Blog – Solo Flapless Landings 10/02/2024
The time had arrived: more solo time!
We shut down the plane so my CFI could exit safely and I was briefed to do flapless circuits “just like you have been doing on those last ones”
Once my CFI was out of the aircraft and a safe distance away I started up the Tecnam. I was super happy to be flying solo again for another week.
Once at Holding Point Bravo, I went thru all the checks twice. I then made the radio call and taxied onto runway 28 and lined up. Throttle to full power; right rudder to stay straight and at 50kts I was airborne!
I immediately did my default “rebel yell” to the naysayers about 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 was being bounced around like a cork on the ocean! I tried to hold a good track and keep the aircraft configured correctly and flying at proper speed and heights but it was not happening for me.
I had to abort twice as I just got blown off track or sent skyward in a thermal on final.
Third try and things were looking better. I landed ok and then hit the throttle to start another circuit.
Fourth circuit an the wind and thermals were getting worse: another go around. Ok lets make this next one the last, I’m at my limits here.
On short final I had the speed and glideslope finally 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 it for today.
I had it all dialled in finally and was super happy that despite crosswinds and thermals I was flying well.
I am so happy that today I was able to be safe 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 Flapless Landings 10/02/2024