Working on First Solo

ming1000 · Post by **ming1000** » Wed Oct 13, 2010 8:09 pm

Hi, folks

I finally start training last Friday, so far I got about 15 hours dual time, still am working on solo, it's actually the landing skills; I hope I can make it this week.

The craziest thing we did is that Mult Power-stalls started at 3500 ft down to 1800 ft; it's really ear poping.

ArionAv8or · Post by **ArionAv8or** » Thu Oct 14, 2010 7:29 am

Keep up the good work, you will be ready to solo in no time. What I have found in flying the LSAs, especially for landing, is it's all about the feel of the aircraft. Each LSA is different, some are much easier to land than others, but they all have a feel that you can get used to. The first aircraft I soloed was an Aerostar Festival, super easy to land and forgiving to the touch. The second plane was an Ercoupe 415C which I think I could have landed blindfolded and half asleep. That plane is the easiest thing to fly and land I have ever seen and what a blast to fly. If you ever fly an Ercoupe you will see why Bill loves them so much. My current plane is more difficult to land than any I have flown to date. The controls are so much more responsive, the touch is much much lighter and if I flared as much as I did in the Festival I would be right back climbing and flying again as opposed to landing. All of the things that make it a little more difficult to land are also the things that make it more fun to fly, the quick and responsive touch. I guess the point to my rambling is whatever you are flying now has a certain feel and once you get that feel you will become a little more comfortable with the aircraft and the landing will get easier.

BTW - Stalls are AWESOME! I had to do four stalls for my checkride, it was a hoot. Power off, Power on and Accelerated Stalls to the left and right.

KellyZ · Post by **KellyZ** » Thu Oct 14, 2010 7:54 am

If anyone's interested, I understand there is an Ercoupe 415C for sale at the Watertown WI airport (KRYV). I don't know if they are offering Sport Pilot training. When it was based at the Reedsburg airport (C35) the FBO there was doing Sport Pilot training.

NismoRR · Post by **NismoRR** » Sun Mar 13, 2011 10:36 am

Figured I'd reply here than start a new topic.

At 10.6 hours since I started 1/28 and have been in the pattern for the last five lessons. As Ming says, it's all about the landing skills, and I'm very happy and excited that my landings are getting smoother, softer and more consistent. I'm developing a better feel for the plane (C162) during the flare and ensuing float, and developing patience for bleeding off speed and letting her touch down gently. Friday's lesson was great, all landings were at least "good", some put big smiles and both my and my CFIs face. It was great.

I know the solo is coming up soon. Maybe 2-3 more lessons. My CFI e-mailed me his pre-solo written test last weekend which I completed and reviewed with him Tuesday.

I can't believe how fast training moves along. Before Friday's lesson, I made my CFI's day.

I told him that I knew I wasn't soloing that day, but said that in five weeks, he took a guy (me) who never flew a light plane, and taught him how to fly. I said that if he forced me into the Skycatcher by myself, that I could fly the plane and land at this point. And I really thanked him for teaching me all these skills, and that what I am learning is literally changing my life. This 26 yr old CFI almost got a little choked up and didn't know what to say at first. It was pretty cool!

Anyway, that's the update for now. Still very excited and am really enjoying this learning process.

drseti · Post by **drseti** » Sun Mar 13, 2011 11:35 am

NismoRR wrote:Still very excited and am really enjoying this learning process.

Keep up the good work, Nismo. Sounds like you're doing great!

Jim Stewart · Post by **Jim Stewart** » Sun Mar 13, 2011 12:10 pm

ArionAv8or wrote: BTW - Stalls are AWESOME! I had to do four stalls for my checkride, it was a hoot. Power off, Power on and Accelerated Stalls to the left and right.

I couldn't find anything requiring an accelerated stall in the sport pilot practical test standard. Was there a reason why you were tested on it?

ArionAv8or · Post by **ArionAv8or** » Mon Mar 14, 2011 8:15 am

Jim Stewart wrote:
ArionAv8or wrote: BTW - Stalls are AWESOME! I had to do four stalls for my checkride, it was a hoot. Power off, Power on and Accelerated Stalls to the left and right.
I couldn't find anything requiring an accelerated stall in the sport pilot practical test standard. Was there a reason why you were tested on it?

Not that I know of, but when the DPE asked for it I did it.

drseti · Post by **drseti** » Mon Mar 14, 2011 9:47 am

ArionAv8or wrote:when the DPE asked for it I did it.

Remember that DPEs are, first and foremost, flight instructors. They love teaching, and anyone can learn something from them. So, they often do things with the applicant that aren't in the PTS, as a teaching experience. They can't pass or fail you based upon anything outside of the PTS, but they can certainly demonstrate (or have the applicant demonstrate) other maneuvers.