Another solo attempt
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Another solo attempt
Had some more cicuits yesterday,got a bit flustered but put it down to the following:
Nerves-for some reason I was not in the groove that day.
Had a new instructor,asked me to check the a/c whilst he practised his shouting-he was only joking of course............
Having received departure clearance,turned on to runway to face an a/c on finals.(couldn't see him at first due to high wing.)FI called ATC to depart rwy but was told to continue backtracking,landing a/c ordered to go around-all seemed a bit hairy to me!
Had an EFATO test immediately
Have usually turned onto x-wind at 700' but had this time to do it at 500'
Cloud was at 800' so the circuit was lower than usual.
FI took me out of circuits because he thought I was maybe a bit 'stir crazy' having done nothing else.Gave me a wringing out on some steep turns.
Requested rejoin,told to report joining base leg,ATC was so busy,couldn't get the call in until I was ready to turn final.
I still have a bit of a problem cutting the power over the threshold but we managed to iron that out and a decent landing followed.
I think it is good to be put under pressure-I guess yesterday I wasn't really on it.
I seem to get rather tense when I am flying although I enjoy it enormously (flying that is).Anybody got any tips for helping me relax?
Modelman
Nerves-for some reason I was not in the groove that day.
Had a new instructor,asked me to check the a/c whilst he practised his shouting-he was only joking of course............
Having received departure clearance,turned on to runway to face an a/c on finals.(couldn't see him at first due to high wing.)FI called ATC to depart rwy but was told to continue backtracking,landing a/c ordered to go around-all seemed a bit hairy to me!
Had an EFATO test immediately
Have usually turned onto x-wind at 700' but had this time to do it at 500'
Cloud was at 800' so the circuit was lower than usual.
FI took me out of circuits because he thought I was maybe a bit 'stir crazy' having done nothing else.Gave me a wringing out on some steep turns.
Requested rejoin,told to report joining base leg,ATC was so busy,couldn't get the call in until I was ready to turn final.
I still have a bit of a problem cutting the power over the threshold but we managed to iron that out and a decent landing followed.
I think it is good to be put under pressure-I guess yesterday I wasn't really on it.
I seem to get rather tense when I am flying although I enjoy it enormously (flying that is).Anybody got any tips for helping me relax?
Modelman
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My tip. Flying is procedural and gets ingrained with practice if you follow procedure rigourously.
Learn the numbers for your aircraft i.e. speeds and revs for the various phases of flight, learn the after take off checks and downwind and final checks and do them as early as you can so you stay ahead of the aircraft. One day you'll find yourself down wind sitting ready for the base turn and on final watching the ground approaching with everything where it should be and poised for the flare! That's very satisfying
Learn the numbers for your aircraft i.e. speeds and revs for the various phases of flight, learn the after take off checks and downwind and final checks and do them as early as you can so you stay ahead of the aircraft. One day you'll find yourself down wind sitting ready for the base turn and on final watching the ground approaching with everything where it should be and poised for the flare! That's very satisfying
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modelman,
I think you have done fantastic after such an eventful (like anyone else has ever made a mistake , lol, ask me! ) and challenging day, to pull off a decent landing , despite the workload of an EFATO and chockka block ATC (which is often normal).
Stick with it mate, you appear to be made for it, everyone doubts themselves after such days, and its only ourselves which we can measure against.
You have already said you enjoy it enormously, thats enough for me to say what I've said. keep at it!
cheers
7g
I think you have done fantastic after such an eventful (like anyone else has ever made a mistake , lol, ask me! ) and challenging day, to pull off a decent landing , despite the workload of an EFATO and chockka block ATC (which is often normal).
Stick with it mate, you appear to be made for it, everyone doubts themselves after such days, and its only ourselves which we can measure against.
You have already said you enjoy it enormously, thats enough for me to say what I've said. keep at it!
cheers
7g
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I wouldnt worry, we all have bad days and the circuit is a busy and demanding place for an experienced pilot nevermind a student.
I myself still get tense when flying but it can only be seen as a good thing because it keeps you on your toes... it's probably good that this happened to you as we all make mistakes and you should learn from them - I imagine we'll all be making a lot more during our flying time so dont worry, its a learning curve!
But, i'll echo whats been said.... it comes with practice and if you can rattle off your Bumpfish and your calls, get your speeds without thinking etc without having to think about it, it will give you more space ahead of the aircraft and then you can sit and enjoy this amazing sport we've got ourselves into.
I myself still get tense when flying but it can only be seen as a good thing because it keeps you on your toes... it's probably good that this happened to you as we all make mistakes and you should learn from them - I imagine we'll all be making a lot more during our flying time so dont worry, its a learning curve!
But, i'll echo whats been said.... it comes with practice and if you can rattle off your Bumpfish and your calls, get your speeds without thinking etc without having to think about it, it will give you more space ahead of the aircraft and then you can sit and enjoy this amazing sport we've got ourselves into.
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That's better
Went again today.What a difference when your mind is right and the FI puts you at ease.
Did 4 pretty good landings in a gusting xwind and he would have sent me solo but he wanted more favourable wind.
I prepared much more mentally and physically.spent some time listening to the ATIS on a hand held rx.noting the taxy intructions being issued to other pilots on the towr freq ( just as well as more of the twy was being used to save backtracking-another 'new' thing to me)
My circuits were accurate in height and position-everything felt right.
I even handled an EFATO on the crosswind leg with confidence.
I plan get it sorted as well next time.
I am really looking forward to geting out of the circuit for the the next exercises.
Thanks for your words of support-good to know I am not the only guy on the planet who has the odd moment of self doubt.
Modelman
Did 4 pretty good landings in a gusting xwind and he would have sent me solo but he wanted more favourable wind.
I prepared much more mentally and physically.spent some time listening to the ATIS on a hand held rx.noting the taxy intructions being issued to other pilots on the towr freq ( just as well as more of the twy was being used to save backtracking-another 'new' thing to me)
My circuits were accurate in height and position-everything felt right.
I even handled an EFATO on the crosswind leg with confidence.
I plan get it sorted as well next time.
I am really looking forward to geting out of the circuit for the the next exercises.
Thanks for your words of support-good to know I am not the only guy on the planet who has the odd moment of self doubt.
Modelman
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Well done!
With all that going on you did real well my friend so don't beat yourself up over it - the more you do the easier it gets IMHO.
My only response to most of these things is to just do more of it!
It sounds like you are at a busy place so if you do get difficulties can i suggest you ask your instructor what he would feel about transiting to a quieter field - it may help nail any awkward bits if you dont have to pay so much mind to situational awareness.
Keep at it - a burst of "Satisfaction" is just around the corner when you least expect it.
My only response to most of these things is to just do more of it!
It sounds like you are at a busy place so if you do get difficulties can i suggest you ask your instructor what he would feel about transiting to a quieter field - it may help nail any awkward bits if you dont have to pay so much mind to situational awareness.
Keep at it - a burst of "Satisfaction" is just around the corner when you least expect it.
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Solos? modelman... you're doing great! 
Nerves MUST be the norm at this stage, only natural. When I reach your standard I'm sure I'll have nerves too. I too am always slightly nervous in flight, esp. when I'm not doing things properly. I don't often smile up there as I'm concentrating too much and striving to do everything right, but I always have a ball, esp. on circuits... (so much fun!) Tips to relax? Despite taking my lessons seriously and being harsh with myself for making mistakes, I do try to share a joke with the FI, often in the form of self-mockery when mistakes appear. Having a quick laugh makes me relax more, which seems to have the knock-on effect of making my performance better. FI is quite easy-going but I think as he knows I try to make an effort, he appears not to have a problem with my comments! Not great advice but works for me.
Sorry, thread creep here, but a quick aside...
Ian, Bumpfish? I only do BUMFH...
Brakes - Check & Off, heels on floor
Undercarriage - Down
Mixture - Rich
Fuel - On and sufficient
Harnesses & Hatches - Secure
... followed by RAT checks soon after...
Runway - Spacing
Altitude - Correct
Traffic - Monitored
What are the rest you are made to learn? Just curious.
Nerves MUST be the norm at this stage, only natural. When I reach your standard I'm sure I'll have nerves too. I too am always slightly nervous in flight, esp. when I'm not doing things properly. I don't often smile up there as I'm concentrating too much and striving to do everything right, but I always have a ball, esp. on circuits... (so much fun!) Tips to relax? Despite taking my lessons seriously and being harsh with myself for making mistakes, I do try to share a joke with the FI, often in the form of self-mockery when mistakes appear. Having a quick laugh makes me relax more, which seems to have the knock-on effect of making my performance better. FI is quite easy-going but I think as he knows I try to make an effort, he appears not to have a problem with my comments! Not great advice but works for me.Sorry, thread creep here, but a quick aside...
Ian, Bumpfish? I only do BUMFH...
Brakes - Check & Off, heels on floor
Undercarriage - Down
Mixture - Rich
Fuel - On and sufficient
Harnesses & Hatches - Secure
... followed by RAT checks soon after...
Runway - Spacing
Altitude - Correct
Traffic - Monitored
What are the rest you are made to learn? Just curious.
Last edited by 1972; 29th May 2006 at 08:55.
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Aaaah, BJ. I see!
I am being taught I should do T's & P's, on climbout @ 300ft, (though it won't hurt to look more frequently) and carb heat, (being cold from take-off) thought needn't be checked and turned hot until turning base, before reducing power and starting descent. Instruments I'm checking constantly... as well as looking out! I'm told do do BUMFH checks as soon as turned downwind. So which method would be correct or are both? (Sorry to hijack)
I am being taught I should do T's & P's, on climbout @ 300ft, (though it won't hurt to look more frequently) and carb heat, (being cold from take-off) thought needn't be checked and turned hot until turning base, before reducing power and starting descent. Instruments I'm checking constantly... as well as looking out! I'm told do do BUMFH checks as soon as turned downwind. So which method would be correct or are both? (Sorry to hijack)
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Only one thing will really help... Currency and lots of it. The more frequently you fly, the more the procedures become second nature and natural.
If your lessons are spaced out, you will be consentrating on checks and acronyms rather than flying the aircraft. You will also be concerned about, for example, turning at 500ft instead of 700ft, as you will be planning everything for the turn at 700ft. You should be planning for what the conditions dictate.
Keep at it, but keep current and your flying will improve dramatically. You will also spend much less in lessons as you will need fewer of them.
If your lessons are spaced out, you will be consentrating on checks and acronyms rather than flying the aircraft. You will also be concerned about, for example, turning at 500ft instead of 700ft, as you will be planning everything for the turn at 700ft. You should be planning for what the conditions dictate.
Keep at it, but keep current and your flying will improve dramatically. You will also spend much less in lessons as you will need fewer of them.
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I went solo 6 days ago, and today I did 2 airwork solo flights in a training area. Trust me the nerves will disapear! (Well, most of them anyway, to have some is allways healty!)
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I was taught BMCFHCE which equated to Brakes (off), Mixture (rich), Carb heat (on), Fuel (quantity in tanke selected ok? and fuel pump on), Harness (secure?), Carb heat (off), Engine (t's & p's ok?).
I took me ages to get the right order fixed in my head and the mnymonic that worked for me was remembering a "British Motor Company Fixed Head Coupe, with an Engine".
Don't worry about going solo asap - it sounds as if you're doing splendidly so far. As for nerves, a bit of nerves is good for the concerntration....
I took me ages to get the right order fixed in my head and the mnymonic that worked for me was remembering a "British Motor Company Fixed Head Coupe, with an Engine".
Don't worry about going solo asap - it sounds as if you're doing splendidly so far. As for nerves, a bit of nerves is good for the concerntration....
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You should not only check that the (parking) brakes are off but also check that there is pressure in the system by pressing the toebrakes. If the pedals go down without any resistance then you know something is wrong.
