Dad Goes Flying.

"Lancaster" - Polymath Pictures

2014-02-08T23:31:00.000+11:00

It has been a while since I managed to write a post and while this is not about a personal flight it is worth sharing.

It is a great little short film (only 15 odd minutes) about one of my favour WWII bombers - The mighty Avro Lancaster. Well worth the watch.

Lancaster from Polymath Pictures on Vimeo.

Lesson 35 - 2nd Area Solo

2013-05-30T13:39:00.001+10:00

29 April 2012

VH-TYD

Moorabbin (YMMB)17L
Weather : 13c Wind 230 5kt, QNH 1025, CAVOK

Time for another area solo :-) So off to the training area for more steep turns, stalls, emergency landings, side slips and enjoying the view.

Lesson 34 - consolidation flight

2013-03-24T00:37:00.001+11:00

22 April 2012

VH-TXU

Moorabbin (YMMB) 35R
Weather : 17c Wind 360 15kt, QNH 1007, light rain in parts of the training area.

Another consolidation flight - basically go out and practice performing all the maneuvers I'll need to do for my GFPT test.

Kyneton return.

2013-02-14T19:23:00.000+11:00

15 April 2012

I'm standing at the counter paying my bill for my first Area Solo when my phone rings. It's Owen , a fellow pilot. "What you doing anything this afternoon? Would you like to fly to Kyneton?" Of course I would, but let me get a leave pass from the family first.

Parked at Kyneton (YKTN)

Lesson 33 - FIRST AREA SOLO

2013-02-11T22:25:00.001+11:00

15 April 2012

VH-TAX

Moorabbin YMMB 35R
Weather : 19C, Wind 350 15kt, QNH 1022, CAVOK

It was a beautiful day, light winds, not too hot and not a cloud in the sky. Driving to the flight school I was excited about doing my first area solo.

However, when I arrived Jason starts briefing me for short field take offs and landings. My hopes were dashed!! That is until I remind him I've completed my area solo check, the theory and was hoping to go solo today. He'd forgotten - change of plans. He quickly hands me the keys and sent me on my way.


In the southern runup bay

Tyabb Airshow 2012

2013-02-02T01:07:00.001+11:00

4 March 2013

Decided to pop down to Tyabb and check out the airshow with my son. (The girls were have a girls only day with Mum).

The morning was overcast and raining, but the forecast was for it to clear before the show started so we decide to go. Luck was on our side - the rain stops as we pull into the carpark. Unfortunately there was still a strong crosswind so a few planes couldn't fly (like the Tiger moths which are my son's favour at the moment) and a couple couldn't fly down due to the weather but as you'll see there was still plenty to see.

Lesson 32 Area Solo Check flight

2013-02-02T00:11:00.001+11:00

1 April 2012

VH-TXH

Moorabbin (YMMB), Runway 17L
Weather : 17C Wind SSE 5-7kt QNH 1019, Scattered cloud at 2000ft.

Time for my Area Solo Check flight. If I pass, I'll be allowed to fly out into the training area by myself. Jason had already told me he was happy with my stalls last week, so we'll be focusing on my steep turns and forced landings.

Lesson 31 - Consolidation Flight

2013-02-01T00:42:00.001+11:00

25 March 2012

VH-TAU

Weather : QNH 1023, Broken cloud at 2500ft and 4000ft, scattered rain, 13C,
light winds (5kt NW gusting to 8kt)

Today's lesson was another consolidation flight. I've passed my area-solo theory test and I'm getting close to going solo in the training area. The goal of today's lesson is to show Jason I can depart Moorabbin, fly out to the training area, do some practice and return safely.

Like my last consolidation flight, a month ago, Jason asks me to do something and I'm expected to know how to do it.

Lesson 30 - Solo circuits (4)

2013-01-30T23:12:00.001+11:00

18 March 2012

VH-TAJ

Moorabbin (YMMB), Runway 13L

Weather : QNH 1024, 21C, Sunny, SE 11-13kts (19kt gusts) max 10kt crosswind.

I normally fly at 8:30 in the morning, that way I can be home to play with the kids by 10:30. However today I've got a 3 o'clock lesson so the family decides to drop me off and do some shopping at the DFO across the road.

We arrive 15 minutes early, so sit at the end of the runway and watch the planes land. This brings back fond memories of going early to pick up people from the airport in christchurch and sitting at the end of the runway to watch their plane arrive.

Lesson 29 - Basic Instrument Flying

2012-10-09T17:52:00.002+11:00

6 March 2012

VH-TXH Piper Warrior III

Takeoff - Moorabbin (YMMB) 17L

Weather - QNH 1023, ~18C, Overcast (~2000ft) clearing,
12kt (20kt gusts) max 8kt crosswind, SW-SSW.

Wasn't sure what I'd be doing today. There was a lot of low cloud around especially towards the training area but it seemed to be breaking up. I doubted we would be doing more stall practice, maybe forced landings or some solo circuits. I was wrong, it was time for an introduction to instrument flying.

"under the hood" - Photo from Pilot Brad's Blog

Lesson 28 : consolidation flight

2012-09-04T23:52:00.001+10:00

26 February
Warrior III VH-TXU

Weather QNH 1012; Wind: 20-25kt NW, Temp: 29c, broken cloud at 5000ft

Runway 35R

Today's lesson was a consolidation flight. While Jason didn't teach me anything new, I learnt a lot about how to put everything together.

Week ending 8th Jul 2012 - Podcast, videos, upcoming events, first flights and news

2012-07-29T00:10:00.001+10:00

For the week ending 8th Jul 2012

Podcasts

Uncontrolled Airspace - "Our Lady of Ceconite" #292
Uncontrolled Airspace - "Lookout For That Old Weather" UCAP #293
Uncontrolled Airspace - "Balloon Alliteration" UCAP #294
The Stuck Mic AvCast - #27 – Oshkosh is Coming, the Australian Flyabout, & the Flight of a Lifetime
In The Pattern - Episode 22: Canada Geese
Aviation Xtended - #03: The People’s Mosquito, Edwards AFB and RNAS Yeovilton Air Day
Plane Crazy Down Under - PCDU Episode 90: Moments in Time
Airplane Geeks - Episode 204 – Flying Skycatchers
The FlightTime Radio Show - Show 231
The FlightTime Radio Show - Show 232

Articles / News

Flying Magazine - GippsAero GA8 Airvan
RAAF -C-130H Gifting Ceremony or facebook
MailOnline - They're in SO much trouble: Low-flying Brazilian air force pilots shatter every window of the country's Supreme Court
Mashable - Researchers Prove Drones Can Be Hacked
Wired - Gallery: The Tattooed, Undead Planes of the Air Force ‘Boneyard’
Downwind - Warrnambool CTAF error on VNC
Australian Aviation - Pilots urged to report wirestrikes
Australian Aviation - More regional airports operating security screening
Owen Zupp - "We Apologise for this Delay, however....."
PilotTodd - Night XC Flight
Flying With Fish - An AvGeek Day Out In A Kansas Field … Now This Is Fun!

Videos

Upcoming Events

13-16 Sep 2012 AUSFLY Narromine Airport
16 Sep 2012 Dawn Patrol 2012 RVAC
26 Feb - 3 Mar 2013 Australian International Airshow 2013 Avalon
29-30 Mar 2013 Natfly, Temora

First Flights

4 Jul 86 - Dassault Rafale
5 Jul 42 - Avro York
8 Jul 47 - Boeing 377 Stratocruiser

Lesson 27 : 3rd Solo

2012-07-24T20:54:00.002+10:00

19 February
Warrior III VH-TAX

Weather QNH 1015; Wind: 4kt NW, Temp: 20c

Runway 35R

Time for some more solo circuits. I need 2 hours of Solo circuits (plus another theory test) before I can be signed off for "Area solos". After stuffing up my landings during the last 2 lessons it would also be an opportunity for some much needed landing practice.

Lesson 26 : Forced Landings

2012-07-20T23:52:00.000+10:00

14 February
Warrior III VH-TYD

Weather QNH 1019; Wind: light S, Temp: 22c
Runway 17L

Today I would be learning all about forced landing. One of those things you need to learn but you never actually want to do. The goal of a forced landing is to get onto the ground safely, if the plane can fly again - it's a bonus.

We start the lesson with the normal routine; Preflight, run up, take off and fly out to the training area. It had been about 5 weeks since I'd last went to the training area so I need to think hard to remember all the steps - climb to 2500 on downwind leg, change squawk code and radio frequency once outside Class D airspace.

The basic steps for a forced landing are

Come to best glide speed (73kts)
Select a suitable landing area and position the plane.
Try to restart the engine
Mayday call
Passenger Brief
Prepare for the landing

The first step seems relatively easy. If above 73kts use the excess speed to gain height. If below 73kts stick the nose down to gain 73kts. However, a couple of things make this a bit harder - 1) the need to quickly trim the plane at 73kts, this reduces the workload for the other steps, 2) while trimming get started on steps 2 &3.

Step 2 should be easy as I'm over hundreds of large flat paddocks - However it's this step that caused me the most problems and leads to me trying to rush the following steps. With so many options I became fixated with finding the "best" paddock. I'd learn later to just pick an area with "ok" paddocks and start heading that way while you get through steps 3, 4 & 5. (more on this later)

Step 3 - Two rounds of checks to try and restart the engine. First the basic CFMS checks (same as EFATO). Carb Heat on, Fuel pump On Change Tanks, Mixture rich, Magneto on both, Master switch On.

Next the more detailed Trouble shooting check list - FMOST.

F Check the fuel levels, check fuel pump on, change tanks if required
M Mixture learn then back to rich, (Just simulate when practicing)
O Oil Temperature and Pressure,
S Switches. Magneto Left, Right and back to both, (Simulated)
T Throttle. Throttle to idle and back to full.

Hopefully the engine will have restarted at some point, in which case time to head for the nearest airport and land. If it didn't, then we are going to be making a forced landing and it's time to let someone know.

Step 4 the Mayday call. This part was easy Mayday, Mayday, Mayday, Tango Yankee Delta, Tango Yankee Delta, Tango Yankee Delta, <location>, <Problem>, < Number of people of board> < what I'm going to do>. Also need to turn on the ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter) and squawk 7700.

We can't restart the engine so we are going to have to land, someone hopefully knows we are in trouble so time to get everyone on the plane ready - Step 5 The Passenger Brief. "Glasses off, Remove sharp object, pen, keys from your pockets and place on the floor. Seat belts tighten and prepare to brace." Front passenger get a special bit about opening the door "unlatch just before we land and once we stop open and exit and quickly as possible."

Now all that is left is the landing. So continuing on from Step 2. While we have been going through steps 3,4 & 5 and maintaining 73kts, we also need to be refining the landing spot and get the plane into position. The goal is a standard left hand circuit which puts at 1500ft AGL abeam the landing point on a downwind leg.

Ideally the landing paddock should be 400+m long, aligned with the wind direction on the ground, Have a good approach (no/low trees, no power lines, buildings etc.), Clear of stock, ditches, fences, plough lines, rocks etc, Doesn't slope downhill too much, Near help (houses, road etc).

The last preparation is a prelanding checks BUSH. Brakes, undercarriage, Switches off (Master off only once electronic flaps are deployed) fuel off, Harness secure (Hatch unlatched once at ~100feet). Aim is to complete this during base or early final.

Once Jason has demonstrated all this it was my turn. Even though I read the brief before the lesson and have gone through the check list dozens of times in my head, I quickly start having problems.

Trying to find a paddock and maintain 73kts quickly chew up most of my brain power. (I fell like I'm back doing my first circuits)
5-6 paddocks look OK as a good landing paddock but none are prefect. So I start second guessing myself which wastes valuable time.
I'm to close to the paddock on downwind. This makes my turn from downwind around to final quite steep and I end up losing height or overshooting.
I need to practice my side-slips some more. I not yet comfortable slipping to lose extra height if required. (I would have overshoot a couple of time - which is better than undershooting, providing I can slip to lose the extra height)

After 4 attempted forced landing we headed back to Moorabbin. Jason assured me I'll get plenty of practice over the coming lessons and during my Navigation exercises (after my GFPT) .

VH-TYD Piper Warrior III - Forced Landings - 1.3hrs Dual, (Total time 28.3 hrs)

View Forced Landings 14/02/2012 11:46 AM in a larger map

Week ending 1st Jul 2012 - Podcast, videos, upcoming events, first flights and news

2012-07-12T00:59:00.000+10:00

For the week ending 1st Jul 2012

Upcoming Events

13-16 Sep 2012 AUSFLY Narromine Airport
16 Sep 2012 Dawn Patrol 2012 RVAC
26 Feb - 3 Mar 2013 Australian International Airshow 2013 Avalon
29-30 Mar 2013 Natfly, Temora

First Flights

26 Jun 1942 - Grumman F6F Hellcat
26 Jun 1943 - Bell 30 (prototype for the first commercial helicopter)

Lesson 25 : More Circuits (9)

2012-07-03T00:44:00.002+10:00

6 February
Warrior III VH-TXH

Weather QNH: 1007, Wind: W ~10kts, Temp: 18c
Runway 31R

After a stormy, 35C day yesterday, today was looking like a nice flying day - clear, cool day - but with a crosswind. So, rather than head out to the training area for a lesson on forced landings, we took the opportunity to practice crosswind landings.

All I can say is - I needed the practice. The transistion from crabbing to side-slipping the last few feet before landing is ugly. When I got it right (a couple of times) it felt great. Most of the time however, I'd use the rudder to kick us straight then feel I need to worry about the round out & flare.

Rather than use opposite aileron to balance the yaw/roll, I'm centring the rudder and using no aileron. The result is the plane starts drifting across the runway centre line. It made for some very interesting landing.

We managed to get in 8 circuits before it was time to call it a day and while I felt I made some progress I can see I need to practice crosswind landings whenever I can.

VH-TXU Piper Warrior III - crosswind circuits - 1.1hrs Dual, (Total time 27.0 hrs)

View Crosswind Circuits - 6 Feb 12 in a larger map

Week ending 24th Jun 2012 - Podcast, videos, upcoming events, first flights and news

2012-07-02T01:17:00.001+10:00

Besides flying there are plenty of other aviation related things to keep you busy, Here are just a few from the week ending Jun 24th 2012.

Podcasts

Uncontrolled Airspace - "Out Past Pahrump" UCAP #290
Airplane Geeks Podcast - Episode 202 – Become a Pilot Day 2012
Uncontrolled Airspace - "That Isn't Mute?" UCAP #291
Flying Podcast - Episode 57 - Chris Walsh - ATCO at Manchester International Airport

Video

Parafield to Murray Bridge in 8 minutes by ytnewt

Articles

Australian Flying - New Turbo Prop "Perfect" for Aussie Market
Australian Flying - Tecnam Gets into Surveillance Market
Australian Flying - Report Warns of Threats to Airport Investment
Australian Aviation - Air NZ pilot in 777 marathon effort
Australian Aviation - ILS upgrade for Alice
Australian Aviation - ATR 42-600 certified
Australian Aviation - More funds for regional airport security upgrades
Jetwhine - Is Silence a Symptom of Aviation Atrophy?
Flying Magazine - Drone Wars Begin
Flying Magazine - Why China Needs Business Aviation
Flying Magazine - Fearing a Fearful Flier
You Like airplanes, too? - Clouds swirl after a C-130J from Air Station Elizabeth CIty, NC....
Owen Zupp - Ground Rush. (Part Two) Landing an Aeroplane
Airspeed - Choices, Choices . . .

Upcoming Events

13-16 Sep 2012 AUSFLY Narromine Airport
16 Sep 2012 Dawn Patrol 2012 RVAC
26 Feb - 3 Mar 2013 Australian International Airshow 2013 Avalon
29-30 Mar 2013 Natfly, Temora

First Flights

18 Jun 1981 - Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk
20 Jun 1983 - Bombardier Dash 8
21 Jun 1933 - Supermarine Walrus
21 Jun 1961 - Aviation Traders Carvair
22 Jun 1984 - Rutan Voyager

Week ending 17th Jun 2012 - Podcast, videos, upcoming events, first flights and news

2012-07-01T01:18:00.001+10:00

Besides flying there are plenty of other aviation related things to keep you busy, Here are just a few from the week ending Jun 17th 2012.

Podcasts

Airplane Geeks Podcast - Episode 201 – Aerial Robots
Flighttime Radio - FlightTime Radio Show 229
The Stuck Mic AvCast - Episode #26 – Our First Anniversary, How We Got Started Flying, & A Year in Podcasting
Plane Crazy Down Under - PCDU Episode 89: RA-Aus NatFly 2012

Video

Sony HX100v Copilot 1929 Ford Tri-Motor airplane over Springfield Illinois (choppy editing but still interesting)
Landing Temora - Natfly 2012 - Jabiru 230D
Low level flying.

Articles

The Age - Plane lands on Melbourne freeway
Owen Zupp - The Forgotten Few.
Owen Zupp - Ground Rush. (Part One) Landing an Aeroplane.
Australian Aviation - ‘Simmo’ awarded Oswald Watt Gold Medal
Australian Aviation - Cessna lands on Melbourne freeway
Australian Aviation - BAMS Global Hawk crashes in US
Pilot Todd - Avionics Upgrades
Pilot Todd - Practice Flight
Pilot Todd - Long Solo XC!
Flying Magazine - John Monnett: His Thoughts on Sonex and IKEA
Australian Flying - Vic Minister Lashes Gillard over Warrnambool
The Confident Pilot - Ray
Waving at Aircraft - Aerobatics Consolidation Lesson - my 4 big mistakes

Upcoming Events

13-16 Sep 2012 AUSFLY Narromine Airport
16 Sep 2012 Dawn Patrol 2012 RVAC
26 Feb - 3 Mar 2013 Australian International Airshow 2013 Avalon
29-30 Mar 2013 Natfly, Temora

First Flights

12 Jun 1965 Britten-Norman Islander
14 Jun 1954 PAC Fletcher
15 Jun 1943 Arado Ar 234 (1st Jet Bomber)
17 Jun 1955 Tupolev Tu-104

Lesson 24 : Second Solo

2012-06-30T00:13:00.003+10:00

24 Janurary

Warrior III VH-TXU

Weather QNH: 1013, Wind: N 10kts, Temp: 29c

Runway 35L & 35R

Another great looking day to go solo. I'd got a taste last week and now I want more!!

We took TXU to the run-up bay and listened to the ATIS. 35R was shut as they were doing some maintenance, so circuits were being conducted on 35L however they were using 118.1 (the east tower frequency). 35L is the narrower of the 2 runways and means a left hand circuits. I'd only used it maybe once or twice before.

So off we went. The plan was for Jason to do 3-4 circuits with me then I'd drop him off and do 3-4 more solo. My first crosswind leg was a bit off as I tried to establish new reference points, besides that my landings were good and after the 3rd landing we headed back to the southern run-up bay so Jason could jump out. Unlike last week, he was walking back and I'd bring the plane back to the school after I finished.

I redo my run-up and taxi back to 35L and take-off again. The first circuit goes the some way as the previous 3 with Jason but when I make my downwind call on the 2nd the tower opens 35R. They clear me for the touch and go on 35L and ask me to make a RIGHT turn to join crosswind for 35R.

This all goes without drama and I quickly re-establish my reference points for right hand circuits on 35R. I then continued with 2 more circuits of 35R before pulling off the runway onto Bravo and heading back to the school.

I also mounted my GoPro in the plane for the first time (just for the solo part) so you are welcome to watch the raw footage

Really loving the solo flying and after so much trouble getting the hang of basic landings it's a enjoy to finally feel like a real pilot.

VH-TXU Piper Warrior III - 2nd SOLO - 0.5hrs Dual, 0.6hrs SOLO (Total time 25.9hrs)

View 2nd Solo in a larger map

Lesson 23 : FIRST SOLO!!!

2012-06-15T22:53:00.003+10:00

15 Janurary

Warrior III VH-TAE

Weather QNH: 1021, Wind: SSE light, Temp: 17c

Runway 17L

Headed to MFS hoping today was the day I'd finally go Solo - I had my Student Licence, ASIC card, Medical, Jason was back from holidays and the weather was looking good. However, when Jason started suggesting a lesson in the training area - my heart drop. I quickly pointed out my nice new Student Pilot Licence. After a quick change of plan we were in TAE and taxing for circuits.

I haven't flown with Jason for about 6 weeks, so we do a few circuits to make sure I'm in the grove. My landings are OK, and I even remembered how to do the "go around" correctly. So on the 6th circuit Jason gets a clearance to land on 17R so he can jump out.

As I fly that last circuit and taxi back to the northern run-up bay, Jason gives me a quick brief on what he wants me to do once he is out of the plane.

First I need to go though my run-up checks - as normal
Get my clearance and taxi out to 17L and do my "line-up" checks - as normal
When I make my "take-off request" it will be slightly different " Moorabbin tower, Tango Alpha Echo, for circuit, First solo, ready One-Seven Left."
Once I get my clearance I'll take-off and do 1 circuit and a full stop landings
Then "after landing" checks, Taxi back to the northern run-up and pickup Jason.

"Easy, see you soon" (I say nervously) .

It was strange shutting the door and being the only one in the plane, knowing there no one was checking what I'm doing. I take a deep breath and get started on my checks.

I check anything twice and take another couple of deep breaths before taxiing to holding point "Golf for 17L". More checks, and in no time I'm sitting at the end of the runway pushing the throttles forward.

I've now done this so many time it's almost a none event. However without no one else in the plane it climbs a lot fast, and I find I'm talking to myself - coaching myself around the circuit.

While taking off and the circuit may have seem a non-event the approach and landing weren't. Now the nerves start kicking in - there is no one to "save" my if I don't get this right. I know I've done six good landings already today but Jason had been next to me - just in case.

So we I turn onto base; power back, speed to 80kts, 2 stages of flap, looking to turn onto final around 700ft. Onto final, slowing to 75knots, last stage of flaps, power to maintain correct landing point, I acknowledge my landing clearance, 200ft carb heat off.

All good so far, but I'm still prepared to "go-around" if anything doesn't look/feeel right. Airspeed back to 65kts, We I cross the theshold and cut the power, eyes down the runway, and start the round out, hold, hold, hold....

Then the wheels touch down and I'm braking. I miss the first turn off, so roll down to A6 and clear the runway. I've finally flown a plane all by myself, only taken me 44 years!!!!

When I make my Taxi request I get a big congratulations from the tower and head back to pick-up Jason. It still feels a bit surreal as we park the plane and do the paper work but I like it and can't wait to do it again.

View First Solo in a larger map

VH-TAE Piper Warrior III - First SOLO 0.8hrs Dual 0.3 SOLO (Total time 24.8hrs)

Week ending 10th Jun 2012 - Podcast, videos and News

2012-06-15T14:10:00.001+10:00

Better late than never.

Besides flying there are plenty of other aviation related things to keep you busy, Here are just a few from this week.

Podcasts

Aviation Xtended Podcast - Ep.02: A400 Grizzly, secret airfields and the National Aerospace Library
The FlightTime Radio Show - FlightTime Radio Show 228
Airplane Geeks Podcast - Episode 200 – One Geek Moves On Congratulations!!
The Stuck Mic AvCast - Episode #25a – Cradle of Aviation Hall of Fame Day

Video

Landing at Balcony Downs (Interesting landing approach)
Urban Side by jbintheairintheair (Paragliding)
Bad Landing by gpl521215
Spitfire Takeoff...from the cockpit found on Downwind.
Flinders Ranges Scenic Flight found on Downwind by brettkp1
Green Island by seaplane - done quick! found on Downwind.
Pilot Todd - SoloPractice 6-6-12
Pilot's eye view from Lancaster bomber on Diamond Jubilee fly-past

Articles

Owen Zupp - The Garmin G1000.
Owen Zupp - Behind Closed Doors. If hangars could only speak....

First Flights

5 June 1944 Avro Lincoln
8 June 1959 X-15
10 June 1967 MiG-23

Week ending 3rd Jun 2012 - Podcast, videos and News

2012-06-03T23:39:00.002+10:00

Besides flying there are plenty of other aviation related things to keep you busy, Here are just a few from this week.

Podcasts

Airplane Geeks Podcast - Episode 199 – Airshow Interviews
Flighttime Radio - ATC VFR Save
Flighttime Radio - FlightTime Radio Show 227
Plane Crazy Down Under -PCDU Episode 88: Dreamtime
Flaps -CAA Airspace 4 - Actions on Interception
The Stuck Mic AvCast -Episode #25 – Multiple Aircraft System Failures, Flying A Bonanza, & Gusty Go-Arounds
Flying Podcast -Episode 56 - AeroExpo 2012
Uncontrolled Airspace -"Alan Smithee" UCAP #288

Video

Articles

Flying Magazine - Spin Test: Icon A5 vs. Cessna 150
Owen Zupp - The Boeing 787 Dreamliner and a very special day.
Owen Zupp - A Closer Look at the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Aviation Images
Owen Zupp - One of "The Few". 31st May 1940.
Australian Aviation - Archerfield master plan approved
Macedon Ranges Shire Council - Kyneton Airfield Future Directions Study Macedon Ranges Shire
The Confident Pilot - Not Optional

First Flights

29 May 1940 Vought F4U Corsair
29 May 1935 Messerschmitt Bf 109
30 May 1958 Douglas DC-8
1 June 1939 Focke-Wulf Fw 190

Week ending 27th May 2012 - Podcast, videos and News

2012-05-28T17:34:00.001+10:00

Besides flying there are plenty of other aviation related things to keep you busy, Here are just a few from this week.

Podcasts

Uncontrolled Airspace - "Shoot to Kill" UCAP #286
Uncontrolled Airspace - "King Tut" #287
Airplane Geeks Podcast - Episode 198 – Kip Hawley on the TSA
Aviation Xtended Podcast - Ep.01: ‘Bondy’ – 2012 RAF Tucano Display Pilot
InvertedCast - “Chappy down!” – InvertedCast Episode 21

News and other reading

Owen Zupp - The Forgotten Few.

Birthdays

27 May 1958 First Flight of the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II

Lesson 22 : Side Slips

2012-05-26T11:03:00.004+10:00

5 Janurary

Warrior III VH-TAE

Weather QNH: 1018, Wind: S light wind, Temp: 17c

Runway 17L

It is finally here!! When we returned from our Christmas break, I was delighted to find a late Christmas present from CASA. My Student Pilot Licence and ASIC card had finally arrived. This means I can finally go solo!

But lets not jump to far ahead. I haven't flown for 5 weeks, and Jason is still away on holidays, so today I going out for a lesson with Chris to "get back in the groove". We will be doing a lesson on "Side Slips" as well as a few circuits to blow out the cobwebs.

Big side-slip -Photo by cdeclama

Side-slips are used to increase both the angle and rate of descent without increasing the airspeed. They are used during;

Forced landings to loose excessive height,
Crosswind landings to maintain alignment with the centre line or
If there is a problem with the flaps.

While the plane is in equilibrium while in the slip it is out of balance. The lateral and direction stability of the plane are trying to bring the plane back into a balance flight configuration ie roll level and straight.

A few things to remember;

Ailerons pressure must be maintained to maintain the bank angle
Rudder pressure must be maintained to maintain direction of flight
You shouldn't use flaps in a side slip as it may cause damage due to sideways loads.
Be extra careful not to stall the plane. There is a good chance it will enter a spin with the controls crossed.
Slip is limited by the size and amount of rudder movement.
The stall alarm may not work due to the sideways airflow.
Power should not be used to slow the descent (expect during a crosswind landing)

Out to the training area we go in trusty TAE to give it a go.

First we line up on a nice long straight road. Next, carb heat on, power to idle and attitude for a 90kt glide. Now for the side slip - 20deg bank, then opposite rudder to get the nose pointing back along the road. We now use the elevators to control the speed, rudder to control the direction and ailerons to maintain the bank.

This turns out to be one of the easier lessons and after a few tries each way (left and right bank) we are soon heading back to Moorabbin via GMH. After 5 weeks I've become pretty rusty with my radio calls and need to refer to my cheat sheet for every call.

Once at Moorabbin we mix up the landing approaches with a glide approach, a flapless approach and a couple of normal landings. The first 1 or 2 are a bit rough but it quickly comes back to me and the last couple are some of my best landings.

Looking forward to my next lesson with Jason and hopefully the weather (and Jason) will let me go Solo.

Till then have fun and fly safe.

View Lesson 22 Side-slipping, Circuits in a larger map

VH-TAE Piper Warrior III - Side slips + CCTS (Glide & Flapless) 1.1hrs Dual (Total time 23.7hrs)

Things to watch in the future.

Review radio calls

Visit to Airforce Museum of New Zealand (Wigram, Chritchurch)

2012-05-23T00:54:00.001+10:00

Wigram holds a lot of fond memories for me. As a kid growing up in Christchurch New Zealand I spend a fair amount of time there. In my early teenage years I joined the Air Cadets based at Wigram, while it was still an operational airbase. We would parade on the apron (or in one of the hangers during winter). We got we shoot some interesting weapons (Pistols, sub machine guns, 303) at the rifle range on the far side of the airbase and I even scored a ride in a CT4 Airtrainer (Will never forget doing loops and barrel rolls)

Unfortunately Wigram has long ceased being an operational airbase (Most of it is now residential housing and it no longer has an active runway.) but it is still based to the Airforce Museum of New Zealand.

While back in NZ just before Christmas I paid it a visit with my son. He had a ball. They run a great "tour" for kids called the "Air Force Adventure". It includes Learning to march & salute, a behind the screens tour, a treasure hunt in the restoration hanger, "Jumping out of an Andover", and at the end they "get they wings". Highly recommended.

You'll find a collection of photos from our visit here.