. I'm still nervous sometimes on the way, especially before something like first solo away (don't know why), but that disappears as soon as I'm checking the airplane out. This was a different feeling altogether, and one that I'll take more notice of if it ever happens again!!

How are you getting on with the new job etc. Is it difficult to fit everything in?? You must be getting very near your skills test. If it happens in the next 3 weeks when I'm away, the very best of good luck.

Mike N

[Aussie Andy]

Chequered, the lesson wasn't wasted mate... you've learned a very valuable lesson about human limitations & performance - remember, you may be the most vulnerable component of the whole system!

Happily you have learned this whilst sitting alongside an instructor and before you have qualified, rather than in the period soon after getting your license (which you will, get your license I mean): many have succumbed to the "bullet proof" feeling of invincibilility only to find that due to some combination of external conditions (e.g. wx) and their own health or state of mind that they are suddenly disoriented or over-loaded... it's vital to be able to recognise this and intervene positively (throwing pride out of the window!) to turn back, divert etc. ASAP.

I recall one day ~5yrs ago when assigned to fly circuits with the instructor and I just had a simple head cold: I was absolutely rubbish! Low-energy, slow-brained, and uncomprehending as to why I suddenly couldn't fly a circuit right to save my life..! (well, that exagerates the situation a bit, but you get my drift).

So be happy that this important lesson has been learned - it will stay with you! Remember you must "fill the cup of experience" before you "empty the cup of luck"...

Andy

[NT42]

I think it's about time to stop lurking around on here, and actually post something! Very interesting reading all your reports, thanks.

So, to flying. I've got into the swing of things now - having one or two lessons a week.

Over the last four weeks or so, I've only managed to fit four lessons in. Numerous cancellations due to weather, but I managed four fun lessons. The first was my first session on circuits. Great fun, but I found it very hard. My landings were generally ok, but a little to the left. Overall not too bad, but lots of improvement needed! (Lesson time - 55mins)

My second was with another instructor. ATC weren't happy about us doing circuits, with the imminent arival of lots of airliners. So, it's decided we would do steep turns and PFLs. Steep turns I very much enjoyed, and got the hang of striaght away, managing to to it to exam standard. PFLs caused more problems, though. For some reason it just was not clicking. Generally too high. By the end I managed to get what would be a good landing in, but I wasn't flying my best. This was reflected in my landing, where my temp. instructor helped me in.

During that lesson I realised the importance of being with an instructor which suited you, and keeping that instructor. Up until that lesson I'd been flying very well. But this new instructor asked me to do things differently and had a totally different approach to teaching, which didn't suit me. He'd try and help me through everything, when I'd been used to "there's the 'plane, now go fly it". This new approach totally threw me, and apparently I "wasn't ready for circuits"... (Lesson time - 65 mins)

So next lesson I had my instructor back, and I was much happier! Straight into circuits, I was much more confident and flew a lot better. The circuit itself was ok, a little fast in initial turn to crosswind leg, but generally not too bad. Still landing to the left of the centre line, but "getting there". (Lesson time - 50 mins)

Another lesson on circuits. This time I flew (without trying to sound big headed) brilliantly. Apart from missing a call from ATC everything went fine. The first circuit was tidy, and got straight in for a good landing, if a little to the left. Second circuit again was tidy with a much better landing, smack in the centre and soft touch down. Third - as good as the second.

I'm slowly pottering down 25, ready to put full power on for another circuit and I get a tap on the shoulder......thinking to myself "bloody hell, what have I done wrong now?!" my instructor asks "fancy a go at one yourself". Didn't quite know what to say, I reminded him I hadn't done my airlaw, but "the flying's more important". So I dropped him off, positioned on the runway and wait for clearance. I've probably never been as nervous in my life! But as soon as I was flying those nerves went, really needed to concentrate now! I managed to fly a fairly neat circuit, although I found my self getting a little too high at times (I blamed the nerves). After five minutes orbiting I was cleared to land - this was the real test. Luckily I did get down ok, and managed to make probably my shortest landing yet.

Couldn't have been happier! Greeted by my instructor with a well done and a big handshake! (Nearly chickened out, though. As he left the aircraft my instructor passed me a map and said "just incase you need to divert to Teesside!" I'd never been south of the Tyne, never mind down there! Luckily though, everything was fine, and I was chuffed! Hopefully get up again tomorrow...need to do air law before another solo. Think I'm ready for that, though. (Lesson time - 45 mins dual, 15 mins solo).

Thanks everyone, and sorry that was so long!

John.

[MyData]

Chequered - a very, very important lesson learned that day, and in retrospect it looks like money and time very well spent. Regulars around here may recall when I went up with a 'slight' cold and sniffling nose. Coming back in to land my eustachion tubes must have blocked and cause me all sorts of dizzyness and unwellness (I had to hand control to the instructor to land). As you said - if you don't feel up to it, don't fly!

jwf - welcome aboard and congrats on the solo. Fantastic achivement. But I can't believe they put you in orbit on your first attempt, they could have delayed you a little longer on the ground ;-)

A diversion to Teesside - that would have been fun !!. first solo and first nav ex on the same flight.

[veetwo]

Jwf

Congrats on the first solo. Its a great feeling isn't it? Onwards and upwards!

V2

[NT42]

Thanks very much. It's a fantastic feeling! What's not so good is being grounded again because of the weather though! Rang up early, knew I couldn't do circuits because of the cloud, but we were going to have a first nav lesson. Did the theory, ready to check the 'plane out...had to cancel just before. Not very happy!

Booked three lessons for the next week though. Hopefully get at least one of them!!