Flight Review

Done!
 
My instructor, and others I had talked to, reminded me that a flight review is not check-ride part II.  Maybe so… I still spent a number of hours studying and practicing maneuvers in the preceding weeks.  
 
As the 31st of May came, and passed, and I was no longer current to act as PIC.  I wanted to get this wrapped up.

We started with the ground portion, covering a few regulations, and moving on to the sectional and airspace.  We also talked about the type of flying I've been doing, challenges, and covered any questions I had.  
 
Satisfied that I had kept up on the technical knowledge, it was time to fly.
 
One simulated engine out in route.  About 300ft AGL it was clear that I’d reach my targeted field with a stabilized approach, and had remembered the correct emergency procedures, transponder code (7700), and the correct frequency to transmit a mayday (also known as Guard - 121.5Mhz).
 
Because there was no significant wind to brush up on cross wind technique, short field and soft field takeoff and landing would be the maneuvers of the day.  Lenhardt’s (7S9)  http://www.airhaven.net/ has a grass strip adjacent to the paved runway.  Perfect for soft field practice..
 
Soft field in the grass at Lenhardt was fun.  I hadn’t run through the grass since training, and it’s a different feeling when those small main gear tires touch down on turf at about 50kts.
 
After departing Lenhart and climbing out of the low level turbulence we did some slow flight clean (no flaps), and in landing configuration (full flaps), holding the airspeed just above the stall, with the stall warning blaring away.  Departure stalls (power on/no flaps) and approach stalls (power off/full flaps) were next.  No problems here, and something I enjoy practicing now and again.
 
We entered the pattern for Sportsman Airpark (Newberg – 2S6) so I could demonstrate a short field.  Not my best, but certainly acceptable and stopped well inside the first third of the runway.
 
A short field takeoff and back to Twin Oaks for a standard approach and landing.  Smooth and right on center.
 
Afterwards we reviewed the flight, discussed what’s next, and received the sought after flight review endorsement in my logbook. 
 
What’s next?  Besides a few overnight trips I’d like to do this summer and fall, maybe high performance and complex endorsements – Twin Oaks has a Comanche that I spent a few minutes sitting in (it’s nice).                   
 
 

May Day

A beautiful beginning to May to shake off the gray of April.

We spent the early part of the day hiking a few local parks, giving Heatherle a chance to do some letterboxing, Audrey (and I) some playground time, as well as time for some time as a family undistracted from other responsibilities.

For late in the day, 40H was open, so we planned a flight over to Nehalem Bay (3S7) for some fresh marine air, and to check out the camping facilities on the field.

The weather was forecast for some high stratus cloud cover, well above our intended flight level, good visibility, temp of 55F, and winds 8 to 10kts from the north. Should be perfect.

Off the ground at 4:10 from Twin Oaks, following the pattern around to west departure, we climbed out in smooth air to our cruise altitude of 4,500ft to cross the Coast Range.

As we crossed the Coast Range we watched as the mountains and valleys passed below, some higher peaks still covered with a layer of snow from the winter months.

As we crossed the last peaks and reached the Nehalem River valley, we began our descent, mindful of the rate and its impact on Audrey’s ears.

I overflew the field at 2,000 to check the windsock for confirmation of the forecast winds, and the ATIS report (Automated Terminal Information System) from Tillamook airport about 15nm south, reporting winds at 5kts from 340.

The windsock was limp, but I could see some signs of wind on the bay, and circling out over the ocean to enter the pattern, the waves were coming from the north, so all looked good for runway 33.

As we flew downwind we looked out at Nehalem Bay campground, were we’ve camped many times.

On base, we had to overshoot final a tad to avoid a small flock of seagulls.

Final seemed fast over the fence, but airspeed was right on at 60kts, and touched down with a good bounce. A little power prevented a second bounce and we rolled out to taxi to the tie-downs.

We got out of the plane and right away realized that we had landed with a good tailwind, explaining the seemingly high ground speed on short final, so what’s up with the windsock, still hanging limp? I walked over to the pole, and found that the sock was caught on the pole, preventing it from swinging around or inflating. After jumping up and giving it a tug, it swung around and inflated, indicating a tailwind landing 33.

Fortunately Nehalem Bay is decent length at 2,350ft, but a lesson learned to confirm the windsock and nearby ATIS with other clues to wind direction; a closer look at the wind patterns on the water, or crab angle in the pattern.

We tied down the plane, and walked over to check out the information booth and sign the visitor log book.

Nehalem Bay airport has several nice tent sites at the field, with a short walk over to the Nehalem Bay State campground for firewood, showers, etc. Plans are now for an overnight trip with Matti this summer, and Audrey late summer. That will be fun.

We spent time on the bay picking at rocks and driftwood, and walking the trails, before all too soon the descending sun reminded us that it was time to head back to the plane for a return trip to the beginning of a new week.

As we made a left turnout and began our climb over the small Nehalem Valley, we reflected on what was a normal weekend, seemed like a small vacation. We are fortunate to have access to and the means to explore so many fantastic places in a weekend’s time.

Flight Review Time

Two years have nearly passed since my check-ride, and that means that it is time for my first flight review.

A flight review consists of a minimum one hour ground and one hour in the air with a CFI, and is designed as a learning opportunity as well as a review of your flight skills and aeronautical knowledge.

I've been back at the books reviewing everything from airspace to weather prognostic charts, quickly recalling much, also identifying some topics that have been that have fallen to some dark corner of grey matter over the past two years.

I've also started to focus some time in the air on basic maneuvers. Some, such as steep turns and short-field landings need a little work, although conditions that are not bouncing me against the seat belts would help.

There's something to be learned in every flight, but it's fun to revisit the foundamentals of piloting.

Small Cross Country to Lebanon 4/02/11

I had visited Lebanon State Airport (S30) on my short solo cross country about two years ago, really enjoying the flight, meeting the cowboy pilot with the handlebar mustache, the FBO decorated in southwest American, and the fun and freedom of going somewhere completely new by air.

Looking through a recent addition of the Prop Wash (the Oregon Pilots Assn newsletter) there was an Airport Spotlight on Lebanon airport, and the LebanAir Aviation, the FBO. We needed to make it our next Saturday or Sunday breakfast trip.

The weather was forecast to improved enough to make a reservation for an airplane at Twin Oaks a good bet.

With N5440H reserved for 5hrs it was time for some trip planning. Although I could just set the "Direct To" function on the GPS, or follow the I5 freeway south and turn southeast after passing Salem, planning a trip with headings, time in route, fuel usage, ETA, etc, is part of the fun of cross country trip (even one that just barely qualifies as x-county).

We arrived at Twin Oaks nearly an hour early, knowing that no one had reserved the plane before our departure time, and hoping to get in the air a little early, we found the the airport covered in the dreaded spring morning fog.

Backtrack to Starbucks for coffee, hot chocolate, and the Sunday comics.

Back out to the airport about 30 minutes later we found the fog lifting, and began loading and preflighting the plane.

We departed around our originally planned time, and climbed past scattered clouds to our cruse altitude of 3,500 ft on a course that would take us east-southeast over Mulino, and then south to Lebanon.

The scattered overcast was becoming a little less scattered, so we descended under the increasing clouds to continue at 1,500 feet. A little bumpier down low, but a better view.

Shortly we entered the pattern for runway 34, and landed. Not my best, but not too bad considering I'd not flown 40H for more than 9 months.

We were welcomed by Tebo at LebonAir, given some advice on where to have brunch, and offered one of their courtesy cars to take into town. Courtesy cars are pretty uncommon these days, and it was sure great to explore beyond walking distance from the airport.

We stopped at Kevin's Cafe, where the menu is not fancy, but the plates are huge, and appears to be a very popular place with the locals. Good food.

Heatherle had a few letterboxes to find while were there, so we visited a few parks, and drove around town, and up the Santiam River a bit. Somewhere I'd like to explore a bit more on a future stop.

We headed back to the airport to drop off the car, visit a little longer before heading home, and look over the interesting avaition themed items available in the gift shop.

As I was getting the plane ready, I noticed a main gear tire that had gone nearly flat, so Tebo offered to get us fixed up if I could taxi over to the hanger.

The three of us then posed for a picture with the airplane that was made into a nice little 12 month calendar, and as we were climbing out for our return home, were thanked for coming to visit. Nice.

The return trip was rather bumpy but relaxing, still full from brunch and happy with our visit, Audrey taking part in her customary homeward bound nap.  I am fortunate to be able to take my family places by means that most are not able to experience  

This trip will be on our list to do again.

Catching Up

I've been flying several times since my last entry, but just haven't sat down to write.

Here's a collection of a few pictures from the last several flights.

Most just around the valley as this winter/spring weather permits...

Taking a coworker for her first flight in a light plane...

Over to the coast... 

 

 

 

 
 

 



 
 
 
 





































Or practicing some crosswind landings on a gusty day. One with 18kt that varied between a quartering headwind and a quartering tailwind, and landings both downhill on 20 and uphill on 02 at 7S3. Exciting!

Magnetos For Bill?

The okay weather on a light day at work had me checking the scheduling at Twin Oaks. My favorite plane was wasting its wings, sitting in the hanger. Fortunately I had left my headset and gear in the car.

The cloud base would keep us in the valley, but I was good with that for a midday trip.

We arrived at Twin Oaks with no real plan in mind, other than heading north.

As we were readying the plane, Bob asked if we'd be stopping through Scappoose.

"Sure", thinking Scappoose is as good a destination as any on this day.

"Would you mind dropping off a set of magnetos?"

A destination with a purpose! "Sure"

Off we went, transitioning Hillsboro class delta, north to the Columbia and up to Scappoose (SPB),

Once on the ground, we realized that we weren't exactly sure where Bill, to whom the magnetos were addressed, would be located, so we we began walking.

There are a lot of friendly people at Scappoose that are more than willing to help you find Bill, and unite him with his magnetos, even if they don't know him.

At one point Chris commented on the probable strangeness of two guys wondering the airport wearing Xfinity jackets and carrying a box of magnetos, looking for some guy named Bill.

On our third stop, we found someone who knew Bill, and pointed us towards the building at the north end of the airport where we would find the magnetoless Bill.

We did have to interrupt this locations lunchtime to find out Bill was off this day, but he was expecting the magnetos, and they would take them.

With our mission complete, we departed Scappoose as lower clouds threatened from the northwest, and headed back through Hillsboro and on to Twin Oaks.

That was fun.

Next time I'll have to check out the Scappoose Creek Inn for lunch.

New Years Breakfast

Pancakes, eggs, bacon, and grits at Twin Oaks - a good start to the new year. Flying down to the coast with a friend after said breakfast - a great start to the new year.

The monthly pancake breakfast at Twin Oaks was lightly attended, being early new year's day, but you find out who the diehards are.

The weather was quite nice, with some patchy low clouds, so Chris and I departed Twin Oaks for a trip over to Tillamook and up the coast to Astoria.

Areas of low clouds over the Coast Range pushed our route over the mountains south a little, following the H B Van Duzer Scenic Corridor until finding a clearing northwest to Tillamook. Recently fallen snow in the coast range added to the scenic beauty of the area.

The coast was was partly sunny with an occasional light shower to fly through as we headed north towards Astoria.

The return trip southeast was equally scenic, passing Saddle Mountain and over the the Coast Range, with a little zig-zag at times to maintain cloud clearance.