Lesson 2: Straight and Level Flying

Booked my first early morning weekday flight at Lilydale Airport (situated at the foot or the Yarra Valley) in Victoria. The weather was sensational, clear blue skys, no wind and views as far as the eye can see. Unfortunately my normal instructor, Will, was sick so I spent the session with Dean.

I would have preferred to fly with Will but training with other instructors provides variety and introduction to different learning techniques and personalities. I found Dean to be very engaging, relaxed and supportive and overall the session was excellent. It was interesting though that the external preflight checklist of the aircraft (Jabiru-J160) was performed very differently than before, rather than starting at the left side of the aircraft we started at the right. Same items checked as always just using a different routine. This demonstrates some flexibility in that the pilot in command will generally do things different than another, but achieve the same outcome.

The intent of the session was to increase my confidence and ability in performing basic maneuvers, such as straight and level flying, climbing, descents and turns. We revisited the primary tasks for consideration which were setting the correct power, attitude, speed and trim, otherwise known as PAST. These are used climbs and descents, but straight and level flight requires a minor change, which is ASPT, Attitude, Speed, Power and Trim. My first introduction to this was a few weeks ago during my first lesson, and I must confess that it was all a bit overwhelming, but after some study and spending the morning with Dale it almost came together, not perfectly but certainly better. I am also getting over the habit of focusing too much on looking at the instruments, according to my training notes a good pilot should spend 90% of the time focusing on external factors, such as the horizon, attitude, traffic etc, and 10% on the dials.

My understanding of the internal systems and pre/post flight checklists and procedures is also improving, and I am finally getting my head around the need for 'carb heat'; I just need to remember that under 1900 RPM I need it!!! Also the need for the choke when first starting the plane from cold.

My confidence in dealing with the throttle and rudder pedals is also improving, which is making taxing and take offs much easier.

All in all an excellent training session, and for the first time I really started to enjoy views and a real feeling of flying an aircraft, it is completely absorbing and relaxing and you do not have any time to worry about life's little problems, fantastic.