Fri Dec 18, 2020 4:36 pm
#1815086
Later on, either during the end of training or when you start flying as a qualified pilot, you'll probably be using an autopilot. An autopilot in "heading mode" will steer towards the heading bug. Therefore it's good practice to, before you activate the autopilot, make sure to set the heading bug in the direction you're going. Otherwise, you may be surprised by a sudden turn. And instead of setting the heading bug only when activating the autopilot, why not always have it where you're going (or about to go)?
When I'm about to join the traffic pattern at my destination, I set the heading bug for the course on final. (After switching off the autopilot, of course.) That gives me great situational awareness of how the airfield is oriented: when I'm on downwind, the bug points backward, when I'm on (a left) base, the bug points to my left and so on. I've been flying for more than 15 years, and I can still get disoriented when visiting a place I've never been.
Good luck with your training. Winter is usually a season for many a cancelled lesson, but you'll get there. It's not a race to the finish, it's an experience. And a great one at that!
When I'm about to join the traffic pattern at my destination, I set the heading bug for the course on final. (After switching off the autopilot, of course.) That gives me great situational awareness of how the airfield is oriented: when I'm on downwind, the bug points backward, when I'm on (a left) base, the bug points to my left and so on. I've been flying for more than 15 years, and I can still get disoriented when visiting a place I've never been.
Good luck with your training. Winter is usually a season for many a cancelled lesson, but you'll get there. It's not a race to the finish, it's an experience. And a great one at that!
T6Harvard liked this
Autocorrect is so frustrating. It's always making me say things I didn't Nintendo.