Back in the saddle

After 2 full weeks of no flying (the first because the plane needed its 100 hour inspection, the second because I was out of town), I finally got back in the air. The lesson was scheduled for 8:00, but by 8:30, Richard hadn’t shown. I paged him, and he apologized for the confusion and headed over. By 9:00 we were ready to go.

This lesson was primarily to review emergency procedures aloft and emergency landings. We did a few simulated engine failures, and approaches to land on some roads. Pretty easy, of course – when you actually HAVE a working engine. Hopefully I’ll be that calm and focused in a REAL emergency. Come to think of it, hopefully I will never HAVE a real emergency like that – much better that way. A few turns around a point (need to work on that altitude control) and then back to Van Nuys for 5 touch and goes. Interesting day in the pattern with lots of traffic, extended downwinds, immediate turns after takeoff, and changed runways. Very educational, as always. My landings were nothing short of lousy, but I chalk that up to laying off for two weeks. Hopefully THAT will never happen again.

After we debriefed, Richard gave me his pre-solo written test to take, and asked about the status of my medical so I could solo. I told him that the FAA was still sitting on it, and that I would get it as quickly as possible. Might be time to get AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) involved to help me out.

1.5 hours/17.6 total