Emergency procedures in the pattern – and feeling comfortable.

Today must have been the best weather yet. Clear skies, 68 degrees, no wind. Richard arrived at around 8:15, and off we went.

Today was for emergency procedures. First were aborted takeoffs. We taxied to the hold line and requested an aborted takeoff procedure. The tower had us hold for about 3 minutes, and then cleared us out. Richard did the first one. Piece of cake. Once you lose the engine, just pitch the nose down, put in full flaps and land the thing! It gets a bit more difficult of course if you run out of runway, but Van Nuys has a golf course (2, actually) directly on the usual runway heading. #18 at Woodley lakes would make for a fine landing area. Plus I’ve birdied that hold several times.

Next up was partial panel. Flying and landing without an airspeed indicator was most interesting. Then a full flap takeoff, and some touch and goes. My landings were MUCH better today – all minimum 7’s, a couple of 8’s. Another lesson tomorrow, and then nothing until Monday – unless the plane becomes available. I’m getting close to solo now – I can feel it.

1.5 hours/15.1 total