Flying Training

Lesson 65: Solo in Warrior

Saturday 27 Sept 2008, 8.00am in Warrior VH-PBS

Weather: wind WSW, 17 knots, gusting to 23 (died down later).

More than a month had passed since the last flight, so I nipped down to Camden for a few circuits. Jim was unimpressed that I wasn't ready to leave at 8am, which would have been more professional, but I still had the aircraft back soon after 9; plenty of time for the next pilot to do their pre-flight check.

This was the first time I'd flown the Warrior solo from runway 06. I turned crosswind, stayed at 1300 feet till clear of the Mayfield inbound reporting point, then climbed to 4000 feet and cruised past Lake Burragorang to Warragamba, then turned south and reported inbound at Mayfield.

Since it was clear that 06 was still in use I descended to 1300 feet and joined early downwind at 45° as per CTAF procedures. The first landing was lovely - hardly noticed the wheels touch the tarmac. Throttle forward and round again. On downwind the tower came on the radio to say good morning, and identify all the aircraft in the circuit. I introduced myself and said I was downwind for a touch and go. This time I turned base a little too early so was a little high. Adding an extra stage of flap would have helped, but there was still plenty of runway to take off again.

I made the last approach a full stop. Still not quite as good as the first one (a little fast, so floated along for a while), but perfectly adequate. Time to dig out the theory notes, sit the exam and get on with the navs.

Photos

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Mayfield
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Lake Burragorang
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Lake Burragorang
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Warragamba
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Warragamba
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WKM
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PBS
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DLB
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Donkeys
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Fernando