OK, here goes...
On the Pre flight inspection I found the oil was a bit low, easily remedied and I spotted a screw jutting point-up inside an end cap, I confirmed not fouling anything but asked if this should be capped in some way. Apparently it was self-tapping so all OK. Instructor said it was a good spot but on reflection I've inspected this same ac several times in 2 weeks and not noticed it before....
We are staying in the circuit so alt to 0' for the first time.
I thought my checklist rundown went smoothly but this was not necessarily the case, as I found on climb-out when my door clicked open. I knew not to panic so at the 300' check I handed control over while I slammed it shut. I rightly got a ticking off for having been negligent though. That was the second ticking off and we were only 10 mins into the lesson....my first one was when taxiing on the grass. I went round a large manhole cover towards the hard Hold but there was a smaller manhole that I didn't see in the grass beside it.
The words 'potential prop strike' are now embedded in my brain.
My first circuit was not toooo bad although I did alter power too soon because I misinterpreted the diagram I had been studying. This is the diagram I got in a pickle about the night before my lesson. I shall be revisiting it again
The accelerate to go-round from decision height was fine and I also felt more confidant about it. Edit - Spelling correction.... confident!
The second circuit I was told to get on with it and no advice would be forthcoming. It was ropey because I was too wide at the turn to downwind and consequently the rest of it went to pot. I ended up too high and too fast.
Of course the next one I turned onto Downwind too early!
Instructor took over to demo a proper version, as he put it, 'for the umpteenth time'
On base leg he said he'd do the touch and I'd do the go.
I was a bit nervous about taking control at such a critical time but I was OK, and tbh, somewhat relieved that I handled it. [Yes, I do know that every other student is landing by now].
At the debrief I said I knew he'd disagree but that some of the handling had felt better to me and despite everything I felt more confident with some bits. I freely admitted to the obvious carp on the last third of the circuit and I don't know why I can't grasp it!!!
So next lesson we are going out to the training area for some practice at slow flying at a safe height
I shall be wearing my dunce's cap over my headset.
I walked back to reception wondering if I will progress beyond this. As I completed my logbook my Instructor said I'd need to buy a kneeboard because I'll be noting the airfield info as well as doing all the rest next time. In my head I was hearing John McEnroe saying, "You CAN NOT BE SERIOUS!"
*** Oh, I have thought of one positive. Despite brain-overload I was registering the radio calls from ac in the vicinity and noting where they were relative to us. For every call I heard I spotted the relevant ac and believe me, when I heard a final call as we were on base leg I made absolutely certain to look right first! So I hereby claim a little salvation re situational awareness.
I expect to be whining less next week. I have no lessons!