Fall in Iowa

Fall is the perfect time of year for air to air pictures.  Here's a few airplanes I've shot recently.  

                                               Images belong to Classic Aviation, Inc.

The silence of the cockpit

"The air up there in the clouds is very pure and fine, bracing and delicious.  
Any why shouldn't it be... its the same the angels breathe."

Mark Twain

The last couple weeks have been a great time to be in the air.  The temperature has been perfect and the view of fall's arrival magnificent.  I've been in the air at least twice a week and some weeks three times.  I'm working on building my solo time and refining skills like stalls and crosswind landings.  I'm really starting to see progress, but it makes those not so good flights harder.  A week ago, I had a terrible time with controlling my airspeed and it just drove me crazy.  I tried several different things to get it under control, but couldn't get it exactly where I wanted it to be.  Those are the flights that make me question myself and my abilities, and then the next flight everything falls in to place again. My confidence is restored and back up to cloud nine I go. I have never experienced something so totally Maddening and Rewarding.  

I'm very grateful to be to the point that I can solo, but it's kind of a double edged sword for me.  I enjoy the freedom of flying alone (and greasing a good solo landing), but I don't really enjoy the quiet alone time.  I think it's kind of eerie!  I am a social creature and thrive on being around people.  I'm rarely ever alone these days, because I have a wonderful and talkative little shadow whose three.  He fills my days with stories and questions, and it makes the time in the airplane seem even lonelier.  Four or five landings at a time are about as many as I can handle before the silence begins to get to me.  This has been a source of slight frustration for Shane and my CFI.  They joke that they are going to block the taxiway so I can't come back to the ramp until I've completed enough take-offs/landings.  Cruel, I know!  

My aspirations and goals for flying play a part in my wanting to avoid the silence too.  My main reasons for learning to flying are for my family's safety, completing something I started, and to gain a better understanding of my husband's business.  I plan on using my license, once I obtain it, for flying with my family.  I just don't see myself taking the airplane for many solo trips, well maybe an occasional girls shopping trip.  I mean what girl doesn't want to fly to a shopping excursion.  I'm sure I'll power through and eventually get six plus landings in on a single flight.  I'll build my time for the sake of getting my license, but I don't know that I'll ever enjoy the silent cockpit like Shane and my CFI do.

Just what I needed!

 I was pretty bummed at the four solo landings I did tonight, but my spirits were lifted an hour or so later.  The sky gave me a pick me up.  AMAZING!

Careful what you wish for.........

"To a psychoanalyst, a woman pilot, particularly a married one with children, must prove an interesting as well as an inexhaustible subject. Torn between two loves, emotionally confused, the desire to fly an incurable disease eating out your life in the slow torture of frustration—she cannot be a simple, natural personality."

— Louise Thaden

To find out more about Louise Thaden check out http://www.nationalaviation.org/thaden-louise/

The last month has been a bit of a whirlwind for me.  Shane was at Phenom training in Dallas for seventeen days, the house was under construction, there were lots of photography jobs, filling in at Classic, and my most important job being a mommy.  Needless to say many things were dropped by the wayside.  I have been flying just not blogging. I did finally get my wish and on the 22nd of August I got to leave the pattern.  Yay, I was super pumped even if we were only flying to Knoxville.  I got to fly a whole fifteen miles, watch out next thing you know I'll be flying a Phenom to the west coast.  

My CFI and I headed out early around nine am even though it isn't my best time of day.  The flight over to Knoxville went fine, but things went south after that.  I easily located the airport, but once it was time to join the pattern I fell apart.  I actually had to go around the airport before I entered the pattern, and the whole time I was begging my CFI to demonstrate.  He gave me the tough love treatment and wouldn't demonstrate.  It was then that I told him maybe I should quit flying, and that I was just kidding myself thinking I could learn to fly.  He ignored my crazy ramblings, and made me keep flying the airplane.  I was emotional but able to keep the waterworks at bay.  After some coaching, I entered the pattern and finally landed at Knoxville.  We did a few more take offs and landings at Knoxville before heading back to Pella.  My landings at Knoxville were really pretty good despite my freak out/meltdown.  I may have greased one or two of them. On the way home, CFI had me crossover mid field and then enter the pattern. This was new to me but it went great.  I didn't have my best landing at Pella, but I wasn't really up for a do over.  It was a lesson full of learning for me, and despite my threats I'm not throwing in the towel.  I guess drama isn't just for teenage girls, lol!

The following week a trip to Oskaloosa was planned.  My CFI takes me to all the hotspots! Maintenance was being finished on 27G so I got to fly 3NK.  I was excited since the majority of my early training on was in NK.  It didn't take me long to realize that Shane and CFI were RIGHt, barf!  I hate not being right, but 3NK is a lot more challenging for me.  The biggest challenges for me were rudder control and visibility.  I did panic a wee bit when I realized it wasn't going to be as easy for me, but I got through it and flew the airplane.  The GPS and flying a heading got me to Oskaloosa.  I didn't have any problems entering the pattern this time thanks to some good coaching and less stress.  The runway at Oskaloosa is shorter than Pella which made it more challenging to land on.  We ended up doing four or five landings at Oskaloosa.  They weren't my best ever but I was very happy with them, especially considering the circumstances.  We headed back to Pella, and I left the lesson with the boost of confidence I needed.  I think knowing that Shane would be home the next day made it that much sweeter.

I'm still plugging away and getting very close to the cross country portion of my training.   I'm still researching cool small towns in Iowa to fly to and am up for suggestions.  The only stipulation being it has to be at least 50 miles from Pella.  I'd love to hear some input!!  My confidence and skills are growing with every lesson.  I still have lots of training to do, but it's been fun looking back at where I was and how far I've come.  It gives me the hope I need to pull off this crazy venture.  

2nd & 3rd Solo, headwind training, and my history with aviation

  "The pilot who teaches himself has a fool for a student." — Robert Livingston

My initial reaction to this quote was to giggle, but after some thought I realized how wise Mr. Livingston was.  I have been around aviation for over eleven years, gasp!  No matter how hard you dig your feet in the ground you still end up getting pulled in.  At first I was impressed with my pilot boyfriend, and then I was disgusted because the planes always took him away from me, and then I realized he was doing what he loved.  Most of the time I just kept my mouth shut and let him move forward.  I'd just ignore it as much as I could.  After a couple years of ignoring it, I realized if I ever wanted to see my husband I'd just have to embrace it.  I embraced it by bringing him lunch, helping with events, and making coffee time for the guys when I was off in the summer.  After awhile my desire to be more involved grew and so did the business's need for someone who knew how to use a camera.  It was a match made in heaven!

My involvement with my camera paid off.  I was able to bring some publicity to Classic, use my creativity, and make my husband proud.  Actually, one of the pictures from my first air to air photo shoot ended up as the cover of the 2009/10 Iowa airport guide and Iowa sectional.  I've since had winning photo entries in the Iowa Office of Aviation's annual photo contest, and even had some of my photos published in aviation magazines.  How do this relate to learning to fly?  I'm getting there.  Embracing and being immersed in aviation has given me a lot more knowledge than the average private pilot student.  I dare say enough knowledge to make me a bit dangerous.  The combination of my will, knowledge about aviation, and my teaching background have made me a difficult student at times.  I guess I didn't realize how difficult until recently when Shane enlightened me.   Shane and I had a fairly long conversation about this on our way to Oshkosh (Oshkosh happens to be the yearly mecca for pilots).  I realized after some reflection that Shane was right, and I haven't always been an easy pilot student.  It kills me to admit when Shane is right!   I'm making an effort to be a better student, and I figured the above quote was a perfect reminder. 

A bunch of things have changed since the last time I blogged about flying.  The weather has dropped about 20 degrees, life has been a bit crazy, and I've soloed two more times.  I've now soloed on both one six and three four which is good for the old self confidence.  However, I've been flying in the pattern at Pella for MONTHS!!  I'm talking since the end of February.  Yes, I know it's good practice and I'm thankful for it.  But I'm sick of bored with seeing and doing the same thing over and over.  I shouldn't say I'm doing the same thing every time, because the weather/wind add in variables that keep it challenging. The best way to explain it would be that you've been given the freedom to drive by yourself, but you can only drive around your block.  It's great because you have the freedom to drive yourself, but stinks because you're itching to go ANYWHERE but around the block.  I get how important take-offs and landings but this girl wants Needs a change of scenery.  Please, even a little trip to Knoxville or Oskaloosa will do, I'm begging!

My last lesson was a good experience but frustrating at the same time.  We dealt with a headwind the entire lesson which added some elements I wasn't used to.  It had been a very long time since I flew with a headwind.  The most frustrating part was coming in on final.  I'd pull out power too early and we get low.  As a result my landing would be flat which is far from ideal.  I went around and around, and was struggling even with good coaching.  I finally asked the CFI to model it which Shane said was a huge step for me.  He asked me many times when we were training together if I wanted him to show me a skill. Most of these times  I'd just want to work through it on my own.  By the end of the lesson, my landings had improved just not as much as I'd like to have seen.  I think learning to fly is kind of like being on a rollercoaster.  One minute you're on top of the world because you've greased a solo landing, and then next minute you feel totally incapable of flying alone due to a headwind.  And just when you start to question what in the world you're doing you get another solo flight that boosts your confidence.  I guess that's why I'm still a student pilot! :)

New photography venture- Aerial pictures of farms

A month or so ago, a realtor contacted Shane about taking some aerial pictures of farms that were going up for auction.  After planning, some studying, and lots of map prep we were ready to give it a go.  The  first time up we had some issues with the navigation aides, but we got most of the kinks worked out.    Yesterday, I spent two and a half hours in the air shooting farms.  It was more challenging than I thought it'd be, but was a good experience.  We now have a system, and are ready to take on more if the need arises.  Here are some pics from the shoot. 

             This picture was taken shortly after take-off.  The grass makes it look like it's fall not July.

Air to Air Photography of the Duchess

Shane's been wanting to get some air to air pictures of his Duchess, and we finally found some time on Friday to go up.  Shane flew the Duchess and one of his pilot's flew me in the Cessna 172.  Here are a few of the pictures that we got.  They may or may not be enhanced on photoshop. 

We saw some balloons too!

Rudder shmudder- Crosswind landings in Extreme Iowa heat

"More than anything else the sensation is one of perfect peace mingled with an excitement that strains every nerve to the utmost, if you can conceive of such a combination."
                                                          ~Wilbur Wright



I think this quote pretty much sums up how I feel about flying.  It makes me feel better knowing that the Great Father of Flight and I are on the same page.  Flying, hmmm.  I've been going up about once a week, sometimes twice.  The primary instructor change has gone pretty smoothly, and I'm adjusting to a different teaching style.  It's much more disciplined and regimented these days, because my goals for flying have changed.  That being said I really miss flying with my Shane.  I'm hoping we can make some time very soon to go up together, just for fun.


I'm still waiting for my second solo, and haven't been able to do so again because of the weather.  My CFI and I were talking the other day, and he said he didn't think he'd ever flown with me on a calm day.  He was right!  It seems as if every scheduled lesson lately the temperature is 100 plus degrees complete with a crosswind. The very first time I flew with him was at the end of the May, and that was when I had my first crosswind experience.  I know all this wind experience will make me a better pilot, but it's exhausting when extreme heat is added in.  I would dare say that I've lost a pound or more just sweating during flying lessons.  I hate sweating/being hot and have very seriously considered putting my flying lessons on hold until fall.  The airplane I'm training in isn't air conditioned.  There is a ventilation system that works great at cooling the airplane down when you are at higher altitudes, but it doesn't cool the airplane much during pattern flying.  I've been hanging in there, but don't know how much longer I can endure in the flying sauna.  I'm pretty confident in the fact that my brain doesn't function at full capacity when it's over 90 degrees.  That's my excuse at least for the mistakes I make during my lessons.  Don't worry I make sure to remind err whine to my CFI of the less than desirable conditions.  It's probably good I'm not flying with Shane right now, because he'd probably have beat me over the head already.  


My lesson on Saturday was scheduled for five which is normally a pretty calm part of the day.  I wasn't totally surprised when I got out to the airport and Shane and CFI told me that it had been calm all day, but the winds just started to pick up.  Really, What the World?  If I believed in karma and bad luck, I would've turned around and left.  It seemed as if the stars weren't aligning for a reason.  My recent flying experiences have helped me to I've pick up the "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" train of thought.  I headed out to the airplane for my pre-flight.  Once the pre-flight was complete I ran inside to wash the yuck off my hands.  I don't think I've ever completed a pre-flight that didn't require me to wash my hands afterwards.  My clean hands and I headed back to the airplane where CFI was waiting.  I worked through the check list and listened to the automated weather twice.  I had spaced off listening for the altimeter information the first time.  Shortly after, we began our taxi to one six.  One six isn't my preferred end of the runway, but I guess it's good practice to be conquering crosswinds on the more challenging (for me) end of the runway.  


Once the run-up was finished, I made my radio call that I was departing one six.  I got all lined up and prepared for take-off.  I could feel the pull of the crosswind as soon as I had the airplane in the air. My first take-off probably wasn't one of my better ones, but at least I knew what I needed to do for the next go around.  Once I was in the air, I needed a reminder or two about using more right rudder.  I think I naturally gravitate to putting more pressure on the left rudder, because I'm left handed.  During the lesson I'm sure I heard "more right rudder" at least a handful of times.  I was even correcting for it at one point when I heard those dreaded words slip out of my CFI's mouth.  Grrr, at least he's on top of his game. 


I did a few less than desirable landings that involved some help from my CFI.  I needed to compensate for the winds by adding in corrections with the right rudder as well as the ailerons.  It took me more landings then I care to admit before I got two good safe landings.  I would've been content to quit after one good one, but CFI thought we should try for one more.  Luckily, I didn't disappoint.  My last landing was pretty sweet. He told me at the end of the lesson he was ready to cut me loose to try a few on my own, but I was wiped.  I'd had a long week and looked forward to relaxing with my boys instead.  I figured I'd give it a fighting chance the next week, weather permitting of course.  One more small step towards my pilot's license.  The more time I invest the more motivated I am to see it through to completion.  Here's to calm winds for next time!

Pattern Flying in pictures

"A pictures is worth a thousand words"

Frederick R.Barnard

I'm flying with one of Shane's CFI's about once a week nowadays.  Shane and I'll will still do the cross country and night flying.  We decided it would be best for the weekly stuff to happen with an instructor other than him.  Due to the weather I haven't been able to solo again, but I'm crossing my fingers that we get a calm day soon!  The tricky part is getting a calm day that works with my schedule.  Iowa weather can be soo frustrating!    I thought I'd share some pictures of what I've been up to lately.
 FYI-  The instructor was flying while I was shooting!

Getting ready to take-off

and we're up

This is where I make my radio call "Pella Traffic 27Gulf is downwind for one six Pella"

 It's about here that I pull my my carb heat on, reduce my speed, and put 10 degrees of flaps on. I know this because the wing tip is directly across from the runway.  The picture below shows this a bit better.

View out the window while turning

One step closer to landing.  I love the sky in this picture.

You can see my pretty camera strap cover in the instruments

 I'm ALWAYS watching my airspeed!

On the base leg, getting ready to turn for final.

Lining up with the runway

Almost on the ground

June 21- The Solo

"Aviation is proof that given, the will, we have the capacity to achieve the impossible."

"Courage is doing what you're afraid to do.  There can be no courage unless you're scared."

Edward Vernon Rickenbacker

The way the day went I'd have never guessed that I'd solo on June 21.  I'd flown that afternoon with Shane's other CFI and we ended up fighting some wind.  I finished the lesson and was a bit frustrated with myself. I worked at the airport the rest of the afternoon and tried to learn how to update the website.  And I thought flying was tough.  Shane finished with a student about seven, and we decided since it was a nice night that we'd do a little flying.  I really had no expectations but hoped I'd make some more progress with my landings.  

Shane and I teamed up on the preflight and soon we were ready to go.  After the checklist and run up were complete we were ready to go.  I prepared to take-off from three four.  I've had a love/hate relationship with that end of the runway.   My best landings have been on three four on the flip side some of my worst ones have been too.  I took off and worked my way around the pattern.  The air was smooth and the evening light beautiful!  My first couple landings were ok, but I was a little too early on my flares.  My third landing was less than stellar and I ended up pretty close to tears.  Shane was able to get me to snap out of it.  I won't repeat what he said because that isn't important.  The tough love approach worked, I think he shocked me out of my funk.  I relaxed, did what I needed to do, and had two textbook landings.  After the second landing Shane asked me if I was ready to go by myself.  My confidence was building, but I wanted to go around one more time before I went on my own.  I went around one more time with Shane, had a good landing, and was ready to go it alone.

We taxied towards the ramp, Shane briefed me, and then I was all by myself.  I patiently waited for some traffic to clear the runway (which was actually Shane's uncle).  Once he was clear, I made my radio call, and started my back taxi to three four.  I was amazingly relaxed as I did the taxi.   I got  lined up on the runway and said a little prayer.  All to soon it was go time, because daylight was fading fast.  I gave it full power and soon I was in the air all by myself.  It was quite a rush!  I knew exactly what I needed to do and I did it.  I stayed relaxed and didn't overanalyze.  I never once looked over to the other seat to confirm I was alone.  I was afraid if I did I would freak out!  I remember every detail about flying until I got to the end of the downwind. I do remember saying another little prayer before I pulled the carb heat on. I asked God to get me safely on the ground to my little guy.  It was weird because I wasn't really nervous; I just wanted to have a good safe landing.  The next thing I remember was being on the runway after completing a safe and smooth landing.  Once I realized I was on the ground I started to tear up.  They were tears of relief, happiness, and pride.  I'd overcome a lot of obstacles to get to this point, and I was proud that I accomplished this goal.  The goal of solo flight has probably been the most challenging goal I've set for myself.  Flying has stretched me mentally, physically, and emotionally. I am glad that I did it, and that Shane and I will someday be able to share this adventure with Sullivan.  It is now part of our story and I think we're both beyond excited that it is.

Here are some FAQs about my solo flight

Were you scared?  No, I knew exactly what I needed to do to make it a safe flight and landing.  I had well over twenty hours of flying with experienced instructors before I went on my own.  I'd venture to say that 10-15 of those hours were just flying around the pattern at Pella to polish take-offs and landings.  I was a little nervous about having a good landing though especially since I'm not real fond of go arounds.

What was it like to fly by yourself/did you look in the seat next to you?  Flying by myself was not much different than flying with an instructor. I've been flying the airplane on my own lately, but receiving feedback from the instructors.  It was liberating to know that the instructors had confidence in my ability to fly on my own though. I was also so focused on getting the job done that I didn't really get to fully enjoy the moment.


I only looked over at the other seat one time and that was when I latched the door shut after Shane got out.  I didn't look over to the other seat on purpose, because I was afraid I'd jinx myself.

Did you notice that the airplane was lighter without the instructor?  I was too focused on flying the airplane that I didn't notice.

Will you finish and get your private pilot's license?  I'm taking one flight at a time.  I'd like to finish it, but I'm just going to play it by ear.  There is a big time commitment involved and our family is very busy.  I'm also learning I don't like being in the airplane on a super hot day, being drenched in sweat in a hot airplane does nothing for me.

Will Shane continue as your instructor?  Yes and no.  Shane is super busy right now.  It's hard to for us to find time to fly that doesn't cut into our family time.  We plan on doing some cross country and night flying together this summer.  I will fly on a more consistent basis with one of his other instructors. I'm pretty comfortable flying with both of them so it shouldn't be to big of a deal.

Favorite part of flying?  Greasing a landing hands down and the exhilaration of being in the air on a calm night is a close second.

Least favorite part of flying?  The preflight.  I always ended up with grease, oil, and fuel on myself.  I hate being dirty and smelly.  

SOLO- I DID IT! June 21, 2012

I finally did it!  I can now cross fly an airplane on my own off the bucket list.  The longest 7 minutes of Shane's life.  You can check out more details at https://www.facebook.com/flyclassicaviation
I'll post more soon!

Perspective - Week of June 11

“Child, you have to learn to see things in the right proportions. Learn to see great things great and small things small.” 

Corrie Ten Boom

As I type this my boys are on their way to Sully with our Cessna 120.  The plan is to drop in and visit Shane's dad.  A perfect Father's day for guys who have created a rich aviation family history. The 120 is very special to Shane and I, and now to Shane and Sullivan.  The two seats limit family trips, but I'm glad that my boys can create wonderful memories together.  Shane was gone to Kansas for jet recurrent training from Sunday to Wednesday of this week.  He felt that in his absence I should get some flying in since I'd just switched airplanes.  We had hoped to squeeze in some flying last weekend, but it didn't happen.  We both had terribly crazy weekends which seems to be the normal for us lately.   Tuesday and Wednesday I did some flying with one of his instructors.  I'd been in a bit of a funk with my landings and was just starting to overcome the huge mental block I'd created for myself.

We flew in the evening on Tuesday which worked out well since I'd been working at the airport late that afternoon.  It started off a bit rough.  I worked through the check list at a snail's pace which was frustrating. I'd gotten pretty efficient at it in 3NK and had to retrain myself for 27G.  The first couple of landings were far from outstanding, but we worked through them.  It was after those landings that the CFI gave me some good visuals I needed to watch for.  It was like a light bulb went on, and my landings got a little better each time.  I'm such a visual learner so this was huge for me.  When I need to learn something on photoshop I hit the YouTube videos first.  I was actually so excited about it that I brought my camera the next day. I wanted to capture what a correct landing would look like.  Sadly, the next day was a bit bumpy so it was hard to get good pictures.  When I replay a landing in my head   I can't remember what I saw out the window.  It all happens so fast and my brain is too focused on getting the plane safely on the ground.  I'm looking forward to a calm day in the near future so we can experiment with the my camera and the InFlight video camera that Shane has.  I think a whole new dimension could be added to flight instruction at Classic.

Wednesday was a crazy day for me, but I managed to get out to the airport for another lesson.  I was a little concerned when I got to the airport and found out we'd be fighting a crosswind.  The last crosswind lesson with Shane left me feeling nauseous and defeated. I knew it was part of learning to fly, but I was still holding out hope that the FAA would issue a fair weather pilot's license (no crosswind training required).  We flew at one which was actually the earliest in the day I've ever flown.  The bad part was it was HOT!  I think I sweated through my shirt repeatedly in that hour.  The awesome part was that I wasn't totally exhausted like I normally am in the evening.  I found my reaction time was better, and I didn't seem to be as emotionally reactive when I made mistakes.  I was able to get through the checklist in a more timely manner which makes me think I'm starting to adjust to 27G (but don't tell my instructors). I think we did six landings and by the end I was shot.  Landing in a crosswind is physically exhausting, because you're manhandling the airplane to correct for the wind that's trying to push you off the runway.

I was tired but triumphant after the lesson!  I felt like I made some real progress with crosswind landings, and am finally starting to regain some of my confidence back.  I missed flying with Shane, but the change in perspective helped me make some serious gains.  Plus, I found someone else at Classic that likes iced coffees.  Shane doesn't really understand my excitement about a mocha frozito from The Brew since he doesn't like anything coffee related.  If you haven't had one you're missing out!  All in all it was a great day with a perfect ending, Shane came home.  He breezed right through his recurrent training like I knew he would.  Needless to say we were both ready for bed that night.  Hopefully, I'll continue to move forward with flying and be able to solo soon.

My own worst enemy

"I'm a perfectionist, so I can drive myself mad - and other people, too. At the same time, I think that's one of the reasons I'm successful. Because I really care about what I do."

Michelle Pfeiffer

My quest for perfection plus added pressure has put me into a bit of a flying funk.  Shane and I've had a string of lessons that were lesson than wonderful.  After some bumpy rides, crappy crosswinds, and less than perfect landings I ended up being my own worst enemy. I'm not going to give them more time by blogging on each of them, and so this is going to be the catch all post.  

I was in a very bad place on Monday night.  I didn't even make it to the gas pumps before I hit full on sobbing.  If I didn't have so much invested in this venture I probably would've quit that night.  The other reason I didn't quit is that I'm an example for Sullivan.  I don't want to teach him that quitting is the answer when things get difficult.  It totally affected my mood in the days that followed, because   failures take me to a dark place since I'm a perfectionist.  I was still a pretty big mess even after Shane and I talked things through.  He felt that I should fly with someone else, and hoped it would get me out of my funk.  I agreed.  It is that much harder on both of us when things don't go well.  I have a hard time putting my emotions away when I fly with Shane.  It's a double edged sword. We're on top of the world when things go well, but when they don't it takes a toll on both of us.  I'm very thankful that we've been able to go as long as we've had without any issues.   I truly love flying with him.  I couldn't find an instructor that could better tailor the training to fit my learning style.  On the other hand it is easier to accept criticism from someone other than your best friend.

So it was decided that I would fly with the instructor that I had flown with previously.  The issue of  flying in the other airplane was brought up when we talked through the lessons that had gone poorly.  He felt that I'd have a better view from that plane and that my landings would improve again.  I told him for the millionth time that I didn't want to switch planes.  I felt like he understood my reasons, and knew that I had overcome so much to be able to fly 3NK.   I went out to the airport on Tuesday afternoon, because I've recently started working a few hours a week there for him.  There was also a chance I was going to fly with his other instructor that afternoon.  Shane felt the sooner I got back in the plane the better it would be for me psychologically.  Shortly after I got there he called me into his office and told me that he and the other instructor had talked.  They both felt strongly that I should try flying the other airplane.  I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes as I thought he understood my side of things.  He told me it was ultimately my decision.  That discussion made me want to pause the flying and give myself a couple days to regroup.  It didn't end up that way though.  After some nagging, pushing, encouraging, and manipulating I ended up in the airplane I didn't want to be in.

Both 3NK and 27G are Cessna 172s but they are a bit different.  The major differences are the instrument panel setup, rudder performance, and the view of the nose.  I being left handed much prefer the way 3NK is setup, because many of 27G's instruments/switches are on the far right side of the panel.  The rudders are require much less pressure and felt very loose to me.  I will agree that my view of the nose was a bit better, but that didn't win me over.  I felt like a fish out of water in the airplane.  The checklist work was less than smooth since I had to look around for the instruments I needed.  My footwork ended up being less than desirable since I had to get used to using different amounts of rudder pressure.  A good portion of the lesson I spent just working out the bugs of flying a different airplane with an instructor I wasn't as used to.  My landings did get progressively better, and by the last landing I felt a small glimmer of confidence coming back.  The other instructor agreed that I over thought things, and my quest for perfectionism was getting in the way of  flying the airplane.  Oddly enough, the landing that we chatted through was my best one because I didn't over think it.  

I'm not exactly sure where to go from here since my goal has been to master flying 3NK on my own.  It wasn't my original goal but one I set for myself when I started to struggle with the physical flying of it. Do I fly in 27G until I get my confidence back and my landings have improved greatly?  Do I try to go right back to 3NK even though Shane and the other instructor feel that 27G is a better fit for me?  I'm pretty stubborn, and I'd like to show them that 3NK can be a good fit for me too?  I know, real mature, but they can't begin to understand what learning to fly is like for me.   The mature me asks am I allowed to change my goal considering the circumstances?  Lots of things to ponder and I'll try not to over analyze them.

Memorial day Pancake breakfast at Sully

Shane and Sullivan take the Cessna 120 to Sully, IA.

Lesson 32 (5.25.12)- Flying outside the comfort zone

"Being comfortable isn't the way to learn to expand your abilities."

Thomas Perry

The weather was kind of yucky on Friday. At five Shane called and said there was a window in which to get some flying in. It was time to do some flying with one of his other instructors. I've been dreading flying with another instructor, but wanted to get it out of the way.  It would put me one more step closer to solo.  I was feeling pretty stressed as I drove out to the airport, and even contemplated turning around.  I didn't, but by the time I arrived at the airport I had created a pretty big mental block for myself.  It would prove to be pretty evident in my flying.  On top of psyching myself out there was quite a crosswind.  I didn't have a lot of experience with crosswinds, and the experiences I've had were with pretty mild crosswinds.  


I had a quick chat with Shane and learned he was going to be test flying an airplane while I was flying.  I think he did that on purpose, because I'm sure he was kind of nervous too.  I'm know how it is to watch months of your teaching/instructing being put to the test; even if you have total faith in your student's ability.  YIKES!  I felt for him!  I headed towards the airplane and the CFI (Certified Flight Instructor).  Shane jokingly introduced us, I see him frequently. Sullivan and I are at the airport a couple times a week for this and that. He's actually flown me for some of the aerial pictures I've taken.  Actually, some of my best pictures were when he was the PIC (Pilot in Command) of the airplane I was sticking my head out of.  Below are a couple pics from the aerial photography flight we did.

I know what you're thinking, and yes our work is pretty amazing. LOL
So I got a bit off topic, but I LOVE photography.  Where was I?  Oh yes, flying with another CFI.  I think my stress level would've been through the roof if I had to fly with a CFI I didn't know.

We got in the airplane, and realized we didn't have the key.  He ran back to the building and got it.  By the time he got back I had got my seatbelt on, and that was about it.  I remember telling him we could wait for Shane to take off, and he could go fly and pretend that I was with him.  For some reason he wasn't game for that.  I guess it's good my husband's employees don't want to lie to him, but I would've paid him to this time.  I relented and started going through the checklist.  Thank goodness there was a list in front of me, or I probably would've lost all focus.  I got through the checklist and we started to taxi towards the runway.  We had to wait on Shane to take-off before we could back taxi and do our run up.  It wasn't long and Shane was in the air, and we headed towards three four.  I got to the turn around and lost the brain power needed to turn the airplane around.  Not good!  I got through the run up, and then it was time to go.  I spaced off my departing radio call, but I got a friendly reminder from the CFI.  I made the call and we were ready to roll.

We started rolling down the runway and soon we were up in the air.  I had a decent take-off but could tell there was a crosswind.  We made our way around the pattern, and I think due to nerves my pattern work wasn't very precise. The crosswind was blowing us around a little bit as well. I started to make my towards final and came in super high.  My first attempt at landing ending up being a go around.  I had a feeling I'd have to do one, but wasn't looking forward to it.  Shane and I have only done a couple so it's not a skill I'm as comfortable with.  I had some good step by step instructing and I got through it.  It was kind of nice to get it out of the way right away.  We made our way back through the pattern.  My pattern work progressed as I started to relax a bit.  It was the landings that were a bit rough.  I had probably some of my worst landings ever, thank you crosswinds!  I didn't realize how much is physically required to correct for landing in crosswinds.  It is intense both mentally and physically.  I remember being ready to call it a night pretty early on.  Not my proudest moment but I do remember saying after a crap landing that I was ready to go home.  The CFI had other plans and pushed me to keep going.  At the time I wasn't real excited about continuing, but I'm glad he made me.

We back taxied and kept going.  I'm not exactly sure how many landings we did, but with each one I made a little progress.  Thanks to some good instructing I started to turn a corner on my crosswind landings, and my last one was pretty decent.  I'm actually kind of shocked I was able to pull off the last one, because there were three other airplanes in the pattern.  I typically don't perform well with lots of other traffic, but I think I was just too busy to think about it.  The weather was starting to roll in and that put an end to the lesson. I was ok with that but the CFI would've like to see me attempt a few more landings.  That was probably the most intense hour I've had in a long time.  I felt like a mouse on a wheel once my feet hit the ground.  The combination of nerves and adrenaline kept me wired for hours after I got home.  I think I probably could've run a marathon that night.

I learned a lot of things that night.  One I have developed an annoying habit of sighing in to the mic when I'm flying.  I think it's a little stress reliever for me but not cool when you're flying with people other than your husband. I now have a better grasp on correcting for crosswinds thanks to a very patient instructor.  I seriously don't know how flight instructors do it.  I don't think you could pay me enough to sit through crappy landing after crappy landing for the sake of learning.  Flying with another instructor was a good experience for me, and gaining some different insight was very valuable.  I won't be stressed the next time I fly with an instructor other than Shane.  Lastly, flying has been a maddening but rewarding experience.  I need to put more focus on my successes in the lessons rather than my failures.  If I don't I think it will bring me down and increase my chances of calling it quits.  That being said despite all the things that went wrong in the lesson I rocked my take-offs.  The take-offs have been a huge hurdle for me and I think at one point in the blog I called them my achilles' heel.  It wasn't my most comfortable lesson but it was full of learning, and that's whats going to push me forward.

My Love Affair with Flying

  

"All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better" 

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

I'm loving learning to fly, but for a different reason than you may think.  I've been told once you take-off for the first time as a student pilot you're hooked, but that really wasn't the case for me.  The first time I took off it was a rush but it wasn't an ah ha moment.  I've been flying with Shane for 11 1/2 years and it wasn't until this year that I had a desire to learn.  I was actually very content to be flown wherever I needed to go, and probably would still be that way if Sullivan hadn't come along.  My desire stemmed from wanting to be able to land Sullivan and I safely if something happened to Shane.  Shane and I's plan was to do a pinch hitter course but somewhere in the course of things the plan changed.  I can't speak for Shane but for me the draw has been getting to spend an hour of uninterrupted time together.  Those of you who have children know how hard carving out that time can be, and flying has been great for us and our relationship.  It has opened my eyes to how amazing my husband is, and how much of a team we really are.  I can honestly say that I think our relationship is stronger because we've done this, and the funny thing was I was totally skeptical about a positive outcome.  I'm so glad that I was wrong and Shane was right.  It's not very often I admit defeat, just ask Shane.

I'm getting closer and closer to solo with each lesson, and I'm very excited to cross it off my bucket list.   I'm a bit sad though because it will mean I have to fly without Shane at least twice.  Shane and I both agreed early on that the safe thing to do would be to have me fly with another instructor at some point. I know this is something I need to do, but I love flying with Shane.  He has created a perfect learning environment for me, and flying is fun and enjoyable.  I'm a little anxious about flying with another instructor, but that's pretty normal.  Shane says flying with another instructor kind of simulates the stress of flying solo.  I think I'm the most nervous because of the expectations the other instructor may have since I'm the boss's wife.  Shane is a very experienced pilot and flight instructor, and I pretty sure other instructors expect certain level of skills/finesse from his students.  I'm trying hard to not pysch myself out, so hopefully we can get it taken care of soon.  I can see many benefits to flying with another instructor.  As a teacher I've seen many great learning experiences as a result of co-teaching.  The tables are turned and being the student is a bit unnerving.  I guess it will make me a better teacher if I go back to the classroom someday.

I've heard so many negative experiences with a spouse being the flight instructor, and I can confidently say that it doesn't have to be that way.  The key for us has been having a back up plan, and staying on the same page.   We agreed early on if either one of us felt uncomfortable with how it was progressing that Shane would turn over the training to another instructor.  Shane has been an incredible instructor for me because he knows me so well.  He knows when he needs to push me and when to let things go, how to explain concepts in a way I can process, and has an amazing calming effect on me.  I also feel very comfortable asking him questions and communicating my frustrations, and in turn he's helped me work through my challenges. He has taught me in a way that has given me a whole new respect and admiration for him as a teacher.  I've learned so many things from him that I could take right back into my classroom if I was still teaching.  I look forward to seeing where this path takes us, because it's been  an amazing journey thus far.

Lesson 30- 5.16.12 Conquering One Six

"Fences are made for those who cannot fly."

- Elbert Hubbard

Shane and I couldn't resist flying tonight. The beautiful blue skies, perfect temperature, and the absence of wind seemed to set the tone for the evening.  I headed out to the airport about 6:30, and by the time I got out there Shane had the airplane preflighted.  We got into the 3NK and did a quick debrief on our days before I started on the checklist.  Soon enough we made our way towards the runway, and Shane told me the plan was to use one six.  Rats, I wasn't real excited about using one six.  Once we made sure the area was clear I made my radio call.  Yep, to Shane's delight, I've got the radio communication component done pat.  I still don't like making the calls but I'm doing it.  We headed down to my less preferred runway, turned in, and I finished the run up.  It amazes me how quickly I get through the run ups these days.  It use to take what seemed like an hour to get through the checklists, and now I could probably recite the checklists by heart.  Once I was finished with the run up we prepared to take-off.

I got myself all lined up and took a minute to mentally prep myself, and soon we were rolling down the runway.  My goal was to gently ease the airplane off the runway and as Shane says "Let it fly itself," and I did.  I kept myself from pulling to hard and avoided the jerky take-off.   This was a good boost for my confidence.  Once we were in the air, Shane and I talked through some of my frustrations with the pattern flying of one six.  He gave me some tips to try and they were very helpful.  The first time around we worked through some of my pattern issues, and I had a decent landing.  Things only got better from there, and by my third go around I was feeling pretty good.  I had an awesome third landing.  There aren't words to describe greasing a landing, and its probably one of the biggest adrenaline rushes I've ever had.   Being a creature of habit I normally quit on a good third landing, but with some coaxing from Shane I decided to go around again.  My last landing wasn't a greaser but it was ok.  This lesson also helped us to figure out that I do better when I come in high upon landing on one six.  Learning that was a game changer for me,  a lightbulb went on in my head and one six suddenly made more sense to me.

After some previous lessons were I fought one six, and ended up very frustrated, it was good to feel  success on it again.  I have a lot of things to look forward to in the near future as well as some apprehensions.  More on that very soon, but for now I'm going to enjoy my conquer of one six!

Third time is a charm- Week of May 6-12 (lessons 27, 28, & 29)

“The Guide says there is an art to flying", said Ford, "or rather a knack. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.” 
                                                                     --Douglas Adams

Last week Shane and I hit the flying pretty hard. We went up three times.  At this point in the game I think my biggest roadblock is myself.  I will have a great take-off, nail the pattern work, and have a great landing.  I'm on top of the world and then the next time around I'll make a small mistake that mentally blocks me for the rest of the lesson.  It is so frustrating and deeply maddening to me but what a rush when it goes flawlessly.  The rush is indescribable and it is what propels me to keep working towards solo.

The last three lessons have revealed quite a few things to me.  The first lesson learned is that safe and perfect don't have to be the same thing.  I've come to learn that not every landing in this stage of the game is going to be perfect, but a consistent safe ones can be a victory.  My desire for perfection in flying has clouded the view of my progress, no pun intended.  My goal is to try to enjoy the small victories even if a small imperfection is present.

The other thing I learned is that I favor flying and landing on three four as opposed to one six.  Flying the pattern around three four comes easier for me.  I think this maybe due to the fact that the landmarks and pattern work associated with three four are more memorable for me.  I also prefer landing on three four, but Shane says that is natural because three four is nice and flat.  One six drops seven feet over the first one thousand feet which is probably why I struggle with my landings on it.  I'll keep on working towards conquering one six, even though I've been telling Shane that I'm only going to fly when I can use three four.   I do plan to solo at some point but only if I can land on three four!  I should be able to stack my odds toward perfection right?  LOL!

Lesson 24, 25, and 26 - last weeks in April (Practice and Conquering the radio)

"The exhilaration of flying is too keen, the pleasure too great, for it to be neglected as a sport".

                                                      — Orville Wright

The poor blog has been neglected.  My plan all along was to blog on a lesson before we went up for another one.  The last few lessons have happened and I haven't been able to stay caught up with the blog.  So here's a recap on what's been happening.

The last three lessons we've mainly been working on pattern work as well as take-offs/landings.  My take-offs have come a long ways.  I can now navigate the airplane smoothly down the center line while gaining the speed needed to lift off.  Yay, for ditching the crazy veering from one side of the runway to the other like a wind-up toy (maybe it wasn't quite that bad).  I can now recite the steps of the pattern work in my sleep, and effectively fly the pattern for both one six and three four.  The pattern landmarks are now embedded in my brain.  I feel like I've been flying the same pattern so much that I should be having dreams about it, luckily I haven't.  My landings are progressing each lesson and I've even been able to grease a few on to the runway.

I was able to conquer one of my big roadblocks, radio communication, in lesson 25.   I had told Shane I'd make a call from the pattern in lesson 24, but that didn't exactly pan out.  I had Shane to push the mike button for me since I was busy flying, but freaked out when it was time to talk.   Shane saved the day, but I think he was a bit fed up.  I knew I'd have to talk eventually so I made up my mind to do it the next lesson.  Legally it isn't required to make any radio calls at Pella, but with other airplanes in the area it is the safe thing to do.  I can't explain why it was so hard for me to push the button and talk.  As Shane says "You love to talk!"  It creeped me out that people flying in the area or people at nearby airports could hear me and know exactly what I was doing.  Let's face it, that's slightly disturbing.   Shane being mildly annoyed and for safety's sake propelled me forward.  So on the 25th lesson, I bit the bullet and made 75% of the calls. In all the flying we'd done before this I had only made one radio call.  Another small victory was mine at least for the night.  Last night I made a call that we were clear of the runway, and I forgot what I was suppose to say.  All the people on the frequency heard a few words and then a bunch of giggling.  I  had to click off the mike and regain my composure, but I was able to finish the call.

I'm know those lessons were filled with a lot more, but mommy brain has damaged my memory.  I think I hit all the high points though, ha ha!  Hopefully, lesson 27 isn't too far away!

Lesson 23- 4.17.12 ROCKED IT

I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it. 

 ~Thomas Jefferson

It's been a crazy week at the Vande Voort house and the week isn't even over yet.  Shane has had trips everyday and I've had some photo sessions and volunteer work.  We were able to squeeze a lesson in though.  The funny thing is the weather actually cooperated on the only evening this week that we could fit it in.  I guess the lesson was meant to be.  I wasn't feeling this was the case in the hour leading up to it however.  The sister sitters were running late and I was cranky due to my very recent Dt. Coke cutback.  I think it gave me a small taste of what detox would be like.  I was a three to four can a day girl, but I had to cut it cold turkey.  Yikes, poor Sullivan (maybe Shane too).  Anyways, 7 pm was fast approaching and I was ready to just forget the lesson and veg.  Shane said we still had some good flying time so I headed out to the airport.  In the back of my mind I was kind of questioning myself, but I figured maybe putting my focus elsewhere would help my mood.  

Since it was getting late Shane had the airplane pre-flighted and ready to go by the time I pulled into the parking lot.  I jumped in the airplane and got working on the checklist.  I got through the checklist and we started our taxi to one six.  I ran through the pre take-off checklist and we were ready to go.  I got lined up and the butterflies in my stomach were going crazy (I get way more worked up over take-offs as opposed to landings).  I think it's because there's a minute where you are mentally preparing yourself for the task at hand.  It's one of those moments where everything around you seems quiet and in you're in the zone (there is nothing quiet about an airplane engine, LOL).  I gave the airplane full power and we smoothly rolled down the runway in a straight line.  I didn't tug to hard or too early, and I gave it the perfect amount of rudder.  

We were practicing take-offs and landings so we stayed in the pattern and played cat and mouse with one of Shane's other airplanes.  Once we were in the air, I had a short in my head freak out about the fact I hadn't flown the pattern from one six in awhile.  Luckily, I got busy and didn't have time to dwell.  It all came back and so did my confidence.   The wind became an issue once we turned base.  So we had to setup a wind correction angle to keep us from being blown further away from the runway.  Once we did this then the wind helped us to get to the runway and descend.  I had a good landing which was exciting!  I didn't balloon like I had a couple times in the previous lesson.  We went around the pattern a couple of more times and I had a couple more good take-offs/landings.  Once we pulled up to the pumps I knew I had rocked it.  I did confirm it with Shane before I celebrated too much. SWEET SUCCESS!