For weeks the weather is bad….well, worse then just bad: either the clouds are so low that you cannot see the top of the street lights or the wind is blowing too strong….then finally, sun in sight…..but no planes available…..but hang on, I do have the check out for our Glass Robin, right?
Happy PAX = happy PIC
Oeps, a look in the logbook confirms that it is more than a year ago that I went up with it. So do I really feel comfortable enjoying the sun and showing my PAX Henri Holland from the air when I have a) not been flying that particular plane for such a long time b) haven’t been flying at all really for more than 3 months (apart from quickly getting the 3 landings out of the way to take passengers a few weeks back) c) today should just be about fun and joy in the air?
The decision is made in no time: if I am honest, heading out on my own is a no go and I am not shy to admit my insecurity and to book an instructor to join us. Safety first – and surely some challenge can be added: what was supposed to be a relaxed sightseeing flight with my dear friend, shall become just another training session for myself – not only about the Glass cockpit which still does not feel as comfortable as the traditional dashboard.
While it takes 5 minutes to bang the route into the ever available and reliable SkyDemon why not try a paper nav plan again? Also this has been nearly two years….and how did it just work again?
Quickly I notice that I suddenly have to think and properly prepare – maybe not a bad idea to do so now and then as refresher. And during the flight it helps. I have memorized important points of the route and the charts which I admit I do not know in detail when using the computer on board.
When Schiphol tower than sends us to “continue direction Bravo” I realize I could have done even more, but thankfully Richard is there to give directions quickly. So this time we missed the famous 360 round the tower due to runways used – the views and learning points were impressive anyway!
But it is not only the route: W/V has been indicated as 100/20-30…calculating with 25 kts was just my best guess. And after some more brainwork I also remember how to work the flight computer. Richard keeps an eye on the times and I am happy to check for myself how the wind is really influencing our progress….and that at the end of the tour we hit all waypoints exactly as planned. Took some re-thinking in the preparation, but was definitely worth the effort.
But even without all those additional learnings for myself, it would have been a fantastic flight! Just enjoy the views in this little video taking you from Rotterdam turning North, crossing Amsterdam city centre and Schiphol before heading towards the coast line and returning to Rotterdam via Maasvlakte and Nieuwe Waterweg.
When did you last fly based on traditional planning?
Try it out!
It was easy during your training as done regularly – but I bet you, you will also realize how much has been forgotten in the meantime!