Stephen Naylor
Member
- Joined
- Apr 11, 2002
- Posts
- 9
Ok, Well I figured I'd tell you guys about my first flight since I've been asking you all sorts of questions.
It was totally awesome!!! I think I found a great school - part 141. I was a little nervous at first. The flight I scheduled was an introductory flight at the spur of the moment since the weather was good today. I started to calm down a little after helping with the preflight checklists. I guess I felt a little more secure knowing the plane looked airtworthy and we checked everything inside and out as best we could before taxiing.
The plane was the usual Cessna 172 skyhawk. I learned how not so easy it is to just taxi to the runway. I was nervous for takeoff, but was surprised to see how easily the plane lifted off the ground at only 50-55 knots. I kept checking the vertical speed indicator and airspeed to keep double checking that we were indeed climbing since I couldn't see the horizon out front with the nose pitched up.
Once airborne, I got to take the controls for the rest of the flight. We cruised around a little. I learned straight and level flight, coordinated turns. I also was amazed at how smooth the ride was. It think most of my fears were laid to rest when the instructor cut the engine to idle and I saw that we didn't just drop out of the sky! Just kept gliding!
The best part for me was approaching the airport and setting up to land. I thoroughly loved entering into the appoach pattern, entering the downwind leg, etc. Turning from base onto final was so cool as I watched the runway line up for a smooth landing. Ofcourse the instructor was at the controls during touchdown - but wow- what a great experience!!!
I'm am totally hooked now. already signed up for lessons. the airport is a controlled airport with air traffic control and a little more traffic than a smaller, rural, uncontrolled airport. I figure that would also give me good practice from the get go.
I know this was a long thread, but I just had to share my experience!!
If you guys have any suggestions or pointers, I'm all ears.
Thanks
Steve
P.S. No. flight hours 0.6 (he,he)
It was totally awesome!!! I think I found a great school - part 141. I was a little nervous at first. The flight I scheduled was an introductory flight at the spur of the moment since the weather was good today. I started to calm down a little after helping with the preflight checklists. I guess I felt a little more secure knowing the plane looked airtworthy and we checked everything inside and out as best we could before taxiing.
The plane was the usual Cessna 172 skyhawk. I learned how not so easy it is to just taxi to the runway. I was nervous for takeoff, but was surprised to see how easily the plane lifted off the ground at only 50-55 knots. I kept checking the vertical speed indicator and airspeed to keep double checking that we were indeed climbing since I couldn't see the horizon out front with the nose pitched up.
Once airborne, I got to take the controls for the rest of the flight. We cruised around a little. I learned straight and level flight, coordinated turns. I also was amazed at how smooth the ride was. It think most of my fears were laid to rest when the instructor cut the engine to idle and I saw that we didn't just drop out of the sky! Just kept gliding!
The best part for me was approaching the airport and setting up to land. I thoroughly loved entering into the appoach pattern, entering the downwind leg, etc. Turning from base onto final was so cool as I watched the runway line up for a smooth landing. Ofcourse the instructor was at the controls during touchdown - but wow- what a great experience!!!
I'm am totally hooked now. already signed up for lessons. the airport is a controlled airport with air traffic control and a little more traffic than a smaller, rural, uncontrolled airport. I figure that would also give me good practice from the get go.
I know this was a long thread, but I just had to share my experience!!
If you guys have any suggestions or pointers, I'm all ears.
Thanks
Steve
P.S. No. flight hours 0.6 (he,he)