Category: Instrument

So I have only had one lesson in the last 3 weeks due to my work schedule as well as weather.  (I really don’t want to see what’s it like landing with the winds are 20G35 in my Cessna 172!)

That one lesson I did have however made it clear just how quickly you can take a step backwards in your training.  First half of the lesson I was having difficulty keeping altitude and heading, but slowly got back to where I needed to be.  Got to try a VOR approach as well as some hold entries.  Overall not my finest hour, but at least I did it.

Question becomes do I try to get in a handful of lessons knowing that I’m going to have a few weeks between now and the middle of April where I can’t fly, or do I just go up on my own and do some pattern work / VFR flights.

So I’m getting along in my IR training.  I’m getting much better and am able to hold altitude, heading, airspeed.  Granted when I’m asked to enter an approach into the GPS, I’m not keeping my scan up as well as I should.  Progress to be sure, and basically at ACS standards from what my CFII is telling me, but it’s not as good as I want to be.  Just need more practice and hours.

1/2 way done with my XC hours, and only 1/3 of the way for instrument hours.  Weather and work schedule have made flying a bit hit or miss, but I’m moving forward.

Decided I wanted to get my IR rating and continue my education in aviation.  Bought the Kings IR ground school videos and finished going through all the lessons over the last month or so.  Decided to just schedule my IR written and get that knocked out while it was all still fresh in my mind.  Honestly it’s just one less thing I need to worry about.  Was pretty confident, and ended up getting over 90% on it.

This afternoon I did my first IR Lesson.  Let’s just say it was a humbling experience.  I was so mentally drained by the time we were headed back to the airfield I ended up going around and needed an assist from my CFI.  Not how I really wanted to start, but I understand that I’m learning and that’s why I’m paying my CFI.  (Granted I was in an unfamiliar airplane so I think the deck was a little stacked against me.  Nothing unsafe, just a lot of new things being thrown at me all at once).