Around the patch – in the rain

Started ground school with Richard this week. Not because I’m not learning well on my own (I really feel like I am), but because I think it’s good to talk with other pilots, get their perspective, and learn the subject matter from a live person. It’s $139 for about 30 hours of training, which is a pretty good deal as well.

Weather was lousy this morning – for once the weatherman hit it right on the head. Ceiling was just above pattern altitude, so we decided to go. After a preflight in the rain, off we went for some pattern work.

I finally figured out my problems with landings. First, my approach was too low – I was “driving it in” with power, which makes for a very difficult approach. Secondly, I was sighting too close to the plane – like just over the nose. Once I started sighting further down the runway, it became easier to gauge the height. All but one of the landings were pretty reasonable, with the one being dropped in from SO high that Richard almost grabbed the controls. Pretty hard – should have put the power in and gone around. Next time that’s exactly what I’ll do.

Afterwards we went over my pre-solo test (passed no problem) and Richard asked about my medical. I still don’t have it, and already got AOPA working on it for me. Hopefully I’ll get it this week, and can solo soon thereafter, since I have completed all of Richard’s pre-solo requirements.

1.0 hours/18.6 total