Lesson 15 - Still Circuiting

People are wondering if I'm still flying because I hadn't written a new post in a while.  Well yes I most certainly am, and the reason for me not having written in a while is because all I'm doing at the moment is circuit training - i.e. prepping for landing and actually landing the aircraft.

Last year flying was taken at a very leisurely pace as it competed against me training for my cycling and obstacle race events, trips abroad and weekend ones, socialising and every other obstruction in the way.  Oh I forgot about one major obstruction, especially at the moment as Britain is completely battered by heavy rains and winds, the wonderful  Scottish weather.  Having only one lesson per week (if it goes ahead) also doesn't help with the progress status.  

Weather does not look good

With my big Dec South East Asia gone for nearly a month trip now firmly in the past, I can now focus my attention on my PPL.  Except of course the damn weather.  When it does decide to let me fly I have been practising my circuits.  Despite this I am happy to report that I am making progress which is actually noticeable, like a light bulb just went off in my head and it just clicked!

Upon approaching the runway and descending to touch down onto the tarmac I would sway as if I was trapped in a sandstorm.  Yes I was my very own Pirate ship amusement park ride!  Upon final where wheels are touching the tarmac moment, the aircraft would still be crooked and the aircraft itself would be no where near the middle of the runway.  When landing your aircraft is supposed to be lined up and on top of the dashed white lines in the middle of the runway, I was no where near.  I'm suppose to also be starting to land just where the numbers are at the start of the runway.  Again a slight problem for me.  In fact 2 months ago I was lucky to even line the aircraft up straight never mind on the line and near the numbers!  Now though I'm still off centre from the white line there's progress in at least when I'm coming in to land I'm able to align the aircraft a lot better, though still a little shaky at times.  I'm now also able to judge whether upon approach to the runway my aircraft is to high or too low to land.  This helps with knowing whether the aircraft will start to land near the numbers.  And hey just to throw in a third element, I'm also able to call into ATC (air traffic control) advising them of my whereabouts/landing status, all while still flying the aircraft.  I did mention flying was also about being able to multitask, and there is so much you have to remember!  Though my instructor agrees with me that my knowledge is there,  I know what to do, practising it is a constant vast oceans of a difference with me!

To remember and study. What are these dials again?

In mid Jan, after not flying for a month and a nervous return to lessons the week prior, in mid Jan the second lesson of the year I actually managed to land on my own without the instructor correcting me.  A huge achievement I'm telling you!  I knew I landed unaided because I landed with an almighty thud as the tire hit (and I mean hit!) the tarmac!  Kinda reminded me of that Ryanair flight I took where the pilot also landed with a huge thud and instantly put the engines in reverse causing an extreme pull first forward then backwards again.  If he can pass as a commercial pilot damn it I can do this!  After all it's only a 2 seater plane in comparison!  Despite my landing, I couldn't help but laugh at my horrifying attempt and at the same time be happy at the progress.  It's a funny thing that.

And so now, if only the rain would go away and maybe even take the wind with you, I would be up in the air right now having my lesson instead of pondering about getting out of bed and studying my flight manuals.  Plus side, I did update this blog.