Post # 7 - Back from break: Time to start flying again!

Hope everyone is enjoying the nice weather that is finally arriving. I am planning on going out for 9 holes of golf tomorrow, but there is a chance of rain. Go figure. I haven't had a post for a while because I haven't been flying for the past two weeks. Had a great Spring Break though. If you haven't seen or heard about what we did, go over to our family blog at http://millers-at-the-speed-of-light.blogspot.com/

I feel like we have been extremely busy for the past 2 weeks, and I have a test in all of my classes this week. Had 2 tests today and I feel like I did well. One was in Aviation Weather and the other was Human Factors in Aviation Safety. Both are fun classes and I am learning a lot in them.

I have a flight planned this Saturday at 12:30. My normal instructor is gone for another week so I will be flying with a different instructor. I will finally be handling the radios in Ogden; have had to reschedule that flight several times due to weather and other conflicts. Just a few flights away from my stage 2 check, but it seems like it is getting drawn out for some time. Will let you know how it goes!

Post #6 - CAP and Clouded In

It's official! I am now currently a member of the Cache Valley Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. I am in the process of getting my certifications done to become a 2nd lieutenant and a mission observer. I am looking forward to training and being able to help with search and rescue missions and other emergencies. After I accumulate 200 hours of PIC time and complete training, I will be able to become a mission pilot. Until then, I will be a mission observer. I can't wait!

Today I had a flight scheduled to go to Ogden again, however, the weather kept us in our little valley. We flew over the cloud layer for a bit and it was beautiful. We were about 1000 ft above the clouds but it seemed like we were right on top of a layer of pillows and sheets. Wish I had a camera with me today! A few more days before our new one arrives. We practiced some holds and approaches. Justin found a fun approach from Baltimore, MD and we adapted it to work for Logan. It was a fun approach. It consisted of 2 arcs at different distances and a hold. Was good practice because it would throw a heavy workload at you fast. I have about 2 or 3 more flights before my stage 2 check. Then I will be moving on to full IFR flights. It'll be fun!

I hope everyone had a good weekend.

Post #5 - Alternate: Logan

I must have spoken too soon about the good weather. It looked great this morning! Blue sunny sky with a few clouds...but the TAF said there were clouds rolling in with some snow. Justin and I sent texts to each other laughing that the TAF was inaccurate today. But after we got up in the air we saw that the clouds were starting to form south of town over the mountains. We decided not to go to Ogden today and practice a few approaches in Logan. First approach was GPS 35 for Logan. Had a strong headwind aloft while trying to gain altitude to get up to the holding pattern. After holding we began the approach. Had a little bit of turbulence today, and a good jolt that shook the plane suddenly. It felt like I would have hit my head on the top of the plane if I didn't have a seat belt on. After the approach I initiated a missed and then went up again for the ILS 17. I have 3 more flights before my stage 2 check. Will keep you posted!

Post #4 - Alternate: Simulator

Well, I got a text message from Justin about 2 hours before our scheduled flight saying that all the planes were already scheduled. Must be because the weather is turning nice finally. But he said we could practice on the flight simulator. I was bummed that we couldn't fly, but was kind of excited to try the simulator. The simulator is about $100 cheaper per hour and also takes less time than an actual flight. I was happy about that. However, I found out why it was so much cheaper. The computer display seemed like what they would have used in Houston for the rocket launch in the 1960's. Also, the controls were touchy and weird, and I had to get used to using the 6 pack instead of the glass panel cockpit I'm used to. But it was good practice for the old style instruments, I guess I am spoiled by using nice updated equipment. I practiced 2 VOR approaches and an ILS. I think I prefer the real thing though.

Post #3 - Thats more like it!

Flew to Ogden again today. I invited my friend Trevor to go with me. I feel kind of bad though because we flew a GPS approach and it took us way out west of ogden over The Great Salt Lake, and there isn't very much to see out there. It wasn't a very scenic flight for him. But I think he had fun, none the less. We first flew the GPS then the ILS. Both were partial panel. I feel more comfortable flying approaches partial panel now, but there is definitely room for improvement. Every now and then I slightly omit a certain instrument and get slightly off course or may be 80-100 ft off altitude, but I catch the mistake and correct for it. There is a lot remember and a lot going on during instrument flights. I can imagine how difficult it would be during actual IMC and rough weather. After the two approaches in Ogden we went back to Logan on the GPS 35 approach and landed with no problems. This flight was more normal than the last one, no near mid-air collisions and no close calls with birds. It's nice when flying, but not as interesting to write about. Sorry.