Lesson Five: Power Off Stalls

I woke up at 5 this morning with Fiona, and just could not fall back to sleep. Doing what any "normal" person would do, I got out of bed and showered and ready for the day. I was awake and ALONE, so I decided to do some reviewing of my previous flights and study some of the ground work I've been reading. I left this morning for an 8 a.m. flight lesson, and was about 10 minutes early to the airport. It was beautiful! I watched four tail draggers take off right in a row, one immediately after the other. I imagine they were a group of guys taking advantage of the sunshine and heading somewhere for breakfast. (Someday!) Not long after, I watched a helicopter take off, only I'm sure this one was for a hospital and wouldn't be so lucky to take advantage of the morning.

During my lesson, we reviewed some of my previous learnings, including climbs, turns, and level flying. We taped off the instrument panel so that I was "forced" to learn to "feel" the variations and search for directional headings outside of the plane. This was so much fun. I wasn't constantly looking down to make sure that everything was perfect. I could tell when I was drifting off of the directional course, but wasn't as worried about it and it was easier to correct since I had nothing to compare my flight skills to.

Then came the part I have been fearing since my last lesson -- power off stalls. I was dreading this lesson to no end. I did build up some confidence this morning as I felt more prepared and comfortable to do preflight. Between the beauty of the morning, and my better preparing, I was ready to take on the lesson. I had to opportunity to wear a "hood" to limit my vision to the instrument panel only, or go at it wide open and bravely. Of course, I chose to got it all seeing. I watched as George demonstrated the first stall and recovery as I watched and learned. Then came my turn. I managed it well, but need to be bit faster on the controls. I had the option to try another on the return flight, but we were in such busy skies, watching for other aircraft in the area, that we forgot to do it. I guess that leaves something to look forward to next time. I managed to get pretty familiar with feeling the landing prep speed and controls. I feel pretty good about this flight....maybe it's the turning point for my unfamiliar mind.

Flight Time Today: 1.2 hours
Total Flight Time: 5.6 hours
Have a wonderful Saturday everyone!