1.3hrs - Gusty wind conditions
My lesson today was all about wind, actually some very gusty conditions compared to what I've experienced so far. Conditions at Hillsboro were 18 gusts to 29mph from the SSW.
With the wind blowing, occasional rain, skies broken at 2900ft, and worsening conditions on the way, we decided that we'd remain around the pattern at Twin Oaks. A little disappointing because Matti was along for the backseat ride, and the only other time he's been along, the weather kept us in the pattern, but it be great practice.
We made a few trips around the pattern, which were a lot of work, and really pushed the limit of my skills, but each time got slightly better.
We then decided to go over to Hillsboro for a few a little more class D practice on top of the wind conditions. Here I would be all set up on final, handling the gusty conditions, until about 50ft off the ground were the wind direction would suddenly shift, and I'd end up all over the place.
I was feeling more than a little frustrated. My instructor seemed to sense my frustration (maybe it was my muttered expletives) and reassured me that I was doing well, as well as reminding me how difficult it was to make a smooth landing on a calm day not to long ago, and how today's conditions were pretty extreme in comparison.
I was feeling more than a little frustrated. My instructor seemed to sense my frustration (maybe it was my muttered expletives) and reassured me that I was doing well, as well as reminding me how difficult it was to make a smooth landing on a calm day not to long ago, and how today's conditions were pretty extreme in comparison.
My instructor took us around once to demonstrate, and give me a chance to relax. It was great seeing him really work, and how aggressive he was, but at the same time making it look so smooth. Very talented!
As we passed Hillsboro Aviation my instructor commented on the fact that the conditions had kept their entire training fleet on the ground. It was very quiet in the pattern.
The last landing approach at Hillsboro was great all the way down to the flare, when a shift in the wind left me fighting to remain alined with the runway. The conditions had gotten a bit worse, and lower celings were expected to move in soon, so we departed south for Twin Oaks.
A straight in approach for 20, a bounce back in the air (oops, too much back pressure too fast), a second touchdown, rounded out lesson 28.
It was a good lesson.
No comments:
Post a Comment