Sport Pilot Talk

markfnkl · Joined: 28 May 2009 Posts: 7

Hi Paul:

I purchased Sport Pilot Checkride a week or so ago and have viewed it more than once. I've found it entertaining as well as informative. The fellow who turns up with his instructional materials still in the box is a great illustration of what not to do!

You really emphasize the importance of clearing all turns, and I have been very diligent in all lessons since viewing the CD to both look and announce the "clear" to my instructor. Trying to develop good habits partly because it's of course the right and safe way to fly, and partly because I've become paranoid about blowing the checkride with one omitted clear!

Which brings me to my question about clearing in the pattern. Normally, when flying, say, in the practice area and making a left turn, I would only "clear left." But in the pattern, there might very well be traffic on the side opposite the turn. For example, when turning left from crosswind to downwind, conceivably there could be a plane entering the pattern on the downwind, coming from the right. Do you insist that in the pattern, the applicant clear his turns in both directions?

Thanks and regards,

Mark Finkelstein
Ithaca, NY
member, East Hill Flying Club
28 hours in a Flight Design Ct

ibgarrett · Joined: 04 Dec 2008 Posts: 146 Location: Westminster, CO

Mark,

Where did you purchase the Sport Pilot Checkride DVD at?

Thanks,

Brian

markfnkl · Joined: 28 May 2009 Posts: 7

I got it from Adventure Productions, though when I went to load their website just now I couldn't get through.

markfnkl · Joined: 28 May 2009 Posts: 7

Brian, the site is working now. Here's a link:

http://www.ap-stores.com/p-84-sport-pilot-checkride-book-dvd-combo.aspx

ibgarrett · Joined: 04 Dec 2008 Posts: 146 Location: Westminster, CO

Awesome - thanks a bunch. I'm getting ready to do my solo, so learning what I need to do on a checkride will be super helpful.

markfnkl · Joined: 28 May 2009 Posts: 7

I'm at about the same stage. I found the DVD quite helpful. Let me know what you think!

Paul Hamilton · Joined: 21 May 2007 Posts: 351 Location: Reno/Tahoe Nevada

Thanks for the feedback on the DVD. It hopefully provides some humor plus important information to the process.

As far as clearing turns, you need to clear the area all around you, plus above and below for maneuvers. The easiest is to do a 180 degree turn to clearly see all around you. This is most accepted by the FAA.

In the pattern, always clear the area with your head on a swivel because there are many aircraft flying. Be especially vigilant during the downwind as aircraft are entering at the 45, plus turning from base onto final where aircraft are coming in.

ibgarrett · Joined: 04 Dec 2008 Posts: 146 Location: Westminster, CO

Paul - I'm not sure where that one guy came from, the one who got the pink slip, but I was more prepared after my second week than that guy was (I know he was acting a bit - but still. :D)

I just watched this last night and had a x-country today, so I was feeling a little bit better about finishing up.

markfnkl · Joined: 28 May 2009 Posts: 7

Paul, many thanks for your reply. Since viewing your DVD I've made it an absolute rule to call my "clear" out loud every time. I think you bring just the right touch of humor to your work, without overdoing it. I will definitely be re-viewing the DVD as my check ride approaches. For that matter, I should watch in the next few days, as my instructor has told me I'm ready for my pre-solo flight with our outstanding chief instructor, David St. George.

Thanks and regards,

Mark
East Hill Flying Club
Ithaca, NY