Second flight of BFR

[cjsmith]

Stalls: WAY better than last week
Landings: WAY better than last week (I think I get to log only one per arrival this time)

My instructor also pulled the power on me when we were over the coast, which I'll happily take as another indication that I'm getting better. Now I need to chair-fly a few things: a standard pattern, the division of attention between sight picture and airspeed indicator on final, and the engine-out fuel flow check.

The most interesting bit happened before we took off, though. I got a stunning demonstration of why, if you're going to test both fuel tanks on the ground, you switch tanks early -- not right before run-up. My instructor had me turn the fuel selector switch to OFF, then do my engine run-up, check the mags and carb heat, check the controls, etc., and after that, over the continuing engine noise (!!) we chatted in the cockpit simulating the "you are cleared for takeoff" exchange with tower. The engine finally quit due to fuel starvation when we would have been a few hundred feet in the air. Badness 10000.

Comments

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

My coworker just told me at lunch today that he's giving in signing up for flight lessons. Don't fight it... join us... come back, you know you want to.... :-)

[deyo.livejournal.com]

I have to choose between soaring (http://soarhollister.com/), blacksmithing (http://thecrucible.org/), and capoeira (http://abada.org/). I just don't have time for more than one. :)

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

You probably know my two cents: pick blacksmithing or capoeira. Youth and vibrant health might not last forever and of those three activities soaring alone doesn't need them.

[deyo.livejournal.com]

At this point, I'm leaning toward blacksmithing first, because I can get the basic skills down in a couple of intensive workshops. After that, I can get a membership at The Crucible, and make swords until my ears bleed. ;)

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Sounds fun! I don't know anyone who has those skills. You are constantly doing interesting things. :-)

[mactavish.livejournal.com]

Your ears only bleed if you're not careful with the swords. :)

[deyo.livejournal.com]

On the other hand, it indicates I'm doing *something* right. :)