Ground school, solo prep

It was just a matter of time before my good luck with the weather faded, and today was it. By the time I finished preflighting 2257E, the weather was VERY marginal VFR, and FSS was not recommending it. I found Richard, and he thought it was just out of the question for the emergency procedures we were planning. He suggested I go button up the plane (argh!) and we do some ground school and preparation for solo. Not nearly as good as flying, but better than nothing.

We started with some discussion about my taking the FAA written PRIOR to my solo. I told him I would prefer to take it later, since I’ve taken several practice tests and passed (suggesting that I have the knowledge he wants me to have), but would prefer to study more before taking it for keeps. My reasoning is that I’ve heard that the DE (designated examiner) will spend a lot of time drilling a student during the oral part of the exam on the items they missed on the written. He said that would be fine.

Next he drilled me on various areas of engine operations, emergencies, regulations, etc. I passed with flying colors. We then discussed what was left for me to solo. A tour of the tower at Van Nuys was required, so I scheduled that for immediately after we were done. I also needed spin training, and Richard suggested I do that at a training school on the field in a properly rated plane. I scheduled that for Friday. The only items left were crosswind landings (I’ve done crosswind landings, but nothing substantial), and emergency landings outside the pattern. In addition, Richard wants me to do a phase check with another CFI, so I’ll schedule that for next week. Other that those items, I’m ready to solo.