1 more lesson now need first cross country advise please.. | FerrariChat
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1 more lesson now need first cross country advise please..

Discussion in 'Aviation Chat' started by FERRARI-TECH, Feb 19, 2013.

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  1. FERRARI-TECH

    FERRARI-TECH Formula 3

    Nov 9, 2006
    1,677
    Los Angeles
    Full Name:
    Ferrari-tech
    #1 FERRARI-TECH, Feb 19, 2013
    Yesterday’s lesson was 3 more landings, and staying in the pattern with my instructor, then off for a local solo, about 30-45 minutes worth.
    As instructed, I practiced slow flight, aiming for 50kts, took a couple of tries, (either too slow or not coordinated) but got it satisfactory in the end, and also did 3 or 4 steep turns in each direction. I was happy with them, hit my own wake all but once, so really happy with that.

    Used the autopilot on my own for the first time, which I was worried about, but just in the heading mode, and I’m still here..

    Had to follow a couple of ATC instructions regarding heading and traffic , found myself on final quite high, but got it down on the numbers, all straight, bounced a little but nothing harsh, figured it all out and normal taxi back.

    So now the time has come for my first cross country.

    It will be Van Nuys to Santa Ynez (and obviously return), I have been told I’m not allowed to use the GPS navigation on the G1000 on the first one, not sure if that is a school policy or FAA ?

    I’m comfortable doing the hand written flight plan and nav log, especially as I can confirm everything with the AOPA flight planner, I have the electronic E6B so wind correction etc. should be ok…

    So my need for advice from all you guys is…

    What extra precautions should I take?

    What are the pitfalls I am likely to face?

    Is there anything I should absolutely avoid doing? (Other than hitting a mountain)

    Is there any common mistakes students make on the first cross country?

    How does it feel to look out of the window for the first time and not recognize anything on the ground ?, I’m used to looking out and seeing, where my house is, the Rose bowl, the Getty center, down town LA, the Hollywood sign etc. etc., it’s easy to find my way back to Van Nuys from anywhere around here. What mistakes am I likely to make...

    Also it will be my first time into a non-controlled airport…what should I expect there….

    All the critique and advice you can throw at me (but not at the spelling/grammar TCar :)) really appreciated.

    Thx
     
  2. jcurry

    jcurry Two Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Jan 16, 2012
    24,075
    In the past
    Full Name:
    Jim
    #2 jcurry, Feb 19, 2013
    If you have a sectional map in your lap this should not happen. Even when flying VFR using a GPS you should have a map on your lap and recognize features every minute. Once you are settled on course this is relatively easy.

    As to advice, relax, you'll be fine.
     
  3. toggie

    toggie F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Nov 30, 2003
    19,036
    Virginia
    Full Name:
    Toggie (Ron)
    #3 toggie, Feb 19, 2013
    Last edited: Feb 19, 2013
    Some advice:

    - study the forecasted weather carefully. Reschedule the flight if any part of the forecast is iffy, e.g. the forecasted xwind at either airport is near your personal limit.

    - fill the plane with fuel before take-off (if you get lost, you'll appreciate having 5 hours of extra time to solve the problem).

    - in the G1000 use the map display on the right screen. You're not allowed to use a GPS flight path but you can verify your pilotage estimated location compared to what the map is saying.

    - expect your winds aloft forecast to be off some. This will require a slight deviation of your headings from your written flight nav log. The G1000 will show a wind vector and wind speed while flying. If this isn't already turned on, learn how to turn it on.

    - at a non-controlled airport, listen to the CTAF for where the other traffic is. Visualize where in the sky the other plane is and try to spot them with your eyes. Note that a different airport might use the same CTAF frequency so make sure the radio calls your paying attention to are for your targeted airport.

    - don't hesitate to do a go-around on your first attempt at landing at the new airport. Don't try to save an approach that isn't going well. Take a look at the wind sock when you are in the pattern. You'll know on short final if everything is set up right for a good landing or not.

    - the trip home is the fun part. Once you start to see familiar landmarks, the rest is easy.

    - have fun!
     

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