"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!
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