The day was clear but not soarable, so many club members were doing checkrides and signoffs of various kinds... our club requires a single checkride with an instructor at the start of each year, and I think CFI did four of those along with my BFR. And student pilot JD got signed off for his written exam. Quite a busy day.
I had not flown with this CFI for a long time. He asked me if I'd had any good flights this year, so I told him about Minden (10,000' in 10kt lift and sink), Tehachapi (silver distance but not logged, 15,000') and San Jacinto (10,500' under CU right here in Hemet). I think he was pretty pleased with my progress. He had also flown a Grob 103 at Minden.
- First flight was to be 2000' AGL but of course he pulled a rope break.
- Second flight was to 2000' AGL or so, I just flew around and did some turns and stuff. Not a hint of lift. Too stable... there was an inversion forecast up to about 6000' MSL. I undershot the landing... should have closed airbrakes some on final.
- Third was a pattern.
I asked him if he had any comments or anything... "Nope, you're good."
3 comments:
Hello, still tracking your blogs. Funny, my first BFR is also coming up,in April. My flight experience level is not quite up to yours though. I am out in Florida where the flying is often good but not spectacular. I joined a more local club and my flight time and experience should increase,where as before I was somewhat more limited with a commercial operation. I plan to start some cross country training this year. Also, with some luck, I may purchase my first glider if things are right. Something on the order of a standard Cirrus or if I could go better, an LS-1, ASW 19 or simular. You have any opinions on a first glider? Alot of them on R.A.S.
Can't wait for Spring....
Craig
First glider...what is your budget? Cirrus would be good, as also an ASW19, the LS-1 has a lot of hotteliers to hookup.
I don't have any advice on a first ship... I know very few models by sight and I've only flown the Blanik L-13's, Grob 103's, and a PW-5. Two thoughts:
1. I'd think hard about what my purpose and primary use would be. Solo cross-country, where comfort and ease of assembly are important? Competition, where performance would be critical? Dual, so you can take family and friends (and mentors!) for a ride?
2. I'd look into a partnership with someone in your club or in your area. That way you could get some experience with a prospective ship and see if you like it.
If I wanted a solo ship just for fun and ease of assembly, I think I'd take a look at the Sparrowhawk. I saw one a couple years ago and was impressed with how light it was! Should be easy for one person to assemble and transport. I'm speculating it might even fit into a "toy-hauler" trailer. But it probably would not penetrate very well. And it's relatively new to the market.
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