Far and away

This was the most fun I’ve had since the training started. Just like with the private pilot license, getting to solo is the most frustrating part – and the cross countries make it all worth it.

Tonight we did a short cross country from Van Nuys (VNY) to Lancaster – Fox Field (WJF). Even though this flight is short – maybe 30 minutes VFR, it took much longer IFR. After being vectored around the valley while we climbed to 7000’, we went direct to the Palmdale (PMD) VOR. This is a good 25 miles out of the way, but it turns out that is the way it goes. This approach not only takes you way east, but you fly back over the airport and do a procedure turn to boot. I asked Kent why this was (since it seemed like we had plenty of time to lose all the extra altitude and there is absolutely no terrain) and he didn’t know.

I flew it all pretty well, keeping up a solid scan, staying ahead, keeping organized, and maintaining heading and altitude. After lifting up the hood to see the runway right where it was supposed to be, we flew the missed. Leaving is just the same. The controller gave us the Lynx 7 arrival to Van Nuys, which goes back to PMD before heading home. They were landing on 34 at VNY, so they issued us a visual approach. Kent vectored me around the pattern, then took the landing himself to stay night current.

This felt really good. I’m learning what’s important, and staying ahead. I’m also starting to focus on the checkride, and tightening things up.