Lesson 2

Lesson 2
Flight time logged:	1.3 hours
Total flight time logged:	2.0 hours
Total takeoffs/landings:	1
Total cost to date:	$346

For lesson two, I selected another CFI. I believe I found a great CFI that matches my personality. I believe I will stay with this CFI through the entire training. Today, I taxied much better. I controlled the plane on taxi, run-up, and actually performed my first takeoff. We departed to the Southeast. There was little to no turbulence below 3,000 feet. We climbed to 6,000 feet. For this lesson, I basically combined lesson 1 and lesson 2 into one lesson. For this flight, I performed the following:

• Straight-and-level flight
• Climbing turns
• Descending turns
• Best glide speed/gliding
• Slow flight
• Steep turns
• Spirals
• Multiple power off stalls
• Controlled communications
• Traffic pattern
• Assisted landing

I was able to keep my assigned air speed within +/- 10 knots during the takeoff climb. I also leveled out and maintained assigned altitudes within +/- 100 feet (This is better than the +/- 200 feet required at this stage). All of my climbs stayed with +/- 10 knots. All of my descents were within +/- 5 knots. I also kept my assigned headings within +/- 10 degrees. My CFI gave me remarks of "excellent" for climbs, and "good" for turns and descents. I felt much better about my ability to fly after this lesson.

This was also my first experience actually stalling the plane. It was a little un-nerving at first, but because I knew what to do to get out of a stall, I was actually very comfortable doing it. Of course this was just the power off stall. The power on stall is coming up soon. Not to mention spin awareness. Roller-coaster rides in the air, anyone?

I also flew my first approach today. I entered the traffic pattern on downwind following behind a Beech King Air. On final I had assisted control from the CFI in to the landing. It was like a short field landing in that we did not use much of the runway. In fact, we stopped short of the first taxiway.

After post-flight procedures, my CFI sat down with me and went through a debriefing of the day's lesson. It was nice to review the lesson plan objectives and get feedback. He also checked of my Cessna Pilot Training Course forms for Lesson 1 and Lesson 2 in my syllabus and online. I felt like I could continue my training with this CFI because he was meticulous and disciplined. I signed up for my next three lessons with him. My next lesson is Monday. This time it will be in the late afternoon. I hope there's little to no turbulence again!