Flying last time in LSP didn’t go completely to plan as we were restricted to circuits only due to the low cloud and passing showers.
The aircraft was pulled apart during the week to install a new ADF (part of using the aircraft for IFR training) rendering it offline for a few days, so Friday was the earliest time that I could get back into finishing the endorsement.
The day was overcast but winds were light at the cloud base was up at around 3500’. I arrived at the airport at 9am and headed out to the aircraft. The pre-flight involved all the usual stuff including 13 fuel drains to check for contamination. Stupidly, I did the fuel drains, then dipped the fuel. On dipping, I thought another 60 litres would be good, so I called the fuel truck and then did another 13 fuel drains after refuelling. Lesson learnt- dip and refuel first, then drain.
With 26 fuel drains completed, I was satisfied that no contamination existed so we headed for the run-up bay and departed for the training area. Once in the training area, I engaged the autopilot and used it for the first time. The procedure is very similar to flight simulator. ALT and HDG mode were engaged, and moving the heading bug causes the aircraft to perform a gentle, rate 1 turn on to the desired heading. Using the ALT Up and Down buttons causes the aircraft to gently climb or descend to the desired altitude. The autopilot is a real luxury compared to what I am used to, and is just one of the exciting things about flying such a new aircraft.
Another exciting feature is the full screen GPS. The database/maps are a little out of date on this machine, but I have been assured that they will be updated when the correct card reader is available. Having such a good map in front of you at all times informing you of the whereabouts of such waypoints as ‘GMH’ and ‘Carrum’ is just another luxury that makes this aircraft a joy to fly.
After going over the four ways of disengaging the autopilot (press AP, disengage button on yoke, pull circuit breaker, adjust trim), it was time to do some real aerial work with hand flying. We did a couple of stalls, then some 60 degree steep turns and a practice forced landing. Overall, the aircraft handles just like another, older 172. In the training area, the aircraft cruises comfortably at 120 knots.
With the boxes ticked, we headed to the airport via GMH for a flapless approach and normal circuit. This went fine, so I am now fully endorsed to fly in LSP.
Avalon Airshow
Yes, I went to the Avalon Airshow on the Friday night. Here are some highlight photos taken using my mobile phone.
Aircraft on display
The air force shows off nullifying a practice enemy
The Jellybelly plane on final approach for landing on a truck
Landing successful!
Jellybelly plane lifting off the truck
Jetstar RPT traffic
C-130J aircraft shows off an impressive climb angle
The day was overcast but winds were light at the cloud base was up at around 3500’. I arrived at the airport at 9am and headed out to the aircraft. The pre-flight involved all the usual stuff including 13 fuel drains to check for contamination. Stupidly, I did the fuel drains, then dipped the fuel. On dipping, I thought another 60 litres would be good, so I called the fuel truck and then did another 13 fuel drains after refuelling. Lesson learnt- dip and refuel first, then drain.
With 26 fuel drains completed, I was satisfied that no contamination existed so we headed for the run-up bay and departed for the training area. Once in the training area, I engaged the autopilot and used it for the first time. The procedure is very similar to flight simulator. ALT and HDG mode were engaged, and moving the heading bug causes the aircraft to perform a gentle, rate 1 turn on to the desired heading. Using the ALT Up and Down buttons causes the aircraft to gently climb or descend to the desired altitude. The autopilot is a real luxury compared to what I am used to, and is just one of the exciting things about flying such a new aircraft.
Another exciting feature is the full screen GPS. The database/maps are a little out of date on this machine, but I have been assured that they will be updated when the correct card reader is available. Having such a good map in front of you at all times informing you of the whereabouts of such waypoints as ‘GMH’ and ‘Carrum’ is just another luxury that makes this aircraft a joy to fly.
After going over the four ways of disengaging the autopilot (press AP, disengage button on yoke, pull circuit breaker, adjust trim), it was time to do some real aerial work with hand flying. We did a couple of stalls, then some 60 degree steep turns and a practice forced landing. Overall, the aircraft handles just like another, older 172. In the training area, the aircraft cruises comfortably at 120 knots.
With the boxes ticked, we headed to the airport via GMH for a flapless approach and normal circuit. This went fine, so I am now fully endorsed to fly in LSP.
Avalon Airshow
Yes, I went to the Avalon Airshow on the Friday night. Here are some highlight photos taken using my mobile phone.
Aircraft on display
The air force shows off nullifying a practice enemy
The Jellybelly plane on final approach for landing on a truck
Landing successful!
Jellybelly plane lifting off the truck
Jetstar RPT traffic
C-130J aircraft shows off an impressive climb angle
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