Monday's lesson was enjoyable with some frustration again. Some stuff I KNOW I can do but somehow didn't! I know it's all just basic as well. I keep reminding myself that slow and steady is OK
I awoke to hill fog but forecast for the airfield was acceptable, and turned out OK, although not the bright sun we had been promised.
I had refreshed climbing and descending for this revision lesson but also did a good look over the previously impenetrable circuit diagram (flying, not electrics). Good job I had because the briefing was a thorough one on the circuit with a spot test on all details, speeds, etc etc.
As I walked out to the ac I spotted an interesting visitor parked near us, a Devenport MV Escapade.
Pre and After TO checks all fine (trouble getting up to the wing tanks? Pah! that's history)
Waiting at the hold for one on Downwind there was a call from someone on 8 mile long final! One landed, no sign of the distant ac. Instructor said he'd have been here by now, no other calls, so we announced and I took off.
STILL wobbly on initial climb! Grrrr. I must say that my take off run felt much better. Have I finally got light enough and quick enough on the rudder at speed??
Lookout at approx 2,000', prepping for lefthand descending turn revealed a heli on a training sortie, well below but good to see.
Basic climbing and descending was good revision which, I am ashamed to say, was necessary
It was interesting that previous skills reappeared during this part of the exercise, too. So I can now retain instructions re HDGs and heights for more than 2 seconds
Another aside - at the top of climb my A.P.T. actions must be getting smoother because I need to start them nearer to target now, ie the recommended 50' below at 500fpm climb whereas before it took me so long to 'think' then 'do'...
So a little capacity is building, slowly
Return to the circuit, on the way do a FREDA check of course. This time I was told to put carb heat on first rather than where it is in the list. Makes sense, just need to remember to add to top of checklist in my memory.
A small cloud rolled in and I was told to descend to get underneath but I was too slow so my Intructor had to get us out of it.
Then we did a couple of circuits. First one I thought I was too wide on Downwind but nope, was told it was fine. I had to decide when to turn Base and got it about right.
Remembered carb heat on, reduced power but apparently raised the nose (hmmm, this is getting to be a habit). Anyway, got within FOS and lowered 2 stages of flap, achieved 70 kts, maintained HDG 350°. Saw runway in right place and had 500'. Turned, added last stage of flap and put carb heat to cold. Instructor made the radio call for a go round, which I was anticipating from the briefing.
Approach slightly too far left of centreline, grrr. Straightened but knew we'd be going round. Got speed down but then too slow! Added power but should have lowered the nose to regain 65kts. Aggghhh. Teeing to be a dog's dinner!
Instructor waited till we were nearly over the hedge before announcing "Cows on the runway" as my practice go-round. I tried not to laugh at the unexpected phrase. A good trick eh? Throwing something slightly unexpected into the mix without it being too much to process.
Full power, right rudder, remove last stage of flap, make sure we don't gain height too quickly in case someone in overhead join! Keep right of runway for visual and clarity. All fine. I feel confident that I could get out of trouble even close in and low.
So a quick ticking off about keeping the nose level on Base turn so speed drops off before adding flaps, and trimming properly (because I'd hardly trimmed at all at some points
). I thought I know this but just can't get all my ducks in a row!
Final circuit seemed a bit better and certainly felt less difficult, iykwim.
A long, well controlled, taxi back on the grass (are you reading this @editmonkey ? I am clutching at straws here!)
Conclusion? Painfully slow progress but progress all the same. I'll take that.
I enjoyed it and am fascinated by this entire learning experience.