Solo Circuits

After the first solo, you have a few consolidation lessons just flying solo patterns around Falcon Field. These were so helpful in building up my confidence with landing and using the radio; without having someone next to you who is also listening you really pay more attention to what’s being said by everyone else on the radio.

• AP16 – First solo
• AP17/21 – Solo circuits

My parents were visiting Arizona to come and see me and the school so came on a day when I'd be doing a solo in the afternoon. Normally visitors are not allowed on the ramp but as Lee agreed to escort them it was okay and although I couldn't take them for a ride I showed them the cockpit, switched on all the 'fancy' glass displays and they then get to see me do a circuit and a landing. It was slightly more pressure than a normal solo as I knew they were watching and my dad has a PPL so he'd know if I was doing well or not. It didn't help that I had trouble starting my engine, to the point that Lee was half way to my plane to help me out before the engine finally caught; I was relieved. That would have been so embarrassing for the first time my parents had seen me fly. My mum was really moved and cried apparently when she saw me taxiing; it was really emotional and I'm so happy I could make them proud as I definitely wouldn't be doing this without their support. Lee said I did a good job too! 

Having my parents in Phoenix for the week was lovely (although so tiring), I was flying everyday that week, some days having more than one flight and then would go and do something with my parents in the evening; it was so nice getting bought dinner and eating out all the time. We visiting the museum, Scottsdale, Phoenix botanical gardens (a lot of cacti) and Rawhide which is a themed cowboy town. It left me worn out and I didn't have much time for studying for the next PT rapidly approaching but it was nice to see them and get to show them around my school here in Arizona. 

• AP22 - Instrument flying sim session. In this we learnt an exercise called ‘pattern B’ first performing it under VFR then IFR conditions in the simulator. It involves steep turns, climbs and descents and timed legs to hopefully make your flight path look as it was planned. I didn’t think mine came out too bad for my first time!

• AP23/24 - Flights with an instructor using sole reference to the instruments. I learnt so much doing it this way and how the needles on the CDI actually respond as opposed to learning about them in ground school where it didn't really make much sense. This picture is an example of the VOR (green) and ADF (blue double arrow) CDI display as shown at the bottom of the PFD. These are the types of instruments we use and the radials we work off are normally given from the Stanfield VOR, though we can set it to any radio station within range; similar to how you tune up the radio only you need to 'ident' the beacon before use and try to match the morse code to that displayed on the map. 

You also have to wear a hood to stop you from looking outside which is a little scary at first but your instructor and backseater keep a look out for you. The MFD is also really great at showing terrain, traffic and air spaces so it isn't too difficult. It’s a good way to get used to instrument flying but is so tiring just focusing on the screen.