Lesson 21

DATE: 16th April 2012

AIRCRAFT: C172N N734HC 

ROUTE: CHD --> CHD

DURATION: 1.0hrs Dual

LANDINGS: 3

TOTAL TIME: 34.6 hours (+ 45.5 JAA)

Lesson Summary - Stage 3 check preparation. VOR, GPS navigation to AK CHIN. Diversion to KCZG and KCHD.

Next Flight - 18th April (2nd dual cross country)

Mountain Flying

This week I had my third (second day time) cross country flight. This particular school incorporates mountain flying into the syllabus. I flew from KCHD to Prescott Airport (KPRC) north of Phoenix and then onto beautiful Sedona (KSEZ). Had breakfast in Sedona before returning back to KCHD.


There is a mountain ridge north of Phoenix. This flight basically took us either side of this mountain at a height of 8500'MSL northbound and 7500'MSL southbound. Flying higher would have been an option, but the winds aloft were relatively light.


The flight incorporated training from my previous two flights, i.e. flight planning; opening a flight plan; class bravo transition; flight following and landing at other airports. 


Both Prescott and Sedona lie at elevations at approx. 5000' above MSL. I therefore had my first introduction to arriving/departing at an airport with an altitude >3000' MSL. This meant leaning procedures. We departed Sedona with a density altitude of 6600' which resulted in a loonnngggggg takeoff run.


Here is a sample of the cockpit audio on the first leg to KPRC.
KCHD --> KPRC Sample Audio

My instructor had time to take a few photographs for me as we headed northbound and then southbound.

Cross Country 2

DATE: 9th April 2012

AIRCRAFT: C172P N54288   

ROUTE: CHD -> KPRC -> KSEZ -> CHD

DURATION: 3.0hrs Dual

LANDINGS: 3

TOTAL TIME: 33.6 hours (+ 45.5 JAA)

Lesson Summary - 2nd dual cross country to Sedona and back via Prescott.

Next Lesson - 1st April (2nd dual cross country)

Solo 8

DATE: 7th April 2012

AIRCRAFT: C172P N54288   

ROUTE: CHD -> {Southern Training Area} -> CHD

DURATION: 1.1 hrs PiC

LANDINGS: 7

TOTAL TIME: 30.6 hours (+ 45.5 JAA)

Lesson Summary - Solo flight practising short and soft field procedures.

Next Lesson - 9th April (2nd dual cross country / Mountain Flight)

New Flight Bag

My old flight bag that I bought 12 years ago has fallen apart. I was basically carrying too much inside it. I de-cluttered when I started my cross country, but the bag started falling apart last week.


I have treated myself to a new flight bag. Was looking for something durable but not too big. Decided to go with the Jeppesen Aviator Flight Bag.

Jeppesen Aviator Flight Bag

Mixing with Military Traffic

A cool part of flying in Arizona is getting to mix it with Military traffic. On my two flights down to Tucson, I have had a chance to listen to ATC talking with Military Pilots.


Check out this audio;
KTUS Audio 
KMZJ Audio

Night Cross Country

DATE: 2nd April 2012

AIRCRAFT: C172P N54288   

ROUTE: CHD -> KAVQ -> CHD

DURATION: 1.8hrs Dual

LANDINGS: 5

TOTAL TIME: 29.5 hours (+ 45.5 JAA)

Lesson Summary - Night Cross Country

Next Lesson - Solo Soft and Shorts (7th), 2nd Cross Country (9th)