Complex training – Part I
Took my first step towards my advanced training today by going to a local airport (Whiteman – WHP) to get checked out in a couple of retractables. We started with a pretty nice 172RG today. Started by going through the typical – v-speeds, limitations, etc. We then talked about constant speed props – a topic I thought I knew plenty about. I was wrong. It never occurred to ask a lot of questions about the inner workings of the prop governor, etc. Given the equipment I’m looking to step up into, I’m going to need to modify that thinking. I learned a lot from Dennis (the chief pilot at Vista) on the subject.
We also talked extensively about the gear itself. Relevant speeds (like maximum gear operating speed, etc.), emergency procedures and use for standard procedures like instrument approaches.
Then off we went to fly. It was windy as hell – and we went through the newhall pass, an area famous for turbulence anyway. As we headed towards Magic Mountain, Dennis commented how smooth the air was. That was enough to bring Murphy into the picture, and we hit the hardest downdraft I’ve personally felt. It actually knocked my headset off and cracked our heads on the ceiling of the plane. Just one – but a big one.
Once that excitement was over, we practiced a few standard maneuvers – steep turns, stalls, emergency descents and the like. We then worked with the gear – showing how it slowed the plane, and what to do in case of a failure. Pumping the gear down is actually a lot easier than I thought it would be.
Then it was back to the airport for some landings. The only real difference is on the GUMPS check. Dennis had me do it on the downwind, base, and final – just to get in the habit of being SURE the gear is down. There are two alarms to remind you – when the throttle comes to idle, or 20 degrees of flaps is selected with the gear up – but you just can’t be too safe. A gear up landing is just not a good thing.
The plane was a bit heavier than I’m used to, but after the first landing (not my best, but OK), I greased a few, and we went back. Good all around lesson. Next week we’ll take a very nice 177RG and see how that goes.