Kelly N. Posted June 29, 2008 Posted June 29, 2008 Well, I haven't really been keeping the blog up to date, but I did want to post that I've completed my first solo cross-country this morning. It went very well despite being a bit windy (my current limit is 10kts for flying solo and the wind was playing with that today). The wind wasn't really an issue except for a rather ugly hover for a few seconds after arriving back at LHZ. I had the expected "Crap, where would I go right now if the engine quit" thoughts and got a bit scatter brained about watching my times on a couple legs, but overall I felt pretty confident and it went without a hitch. Anyway, work is still slamming me so, I probably won't be posting blog entries for another few weeks but I did want to say thanks to all on this board who have helped with info and encouragement over the past few months. Also, thanks to my instructors (if you happen to be reading this) who have transformed me from the hover-impaired to the just slightly hover-ugly You guys (and gal) really know your stuff and I appreciate your time and patience. Kelly Quote
Witch Posted June 29, 2008 Posted June 29, 2008 Well, I bet it was still an awesome flight, huh? Next thing you know you'll be flying 150 mile X-C's and loving it. Even if the winds are over 10kts and the ceiling is 200'. Isn't that why they invented the "Air Taxi"? TAKE PICTURES!!! I've been thinking about the "Engine quitting" scenerios also. Two words-don't. As long as you can see open ground below you, you're fine. If you're over the woods, go for the small trees. If you're over the golf course, buzz your Doctor over at the 7th hole. Really, the engine is very reliable, and will quit most likely fron carb ice, running outta gas, pulling the mixture, and turning the mags off. Other than that, they'll run well. Relax. Have fun and post a picture or two. Later Quote
rotormandan Posted June 29, 2008 Posted June 29, 2008 Well, I bet it was still an awesome flight, huh? Next thing you know you'll be flying 150 mile X-C's and loving it. Even if the winds are over 10kts and the ceiling is 200'. Isn't that why they invented the "Air Taxi"? TAKE PICTURES!!! I've been thinking about the "Engine quitting" scenerios also. Two words-don't. As long as you can see open ground below you, you're fine. If you're over the woods, go for the small trees. If you're over the golf course, buzz your Doctor over at the 7th hole. Really, the engine is very reliable, and will quit most likely fron carb ice, running outta gas, pulling the mixture, and turning the mags off. Other than that, they'll run well. Relax. Have fun and post a picture or two. Later CONGRATULATIONS! Kelly. They will keep getting more exciting. Keep it up you're on a roll. Quote
Kelly N. Posted June 29, 2008 Author Posted June 29, 2008 TAKE PICTURES!!! I've been thinking about the "Engine quitting" scenerios also. Two words-don't. As long as you can see open ground below you, you're fine. If you're over the woods, go for the small trees. If you're over the golf course, buzz your Doctor over at the 7th hole. Really, the engine is very reliable, and will quit most likely fron carb ice, running outta gas, pulling the mixture, and turning the mags off. Other than that, they'll run well. Relax. Have fun and post a picture or two. Yeah, I definitely need to start taking a few pics. My CFI has some from our x-country night flight to Wilmington so, I'll see if I can get copies and maybe post those. And you're right, it was fun and it's most likely that the least reliable thing in the aircraft right now is me and I'll be more reliable if I stop worrying about the engine (which, apropos of nothing, has a lot in common with the old volkswagen beetle engines - horizontally opposed, air-cooled, normally aspirated until around 1975 when the turned into Raven II's and got fuel injection ). O.k. Maybe I focused on the engine a tad too much Quote
Kelly N. Posted June 30, 2008 Author Posted June 30, 2008 CONGRATULATIONS! Kelly. They will keep getting more exciting. Keep it up you're on a roll. Thanks Dan. I am definitely able to enjoy the flights more now as opposed to a few weeks ago and I'm definitely getting more comfortable with the idea that I can actually fly helicopters now. It kinda snuck up on me. Quote
helonorth Posted June 30, 2008 Posted June 30, 2008 Well, I bet it was still an awesome flight, huh? Next thing you know you'll be flying 150 mile X-C's and loving it. Even if the winds are over 10kts and the ceiling is 200'. Isn't that why they invented the "Air Taxi"? TAKE PICTURES!!! I've been thinking about the "Engine quitting" scenerios also. Two words-don't. As long as you can see open ground below you, you're fine. If you're over the woods, go for the small trees. If you're over the golf course, buzz your Doctor over at the 7th hole. Really, the engine is very reliable, and will quit most likely fron carb ice, running outta gas, pulling the mixture, and turning the mags off. Other than that, they'll run well. Relax. Have fun and post a picture or two. Later200 foot ceilings?! Better take the car. Quote
dave7373 Posted August 10, 2008 Posted August 10, 2008 (edited) 200 foot ceilings?! Better take the car. I agree, Where I'm at there is a set of transmission lines every 3 or 4 miles and a cell phone tower in nearly every square mile, both of which are 200'+. If you cant fly at 400-500 feet you shouldnt be flying. You cant count on see and avoid as the thousands of now dead scud running pilots would tell you if they were still here to do so. Edited August 10, 2008 by dave7373 Quote
FlyNHighNFast Posted August 12, 2008 Posted August 12, 2008 Kelly, Congrats! You know you are in good hands with the folks at NC Rotor and Wing. If they say you are ready, you are more than ready. You went all the way to ILM on your night cross country? WOW! Quote
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