Eric McCandless Posted July 1, 2012 Author Share Posted July 1, 2012 30 June 12 - Updated current diary on Google docs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric McCandless Posted July 9, 2012 Author Share Posted July 9, 2012 07 July 12 - Updated current diary on Google docs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gnarly Gnu Posted July 9, 2012 Share Posted July 9, 2012 Great Eric! Yes the 170's are kinda floaty. I like to pull the throttle back at the end of downwind (maybe 1500 - 1800 rpm) and use the base turn to loose speed prior to extending flaps but with a turning call also this is perhaps slightly more involved than slowing first by raising the nose then flaps and turn. Wondering what GPS system you use to track your course on Google Earth? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric McCandless Posted July 10, 2012 Author Share Posted July 10, 2012 Hi GG, Thanks for the tips. My instructor says I should complete the setup (flaps & speed) on base and thus have "nothing else to do" on final to give me time to concentrate on maintaining the final approach. This seems a sensible approach (pardon the pun) for an inexperienced person. I just need to work on how to slow the aircraft down and deal with ground effect. I only have 3 + 2 circuits in it so far. I use a GPS data logger called an iBlue 747, which I bought back in 2007, so it is a little out of date now. It can record up to 64,000 data points. At a 1 second logging rate (presettable from 1 -999 secs), that is enough for about 17 hours. The rechargeable battery lasts for about 20 hours. I just switch it on and put it in my pocket. You can buy them on eBay for $50-$100. Some of the newer units now record up to 10 data points per second which is probably not needed. I find my unit to be accurate in the horizontal dimension, as well as speed and heading, but not so accurate in the vertical (height) where it seems to have some hysteresis (lags behind) for some reason. It connects to a PC via a USB cable and the included software overlays the track onto Google Earth. The software is also supposed to plot in 3D, but I have never been able to get 3D to work despite lots of fiddling. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flyerme Posted July 10, 2012 Share Posted July 10, 2012 wow great read Eric...I think these should be put in to a section in our mag!!! every month add a couple more diary entrances...it makes for a good read .. "The diary of Eric McCandless - from student to pilot" share in his adventures as he gives a first hand account into the world of Recreational aviation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric McCandless Posted July 28, 2012 Author Share Posted July 28, 2012 Wooo Hooo ! I passed my RA-Aus Pilot Certificate Test 14 July 12 - Updated current diary on Google docs. 11 Aug 12 - Jabiru J170 Steep Turns, PFLs, and Crosswind Circuits. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Compulsion Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 Eric that is fantastic. Congratulations mate well done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark11 Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 Hi Eric, Just started reading your diary... Fantastic job I'm at about 5 hours now myself and with the current westerlies have completed most of the Pre and post theory and can't wait to get flying again... Microlights need ideal conditions.... I do sometimes think I should write down as much as I can remember from my lessons as a lot of info gets forgotten and I wish I could record it!! I'll make some notes nw for the rest of the journey... Regards Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piet Fil Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 Eric, Well done, Its a great feeling I know. You now get to enjoy the joys of the 25nm circle. I look forward to reading the blog of your Navs. Congrats Phil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dazza 38 Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 Good onya Eric Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric McCandless Posted September 9, 2012 Author Share Posted September 9, 2012 01 Sep 12. My first navigation exercise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
planedriver Posted September 9, 2012 Share Posted September 9, 2012 A great read Eric, and congratulations on attaining your certificate. I'm sure many will learn what to expect in their training from what you have written, and the additional comments from wise mentors like Motz Well done! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ayavner Posted September 10, 2012 Share Posted September 10, 2012 I can easily see how you could possibly publish this once done, with very little polish, into something that could very well become a standard reference for anyone at all stages of learning and accomplishment. I'd buy it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric McCandless Posted September 24, 2012 Author Share Posted September 24, 2012 Flight Lesson 47 – 22 Sep 2012 – Second Dual Navigation Exercise (2.4 hours – Total 43.4 hours) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric McCandless Posted September 24, 2012 Author Share Posted September 24, 2012 A great read Eric, and congratulations on attaining your certificate.I'm sure many will learn what to expect in their training from what you have written, and the additional comments from wise mentors like Motz Well done! Hi Planedriver. Thank you for your kind words. I may not be the typical student though as it took me longer to go solo and get my certificate than others probably due to my age. But in reality I am not concerned for the hours I took to get my certificate or will take to get my nav endorsement, I would rather be confident and safe no matter how long it takes. I am in no hurry and it is more reassuring to have an instructor beside me. I can easily see how you could possibly publish this once done, with very little polish, into something that could very well become a standard reference for anyone at all stages of learning and accomplishment. I'd buy it. Hi Ayavner. I'm glad you enjoy my diary and hope you and others get something useful out of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
planedriver Posted September 24, 2012 Share Posted September 24, 2012 Keep it going Eric, you've gotta include the navs too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Compulsion Posted September 25, 2012 Share Posted September 25, 2012 Hi Eric, get rid of that compass and buy a card compass with the aircraft on it. Works a lot better in MHO. Keep up the reports i am learning a lot from them before I do my Navs. Concentrating on getting my hours up for a passenger rating. My wife is getting on my case about taking her up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roy Wales Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 Just started reading your diary Eric & loving it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brilin_air Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 Hi Eric,get rid of that compass and buy a card compass with the aircraft on it. Works a lot better in MHO. Keep up the reports i am learning a lot from them before I do my Navs. Concentrating on getting my hours up for a passenger rating. My wife is getting on my case about taking her up. Compulsion. I did an Nav course with Brian to learn how to read the maps etc. I don't fly the plane, but most of the flight planning I do and navigate when we fly which takes alot of the burden off of him. May I suggest your wife do a small Nav course aswell, it is excellent, and I am glad I did it. -Linda Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Compulsion Posted October 1, 2012 Share Posted October 1, 2012 Hi Linda, Great idea. My wife and I have a lot of sea miles together and now we want to get some air miles behind us. My wife also loves photography. Help with Nav is a good idea. I also thought about getting my wife to do some basic flying lessons just incase she ever needs to land the aircraft. Better just get her in the air first. LOL 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric McCandless Posted October 15, 2012 Author Share Posted October 15, 2012 16 Oct 2012 - Flight Training Lesson 48 & 49 – 14 Oct 2012 – Jabiru Solo Circuits & High Performance Endorsement Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric McCandless Posted October 21, 2012 Author Share Posted October 21, 2012 Flight Training Lesson 50 - Incipient Stalls and First Time Leaving the Nest – 20 Oct 12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric McCandless Posted October 28, 2012 Author Share Posted October 28, 2012 Latest Update Solo Flight - Practice Circuits and Training Area – 27 Oct 2012 - (6.4 hours – Total 53.3 hours) "I am in flying nirvana after today’s flights. I did a total of 6.4 hours in 4 separate sessions of solo flight. I flew so much that my right arm got tired from operating the Jabiru’s central control column in flight, but I am not complaining at all. ..............." 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric McCandless Posted November 22, 2012 Author Share Posted November 22, 2012 Latest Update Solo Practice Session – Mini-Navigation Exercise – 18 Nov 2012 - (1.7 hours – Total 59.2 hours) The forecast for today was clear with light winds. Whilst I had flown yesterday for over 4 hours, I decided I should make hay whilst the sun shines and go flying again today. But I wanted to do something different other than circuits and training area. With my pilot certificate I don’t yet have my navigation endorsement, so I am restricted to 25 nautical miles from the airport. However this is actually quite a big area. Indeed it would be quite possible to get lost within this area unless careful preparation is taken. As I have been learning navigation and completed two dual navigation exercises, I thought I might go on a mini navigation exercise, but obviously I must stay within the 25 NM boundary. ............................ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
biggles Posted November 23, 2012 Share Posted November 23, 2012 Compulsion.I did an Nav course with Brian to learn how to read the maps etc. I don't fly the plane, but most of the flight planning I do and navigate when we fly which takes alot of the burden off of him. May I suggest your wife do a small Nav course aswell, it is excellent, and I am glad I did it. -Linda You're a legend Linda ! Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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