My first flight PA-28-161

alrivera

alrivera

Filing Flight Plan
Joined
Aug 19, 2007
Messages
22
Location
DAYTON, OH
Display Name
Display name:
AUREA
Hello...survived my first lesson at the left side of the cockpit. A very hot day, so I got to witness the effects of density altitude (took forever to takeoff) and the turbulent air. Lots of turns, to the left and to the right, keeping track of my altitude and speed in the turn. Landing was easier than I thought...of course, my instructor did most of the heavy lifting but I hanged in there with him all the way. Some dizziness in the middle portion of the flight; I controlled my breathing, wiped the sweat and kept on going. My most difficult part was the taxing...any suggestion as of improving the technique? Thanks in advanced for your inputs.

Happy flying!
 
Best way to improve technique is to stick with it. Its only the first lesson so Critiques aren't appropriate IMHO. Welcome to the Fraternity.
 
alrivera said:
My most difficult part was the taxing...any suggestion as of improving the technique?
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Welcome to the board! The best tip I got to help with taxiing, when I first started out, was to imagine I was steering a snow sled... if you ever had one of those sleds that you steered with your feet at the front, it will make TOTAL sense. Don't steer with the wheel/stick/yoke, steer with your feet. Use the wheel/stick/yoke to "dive away from the wind/climb into the wind" all the time, and steer with your feet, and don't taxi too fast. Keep your eyes well in front of the plane, not three feet ahead of you. Imagine you're on a freeway... look way out front, make small corrections instead of big ones.
 
Thanks Adam...I am going back tomorrow morning (Weather permiting). Look forward to the learning process and the opportunity to gain new skills and confidence in the air.
 
Thanks Tony W...coming from the islands where snow is a funny avatar in a Christmas card...well, you got the picture. I will ask my instructor for the scenic route (he keeps calling it the yellow brick road) so to improve my technique.
 
Oops...my apologies Troy (like the mythological greek city - of Helena's fame). No excuse other than I am watching "Larry the Cable guy" while posting my notes. Good evening and thanks again for the taxing pointers.
 
alrivera said:
My most difficult part was the taxing...any suggestion as of improving the technique? Thanks in advanced for your inputs.
Click to expand...

I sooo remember taxing a plane for the first time. I swear the airport bystanders thought I was intoxicated!! You will get the hang of it in time.
 
Brent: thanks...I will keep a record of my aviation journey as we go.

Aurea
 
Put the ceterline right between your knees. If your aircraft is equipped with toe brakes, you can brake on the side to which you are trying to turn to reduce the radius of your turn. Out of which airport did you fly?
 
TangoWhiskey said:
The best tip I got to help with taxiing, when I first started out, was to imagine I was steering a snow sled...
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Troy, if the purpose of bringing up the sled analogy was to focus on steering with the feet, not with the hands, you are right on. But the analogy breaks down pretty dramatically after that! :hairraise: My CFI had to get on the pedals during my first taxi. :redface:

On the old Flexible Flyer sled, you pushed with your left foot to go to the right, and vice versa. Obviously, a plane is just the opposite. Being born and raised in New England with a few of those sleds in my history, I actually had trouble steering until I could unlearn the sled technique that was still ingrained.

-Skip
 
I believe that Mercury Astronaut Scott Carpenter had a landing accident before he got into spaceflight that he attributed to riding too many snow sleds as a child. he pushed one way when he meant to push the other way.
 
Welcome to the boards and welcome to the fraternity of those who have slipped the surly bonds of earth! Taxiing was the hardest part for me when I first started, but don't worry... after your first 3-4 flights it will become "old hat".
 
Hello...today was my second flight (out of KFFO, WPAFB, OH). As I was doing the pre-flight check, I found a "screw" behind the right wheel. While the mechanics were busy re-screwing the bolt, I asked my isntructor to explain to me the taxing procedure. With his hands (and mine), he demostrated the proper form...and, SHAZAM, from the hole of darkenss, I stayed following the "yellow brick road" line. Even the takeoff was 100% better (even with some cross wind).

Two lessons down, many to go. Happy flying.

Aurea
 
In my primary training, I was steering with the yoke... my instructor ask me, "How's that workin' for you ?" I still laugh a little whenever I first start to taxi.
 
JD: my instructor tried to tell me in an intellectual way. After a few tries, we just yelled "put your hands in your lap". I got the message!
 
alrivera said:
Oops...my apologies Troy (like the mythological greek city - of Helena's fame). No excuse other than I am watching "Larry the Cable guy" while posting my notes. Good evening and thanks again for the taxing pointers.
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That crap just rots your brain. Stick to aviation; give up that trashy redneck stuff. Your taxiing will be a lot better.
 
John: right you are! I was watching 60 minutes and guess what? They were interviewing the guy. Quite a character that can get away with making fun of the handicapped, the young and the old and everything in between. He is not in my hit parade of favorite comedians. Not an excuse...my mind and soul is in my flying.

Thanks.

Aurea
 
I think Larry the Cable Guy is pretty damn funny myself. My brain may rot happily.
 
Well Aurea, welcome to the world of Flight, and to the Pilots Of America Webboard. I fly a PA28-161 and i can tell you you'll love the plane, does nothing fast or fancy , but flys nice. Keep up the Good Work and someday you'll make it. BTW come join us in the chatroom, someone is usually there after 9:00 EDT.
Welcome again
Dave G:blueplane:
 
Dave: Thanks...so, you own a Warrior, neat! Tell me about the ownership experience. I read sometime back that it was a good idea (if you could afford it) to buy your trainer plane. What do you think?

Take care and thanks again for the nice, encouraging words.

Aurea
 
alrivera said:
Dave: Thanks...so, you own a Warrior, neat! Tell me about the ownership experience. I read sometime back that it was a good idea (if you could afford it) to buy your trainer plane. What do you think?

Take care and thanks again for the nice, encouraging words.

Aurea
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Without going into a six page post. I would encourage you to wait until you have your PPL. You will better understand which model of airplane you want, the kind of equipment it needs to have, etc.

Airplane ownership is a major learning experience in itself. It's worth keeping things simple for now.
 
Jesse's right. Unless you are absolutely certain to the point of being willing to bet $5000 on it (that being the approximate out-of-pocket cost to shop for and buy an airplane and then turn around and sell it) that you will complete training and continue flying, and you have an experienced aircraft owner mentor to shepherd you through this perilous process, buying an airplane before you get your PPL is not a good idea.
 
Jesse: Thanks for the insight...and agree with your argument. My desire is to establish a dialogue with an aircraft owner to learn the trials and tribulation of such enterprise. I have a plate full with my piloting...that's for sure.

Aurea
 
Ahhhhh - now I know why I had so much trouble taxiing early on. I was making the same "Flexible Flyer" mistake.

It's a piece of cake now. It will be soon for you too. Enjoy the training, and welcome to OUR friendly skies.

Keep on renting. You don't want to worry about a plane now. I'm on my second plane now and I STILL spend an inordinate amount of time looking at planes for sale online. My wife calls it my airplane porn.
 
alrivera said:
My desire is to establish a dialogue with an aircraft owner to learn the trials and tribulation of such enterprise. I have a plate full with my piloting...that's for sure.
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Here's a suggestion... Find a flying club in your area. Join, enjoy the cheaper flying, then try to get on the board of directors as a maintenance officer or treasurer. You'll learn LOTS about aircraft ownership. :eek:

If nothing else, it'll cure you of wanting to own a plane by yourself! :rofl:

(Okay, not really. ;))
 
Dave: right on! My instructor just yelled "put your hands on your lap" I will follow your advise my next flying time (this Friday for two sessions; morning and afternoon).

Happy flying.

Aurea
 
Mr I love Apple: Thanks. I was told that owning an aircraft is just like owning an RV...the first day is of happiness (when you buy it) and then hell in the middle and happiness the last day (when you sell it). Not sure if I buy the argument. I joined the Wright Patterson AFB aero club and I am having a blast. I will be attentive as of board elections and will throw my hat on the ring and see what happens.

Happy flying.

Aurea
 
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