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Shadepiece's Flight Training


Shadepiece

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Hello guys!

 

I have wanted to get this up for a while, and my intention was to upload some pics here as well as a few video clips I have, but I've been too busy, and I will try to get that situated soon. In the mean time I wanted to share my experiences so far with you guys without being too long winded.

 

So my first experience was in a Cessna 172R which felt right at home thanks to the time I've spent in X-Plane 11 recently. I knew exactly what I was looking at on the plane and what to look for during my pre-flight check, start up, and taxi. My instructor was very open, and could tell I was more familiar with the aircraft than most on my first time in it. We took off shortly after with me pulling the yoke while he handled the rudder. I was not ready for how much it takes to get a plane into the air! It feels like very little input in the sim comparatively, and I was surprised that I was finding myself having to really move the controls a lot to get the intended response from the aircraft. Nonetheless, I was really enjoying my time in the air although, I found myself buried in the instruments rather than looking outside. It was definitely a lot to take in for my first time, but I really tried to absorb as much as I could. Before I knew it we were heading back to the airport, and I found myself relinquishing the controls somewhat reluctantly. The instructor did a very nice demonstration of how to land the Skyhawk properly. Overall, I thought the whole flight was very inviting and informative. I was lucky to not have to pay a dime for the flight as they offer a free one through my school! I did however, purchase my logbook, and recorded my first 0.6 hrs!

 

A few days later, I couldn't wait to get in the air again. I scheduled a flight with the other flight school that I could do my training with, and was very interested to see how their Diamond-20 aircraft felt. I was very excited at the prospect of getting my hands on a flight stick rather than a yoke. Immediately upon arrival I could tell this school was a smaller more tightly knit one. To be honest, I liked the feeling from the moment I walked in the door. I waited anxiously for my plane to return from the discovery flight in front of me, and got some good information about the schools training schedule. Once it was time for me to meet the low-wing bird I did not hesitate to ask a plethora of questions about the differences between the DA-20 C-1 and 172R. My instructor was beyond helpful, and he was also very laid back and I could tell that we jelled pretty well. Before I knew it we were taxing to the runway where he already let me on the controls much more than in the previous flight. I received a little help on takeoff, but did get the bird in the air without much trouble. I made a turn and began to climb out all by myself on the controls, and honestly I was somewhat shocked at the freedom the instructor was giving me. I felt far more comfortable with a stick in my hand rather than a yoke, and once I trimmed the plane out it hit me. Suddenly, all at once I knew this was what I've always wanted to be able to try! I found myself looking around without needed to constantly look at my guages. I could feel if I was slipping, climbing, or wings level just by the responsiveness of the aircraft. Something about that DA-20 struck a chord! The instructor just about never touched the controls the entire time we were in the air, and he only assisted me on the landing. It was a mind-blowing experience! I signed up for the school immediately upon landing. I knew that was the school for me, one where I can move at my own pace and have the freedom to learn by experience rather than demonstration, and I knew that I needed to feel that flight stick in my hand!

 

All in all, I can not wait to get in the air again! I have to say that I absolutely fell in love with the Diamond-20 C-1, and I really cannot wait to spend the next few months tucked securely behind it's lovely semi-bubble canopy!!!

 

-Joseph 'Shadepiece' Ebersohl

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The instructors that I had were also very hands off, unless they needed to be otherwise.  I think thats the best way to learn, they let you fly the airplane and make the mistakes.  Yes, keep your face out of the instrument panel for right now (Thumb and fist below the horizon), that will come later in your Instrument Rating.  Enjoy the scenery.  I'm glad that you like it, welcome to the fold.

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Got my student pilot certificate applied for, and had a full tour and brief at the flight school yesterday. Again very happy with the staff, instructors, and culture there. I expressed a personal goal of trying to solo before the end of August, and they seemed to want to help me achieve it! I am scheduled for flights on 13 days in August! Gonna be a fun month!

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-------- My advice ----

#1: HAVE FUN

 

#2: Get yourself aN FAA PTS (Practical Testing Standards book) --- https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/test_standards/

 

#3: Start studying for the written now.  You can take the test and and it will be valid for up to 2 years before you have to retake it.

 

#4: Pick up an FAR, and study part 61, those are the primary regs for a Private Pilot.

 

#5: HAVE FUN

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The greatest fear... but all these pilots did the right thing... No.1 - AVIATE! (Fly the damn plane!), No.2 - navigate (to a suitable landing spot), No.3 -Communicate (Declare emergency).

 

 

The last pilot also did the right thing... attempt a restart all the way down (memorize the emergency check-list... you probably won't have time to look at the POH... but if you do, by all means follow the procedures).

 

I've only had one scare and switching tanks and turning the boost pump on per the POH Emer checklist (I did have it memorized) brought the engine back online. Post flight found the left tank finger strainer screen blocked by debris (red rag bits).

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Wow! Good reaction by you to be sure. I will absolutely memorize the emergency checklists and check out that video! I especially enjoyed the interview with the pilot who had to crashland the P-51 at Duxford last year, so there is usually a lot to learn in these videos.

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