Fri Jul 09, 2021 10:13 pm
#1857888
Had an educational moment this morning... another club aircraft, new to me and everything was just a bit different: there was very little fuel coming out of the forward strainer point of this PA28, no banners greeting me with a 'remove me before flight', not a panel mounted GPS to glance at to confirm i wouldn't be straying into airspace i shouldn't be in, no ADS-B-out to switch on, the NAV section in the panel totally U/S. On top of all, the destination airfield did not pick up the phone for me to PPR and, on paper, the weather was going to be iffy.
Today, as it happened, the holes in the Swiss cheese tried to line up a bit more accurate than usual, but it was manageable and i am here to tell:
In the A-check i had not properly checked the pitot stub and the cover was still on. This only became apparent in the take-off roll. Unfortunately for me at the time it all clicked in place, the wheels had left the runway already. Clear enough i informed the FISO and circled for a bit, while a local heli on frequency offered to guide me in, in a loose formation to show what 80 and 70 kts looks like without an ASI. None of my instructors ever showed me a partial panel, so I guess the time was ripe... Two things crossed my mind: 1. Aviate, Navigate and Communicate and 2. Pitch + Power = Performance.
It all worked out... a lovely landing later and once with the pitot cover removed (one of those red banners now adorns it) my day could start in earnest. The second flight was uneventful, and very enjoyable. Kudos to my CFI to send me back up straight away and thanks to everyone making way for me.
Do learn from your mistakes, but be open to learn from mine and others too. There is just not enough time in life to make all errors yourself.
Many happy landings to all!!
-DV8R-
Today, as it happened, the holes in the Swiss cheese tried to line up a bit more accurate than usual, but it was manageable and i am here to tell:
In the A-check i had not properly checked the pitot stub and the cover was still on. This only became apparent in the take-off roll. Unfortunately for me at the time it all clicked in place, the wheels had left the runway already. Clear enough i informed the FISO and circled for a bit, while a local heli on frequency offered to guide me in, in a loose formation to show what 80 and 70 kts looks like without an ASI. None of my instructors ever showed me a partial panel, so I guess the time was ripe... Two things crossed my mind: 1. Aviate, Navigate and Communicate and 2. Pitch + Power = Performance.
It all worked out... a lovely landing later and once with the pitot cover removed (one of those red banners now adorns it) my day could start in earnest. The second flight was uneventful, and very enjoyable. Kudos to my CFI to send me back up straight away and thanks to everyone making way for me.
Do learn from your mistakes, but be open to learn from mine and others too. There is just not enough time in life to make all errors yourself.
Many happy landings to all!!
-DV8R-