http://www.pilottimes.com/2010/04/19/some-windy-flying/ My thoughts and experiences around training for and flying after earning my private pilot license. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:14:21 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 http://www.pilottimes.com/2010/04/19/some-windy-flying/comment-page-1/#comment-52574 Crazy Crosswinds | Dan's Pilot Times Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:42:44 +0000 http://www.pilottimes.com/?p=351#comment-52574 [...] Some Windy Flying [...] [...] Some Windy Flying [...]

]]> http://www.pilottimes.com/2010/04/19/some-windy-flying/comment-page-1/#comment-5995 Pastora Sat, 24 Apr 2010 23:16:18 +0000 http://www.pilottimes.com/?p=351#comment-5995 Daniel I just wanted to let you know how much respect and admiration I have for you. Last Saturday's flight was a really scary one, I have to admit. The day was surely a day to always have in my heart for as long as I live. It blows my mind to think how much you have to know and be prepared for when you go up in the sky and be in control. In no moment did I question your ability to land the plane. I am very confident in you. But,yes- I will be worried when I hear you are planning to fly and the weather is not perfect. Please be careful. I love you, Mom Daniel I just wanted to let you know how much respect and admiration I have for you. Last Saturday’s flight was a really scary one, I have to admit. The day was surely a day to always have in my heart for as long as I live. It blows my mind to think how much you have to know and be prepared for when you go up in the sky and be in control. In no moment did I question your ability to land the plane. I am very confident in you. But,yes- I will be worried when I hear you are planning to fly and the weather is not perfect. Please be careful. I love you, Mom

]]> http://www.pilottimes.com/2010/04/19/some-windy-flying/comment-page-1/#comment-5965 Dad Thu, 22 Apr 2010 15:23:06 +0000 http://www.pilottimes.com/?p=351#comment-5965 Seeing a fully inflated windsock sticking straight out horizontally from the pole should have been the tip-off that perhaps this wasn't the most promising weather conditions for an aerial joy ride. Our friend Kenan's further observation that even the pole the windsock was attached to was leaning in the wind should have sealed the deal for the day. But, we figured that if the winds were gusting too strongly while ascending to cruising altitude, we would simply abort our planned trip to Sheboygan and return to our runway. They were....we didn't...and the rest is the stuff memories are made of. In all seriousness, the ride for me really was an enjoyable experience, though admittedly it had its stressful moments. I'm sure my wife would have agreed with me if she were able to speak at the time, but for the entire flight back from Sheboygan she was uncharacteristically silent, with the exception of an occasional gasp or fearful exclamation. Isn't it funny how adrenaline-rushes affect people in different ways? She was grasping my hand throughout the whole flight, but the doctor has since assured me that the nerve damage is temporary and I should regain the use of my fingers in a day or two. Other than the wind, this early summer's day could not have been more beautiful. The azure sky didn't have a cloud in it, crystal clear visibility right up to the horizon, and the farm fields below already displaying every shade of green imaginable. Flying is truly a remarkable experience. Seeing the world from an entirely different vantage point, and being able to share it with family and friends, is something which goes beyond all description. On very quiet days, the plane seems as though it's not moving at all, just the scenery below appears to slowly change. On days like Saturday, there was no question that the plane was moving, and in ways not necessarily directed by the pilot! But at no point did I ever feel that the external air mass had more control of the plane than did my son. (OK, maybe on the first landing approach at Sheboygan, but other than that, not one moment)! And it's precisely on days like this that one is reminded of how much skill, and training, and calm and clear thinking a pilot must possess. As pleasurable and effortless as a good pilot can make a flight seem, one must never take for granted how much hard work and planning go into achieving that. I gained a new respect for the “art” of flying, while solidifying the pride and confidence I've always placed in my son. I'm looking forward to our next adventure together. I know my wife is also....though I'm sure she'll be tuned into the weather channel the entire drive up to Westosha. Seeing a fully inflated windsock sticking straight out horizontally from the pole should have been the tip-off that perhaps this wasn’t the most promising weather conditions for an aerial joy ride. Our friend Kenan’s further observation that even the pole the windsock was attached to was leaning in the wind should have sealed the deal for the day. But, we figured that if the winds were gusting too strongly while ascending to cruising altitude, we would simply abort our planned trip to Sheboygan and return to our runway. They were….we didn’t…and the rest is the stuff memories are made of.
In all seriousness, the ride for me really was an enjoyable experience, though admittedly it had its stressful moments. I’m sure my wife would have agreed with me if she were able to speak at the time, but for the entire flight back from Sheboygan she was uncharacteristically silent, with the exception of an occasional gasp or fearful exclamation. Isn’t it funny how adrenaline-rushes affect people in different ways? She was grasping my hand throughout the whole flight, but the doctor has since assured me that the nerve damage is temporary and I should regain the use of my fingers in a day or two.
Other than the wind, this early summer’s day could not have been more beautiful. The azure sky didn’t have a cloud in it, crystal clear visibility right up to the horizon, and the farm fields below already displaying every shade of green imaginable. Flying is truly a remarkable experience. Seeing the world from an entirely different vantage point, and being able to share it with family and friends, is something which goes beyond all description. On very quiet days, the plane seems as though it’s not moving at all, just the scenery below appears to slowly change. On days like Saturday, there was no question that the plane was moving, and in ways not necessarily directed by the pilot! But at no point did I ever feel that the external air mass had more control of the plane than did my son. (OK, maybe on the first landing approach at Sheboygan, but other than that, not one moment)! And it’s precisely on days like this that one is reminded of how much skill, and training, and calm and clear thinking a pilot must possess. As pleasurable and effortless as a good pilot can make a flight seem, one must never take for granted how much hard work and planning go into achieving that. I gained a new respect for the “art” of flying, while solidifying the pride and confidence I’ve always placed in my son. I’m looking forward to our next adventure together. I know my wife is also….though I’m sure she’ll be tuned into the weather channel the entire drive up to Westosha.

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