5/07/09 1.5hrs Ground - Checkride Prep

During my last lesson, my instructor had asked that I study up on my sectional chart, airspace, and be able to draw the fuel system from memory. I was already pretty solid on these topics, but spent a good amount of time reviewing in preparation.

We began with some reviewing some of the FAR’s (Frederal Aviation Regulations) that we’d covered last lesson. I was able to answer each question reasonably well, though the sheer number of regulations makes me feel a little uncomfortable with my level of knowledge.

Next we covered the sectional chart and airspace requirements. Mostly my instructor would point to an area on the sectional, and ask me to tell him about it, then point to another and ask what the minimum cloud clearances would be if he were at 800AGL and if he’d climbed to 12000, then what does this symbol mean, or who would you call for this or that and on what frequency, or what I could tell him about the airport he was pointing to. It felt like very good practice, and I had it down.

Feeling good about my knowledge level on that, we moved to weather.

Weather is still a little cloudy (ha!). Actually weather itself I have a good base understanding of, but the number of sources for attaining weather information, types of weather forecasts, and types of weather reports, is a bit overwhelming. We decided that would be a good stopping point, and a study topic for homework.

My instructor mapped out the topics to study in preparation for the next couple of ground lessons (an extensive list), as well as a few assignments for solo practice.

At this point, it looks like three more ground sessions, some solo practice on the full range of maneuvers, a mock checkride, and possibly one more lesson to work on areas identified during the mock checkride as still in need of work.

We agreed that the end of the month would be a good goal for having completed the checkride.

It’s hard to believe that the time is coming for me to step beyond being a student pilot, at least certificate wise.

Am I really ready to be kicked out of the nest? I feel more confident with each hour in the air, but the time sure has gone fast. I’ll find out soon enough!