Lesson 12, Engine Failure Practice

The weather this morning was a complete contrast to yesterday, beautiful clear skies and light wind of around 6-8 knts. The purpose of todays lesson was to practice some more circuits and landings and also to try some engine out procedures.

I arrived on time and Antonio was already at the aircraft carrying out the pre-flight A checks. Today I decided to bring along a video camera to record the forward view from just behind the cockpit in the luggage area, I rigged this up so it was holding firm. Antonio asked if I was planning on making a documentary, so I replied "yes, I am doing a documentary on rogue flight instructors", after that he accused me of being a secret member of the CAA.

I completed the pre-flight checks and we were soon in the air. The first circuit was good, nice approach and the landing was my best yet, couldn't even feel it touch the runway! Antonio was impressed and made it clear he now expects me to do that everytime! After climb-out from the touch-and-go he pulled the throttle to idle at around 500 feet and I carried out a little hesitant engine failure procedure, my mistakes were obvious such as raising the nose immediately to slow to 70 knts (best glide speed) rather than allowing the aircraft to slowly achieve 70 knts. I told myself I will do this better next time.

We did some more circuits and touch-and-goes however none of the landings were as good as my first. One more engine failure practice which was much improved. On one of the circuits I turned final and noticed a Cessna still sitting at the runway threshold, I was distracted by this I was half expecting a go around and therefore did not concentrate on my approach. This led to me being far to high on the approach. I quickly lost height by cutting the throttle to idle and by this time the Cessna was taking off, following a steep descent I made a landing but bounced slightly this time. Antonio told me quite rightly that I must concentrate on my approach and not allow events to distract me, also pointing out that a go-around can be decided at a much later stage. On the next circuit I began my flare before touching done and Antonio called "Go around", and I was able to quickly get the aircraft into the right configuration and successfully go around. Lesson learnt.

I have found that carrying out the circuit now has become so much easier, I am always mentally well ahead of the aircraft now and the circuit therefore seems like a much slower process than before. Antonio mentioned I am ready to solo now, which makes me excited and nervous at the same time. On the one hand I know I can do it, I just have yet to prepare my mind for taking that responsibility. He suggested I take the exam on Air Law, Operational Procedures & Communications during the coming week as that is required before I can solo.

After the lesson today I checked my video camera and discovered it had recorded all of about 3 seconds footage! damn. I must have hit the record button twice and therefore end up pausing it. Oh well, will try again to capture some video next lesson.