Flying in circles

Circuits to be precise. So I rocked on out to NZAR yesterday, with the weather starting to look a little nasty out to the North East, but thankfully it stayed there.

Briefing and Pre-Flight of JFY completed and we were running through Start-Up checks for an hour or so of 'Circuit Bashing'. And then something happened that I never thought possible. I managed to run through the checks without using the checklist. Looks like there is still room in my 31 year old brain for more information.

Down to 03 for run-up checks and then lining up behind one of Auckland Aero Clubs Grummans. Quite speedy little beasts actually. So we run through a max performance take-off, basically stand on the brakes, shove the throttle to the firewall and then let her go... A 152 will almost lift off vertically when doing this, well not quite, but its quite amazing how fast it will get up.

Unfortunately, the AAC student was flying one of the longest circuits I have ever seen. He must have followed the extended runway centre line and been near the circuit altitude (1000' AGL) before turning crosswind! I usually turn around (500' AGL)... needless to say this meant I had to follow his lead to maintain separation.

The first couple of circuits were a little hectic, quite a bit of traffic around and incoming for the Pilot Expo on the field. But after 3 or 4 it quietened down and I had the circuit to myself with just the odd arriving aircraft. So around, down, up, around, down, up, around, down we went for a little over an hour practising standard, flapless and short-field landings. My instructor made the comment that he would have no issues sending me Solo, I just need to get the medical sorted and get a signoff from an A or B-Cat.

Speaking of medicals, the old BP is looking sweet like a sweet thing. It has been trending downwards all last week (Mon 140/100, Wed 135/95, Fri 130/85) and this morning it was 130/80. Who knew that eating healthy and exercising would be so good for you :P

Next week we're circuit bashing again and will be doing EFATO (Engine Failure After Take-Off) and Glide Approaches. Had been hoping to cover that yesterday, but with the circuit being so busy we decided to wait to next time.

After a debrief and a cup of tea, I headed over to the Pilot Expo with one of the other club members for a quick look. I had been hoping to get my hands on some ANR (Active Noise Reduction) Headsets to try out. Luckily, several of the exhibitors had them on display and I tried the Bose X and the David Clark X11. They were both fantastic. The low-end frequencies just disappear when you turn them on. I also could not believe how light they were. The X11's with their carbon-fibre headband and the Bose with its magnesium one, both weigh in at just 340grams (12oz). Unfortunately, they both have fantastic price tags to match... around $1300 for the DC's and $1500 for the Bose. But as a gift to myself for when I finally get my PPL, they are both near the top of the list ;)

This flight: 1.1 Hours Dual
Total Hours: 39.1 (36.0 Dual, 3.1 Solo)