Lesson 34 5/21/09

1.4hrs - Some final checkride prep, and a great day to fly too.

We started with a little airwork; power off stalls clean, power off stalls in landing config, power on stalls, turning stalls, step turns, and the like, mostly to get warmed up.

We then headed back over Twin Oaks at 4000 for an engine out. No problems here, a few times around in a descending left turn set me up nicely for mid downwind at 2000, and from there nearly a normal pattern placed me just right. Cool! Off to a good start.

The rest of the time was spent in the pattern with short field and soft field takeoffs, and short field, soft field, no flap, a slip with no flaps, and a slip with full flaps landings. My first approach slipping with no flaps ended in a go-around, but the next try was good. Slips have not been one of my strong points, but I do at least feel more comfortable with them now.

Slips are performed by pushing in full rudder, and preventing the aircraft from turning by using opposite aileron. This places the side of the fuselage somewhat in direction of travel, creating a lot of drag, allowing you to push the nose down and drop altitude very quickly without gaining airspeed. Managing airspeed is very important; too little airspeed and you'll stall, too much and you'll float down the runway. Slips take a little getting used to.

I was hoping to scchedule my checkride for early next week, but we weren't able to come up with a time when the airplane was available that would work with the examiner. So, I have a couple hours of solo practice scheduled on Wednesday, and a final ground lesson Thursday with my instructor to make sure all the paperwork is in order and cover any last minute items, then checkride!

So close to the end, and each time the wheels leave the ground, I still can't believe that I'm actually doing this. Very cool.