Taking The Right Seat

I got a call from my friend Bob Saturday, asking if I'd like to do a little flying. Of course!

Since I wouldn't be able to leave for a little while, Bob said he'd get his plane ready out at Lenhardt (7S9), and pick me up out at Aeroacres (OG30).

I quickly realized what I thought was Aeroacres, was actually Fairways (OG20). Fortunately Heatherle was still home, and was able to look up the directions to Aeroacres for me.

When I did arrive at Aeroacres, Bob had already arrived. Good thing too, because if I hadn't seen Bob's 182 sitting in the grass, I may have driven on past thinking it was just another field.

We loaded in, taxied up to top end of the field for a run-up, and we were off for a soft field takeoff.

A soft field takeoff consists of holding the yoke back to keep weight off the nose wheel, lifting off at minimum airspeed, and gaining additional airspeed in ground effect, a few feet off the ground. Once you have enough airspeed, some backpressure on the yoke and up you go!

At Aeroacres, this means pointing the nose at the house just past the departure end of the runway, and surrounding trees. Exciting! (I'm sure for those who live in that house as well...)

It was a beautiful day. With East winds reported as 16 with gusts to 29 at Hillsboro (HIO), it was also quite bumpy.

We made a hop over to Twin Oaks, entered the pattern for 02, and without a hint of tension, brought us down for a smooth gusty crosswind landing. Bob can sure keep the rudder moving.

After a short visit we departed, and turned back towards Aeroacres.

After a circle over the field to check the windsock (picture to the right), we descended for the downwind leg, and soon back smoothly on the grass. 

This was my first flight with another pilot (at least one that was not giving instruction, or administering and exam), and my first time in the right seat.

It was a short flight, but allot of fun!