Blog – Solo Circuits 4/02/2024
The time had arrived: more solo time!
We shut down the plane so my CFI could exit safely and I was briefed to do circuits “just like you have been doing on those last ones”
Once my CFI was out of the aircraft and a save distance away I started up the Tecnam. I was super happy to be flying solo again.
As I taxied to the holding point, there was a radio call from the glider crews stating they were moving to 24. As I was only just starting my taxi, I pulled off the taxi way to let them pass. Good airmanship I thought.
Once at Holding Point Charlie, I went thru all the checks twice. I then made the radio call and taxied onto the runway and lined up. Throttle to full power; right rudder to stay straight and at 50kts I was airborne!
I immediately shouted out to the ethereal naysayers how wrong they all were again and how I was going to show them some great circuits. After all the hard work I was again trusted to fly solo in this beautiful little sports car of an aircraft.
Climb out and crosswind flashed by as I had such a rapid climb rate without the CFI aboard. Man this little plane can go! Downwind, and I set up for base like a robot. Awesome, this is how you fly! Despite some wicked thermals, I managed to hold a good track and kept the aircraft configured correctly and flying at proper speed and heights.
I handled the crosswinds ok and did a nice touch and go. Awesome!. Ok one down, two to go.
Monitoring the radio I heard my call sign and a request for position. I advised that I was turning onto base and got an acknowledgement that they had me in sight. Big tick that I was listening.
On short final I had the speed and glideslope dialled in. I transitioned to flare and held off. Again I managed the crosswind but did a little ballooning before touchdown. Still not bad at all. OK that’s two from two. Lets make it a hattrick!
My third circuit was even better than the last two and I gave myself plenty of room again on downwind so that final was nice and long.
I had it all dialled in now and was super happy that despite crosswinds and thermals I was flying well.
The last landing was almost textbook crosswind as I landed on one wheel almost straight and just off centreline by inches. Nice one!.
I am so happy that today I was able to be competent to go solo again. It is always a compliment from your instructors when they allow you to do this. Happy Days!
Until next time…..
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Blog – Solo Circuits 4/02/2024