Blog – X-Country Intro 13/08/2023
Today my FI decided a change was needed so we went out to the Wairarapa Coast to “beat up” Castle Point Light House.
This was just the tonic I needed to get out of my flying funk and get my Mojo back!
Castle Point is about 30mins away from Masterton so with a few maneuverers thrown in to test me out it was around 1 hour in total flying time.
On the way out I was involved in navigating using a VFR sectional chart and managed to figure out where we were without any issues. (Thank you to my scouts, ATC, and military instructors back in the day).
Once we reached Castle point, I decided to do a steep turn around the lighthouse which was a bit tricky in the turbulent wind but still heaps of fun. My instructor then followed that up with a wingover. Ok mate you win.
On the return leg back to Masterton I was tasked with doing stalls. I was very happy and surprised that I remembered to do my H.A.S.E.L.L checks and clearing turns before executing a fine stall recovery. Holy moly I can actually still do these!.
Once that was completed, I was instructed on using RNAV GPS Navigation to track back to Hood Aerodrome. Very cool bit of kit!.
On returning to Hood, we were bang on track to join long downwind for 06 seal.
I entered the circuit ok and slowed the aircraft down to 60kts once abeam of the threshold going downwind. All the other points of the circuit to base and final I hit bang on. Why cant I bleeding do this with the CFI onboard??
I finished off this with a brilliant landing. Ok, I’m stoked again, but why not with the CFI onboard?
Taxiing back to the aero club I had a satisfied smile and a chuckle going on as I realised the irony.
Oh well this flight just proves that despite giving myself a beating over the last few weeks, I know I can fly: I just need to create that most elusive thing called consistency!
Aircraft: ZK-DOY (Tecnam P2002 Sierra)
Total Time: 1.1
Landings: 1
Go-arounds: 0
Visual Approaches: 1
Until next time….
For more Blogs and Digital Photos go to https://walshephotography.com
Check out Wairarapa Aero Club at https://www.wairarapaaeroclub.co.nz
Blog – X-Country Intro 13/08/2023