12/27 - CPL Training Update

Merry Post-Christmas/Happy Holidays to y'all! Hope that you each had, and/or and having a wonderful time celebrating with family and friends (however you may be doing it.) This Christmas, I got everything I could hope for, and more. The best part? It wasn't even a physical item on my "wish-list" that I received that has made me feel satisfied...

Friday 12/23:

This past Friday, I had yet another lesson to practice Commercial Pilot Maneuvers. I went up with Mike K., who was free that day, and we did a couple procedures that I felt needed "honing." 

12/23/16: Commercial Pilot Lesson Summary

1.) Depart KROC (Soft-Field Takeoff)

2.) Arrive Canadaigua (D38)

3.) Return KROC (Short-Field Landing)

12/23/16: Commercial Pilot Lesson Summary

1.) Arrive D38 (Steep-Spiral to Power-Off 180 Landing)

2.) Soft-Field Takeoffs and Power-Off 180s

Overall, the lesson went smoothly. We focused on the areas that I still need work on, namely the steep-spiral, power-off 180, and performance takeoffs. My soft-field takeoff out of KROC was very good, much like in my previous lesson. I just have to remember to keep the landing-gear down until I am past the usable runway (every pilot has a differing opinion on this, but this is how I've been taught. I won't deny, it looks cool to pull gear-up on a P-51 right off the deck! ;-)

When we arrived @ D38, I was at 5000' and initiated my steep-spiral. Mike combined this with my power-off 180 landing. I did good on the spiral, but when it came to the 180 for landing, I dumped the gear in too early (again!) I keep forgetting just how much heavier the gear-down configuration makes the Arrow (as if it wasn't a heavy enough aircraft on the controls.) Minus this, which threw-off my approach entirely, I did pretty solid. I just need a bit more practice! We did a few more soft-field takeoffs, followed by power-off 180s. I got a little better each time. Back @ KROC, we make a short-field landing, and I got it (finally!)

After my lesson, I got to take my Grandma D. Parker on her 1st plane ride with me! I have flown my Dad, Mom, Brother, and Grandfather, so it was only a matter of time before G'Ma followed suit. Grandma "D" has been through a lot in the last year, and she has prevailed in face of it all. She is a model of strength, and has always been a beacon for me to look up to. I love her so much! The flight went very well, and we had a smooth one to boot. Fun was had by all, even "selfies" happened!

12/23/16: Grandma Flight Summary

1.) Depart KROC

2.) Circle over Conesus Lake/Geneseo

3.) Return KROC

Yup, she loved it...

...as did I!

Back home, safe and sound!

After a bit of sightseeing, we soon returned to Rochester. Grandma was all smiles, as was yours truly. What a great opportunity! I am forever thankful for the chance to do this. Until next time, G'ma?! :-)

This week, I am focusing on pulling things together for the Commercial Pilot Checkride. I'm organizing a handbook/flight manual for the event, so that I have everything I need for the flight/test in one place. 

On Friday, I am hosting a (what I hope will become routine) small aviator meetup. We'll be meeting Friday @ the Rochester Air Center (6pm.) There will be coffee, and talk about all things airplanes and flying! I plan on talking a bit about my Yak/P-51 plans, my buddy Nate plans to talk a bit about his Nieuport project, and other buddy Ruben will talk about his airline work! We hope to see you there (Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/938820419551871/)

Until next time, "Keep 'Em Flying," and "Never, Never, Never Give Up."

12/21 - CPL Training Update

Hello Folks!

It's almost Christmas Day, and I wish all the best to you and yours during whichever holiday(s) you may be celebrating. In terms of X-Mas gifts, I hope you each get something that is truly meaningful, even if it's something not on your list. Those gifts are often the best kind. For me this year, besides the Yak-3UA, the hot-ticket item is my Commercial Pilot's License. As you've been informed, I'm chipping away at making this a very-real possibility. 

This past week, here in WNY, we've seen some nasty weather. However, there have been a couple nicer days sprinkled in between. I have been lucky enough to have had the ability to take advantage of these nice days. 

Friday 12/16:

On Thursday, the 15th, we received bone-chilling weather, mixed with inches of lake-effect snow. This made for an...interesting...flight on Friday. The Arrow had weathered the storm outside, and was buried under a few inches of the "white stuff." Furthermore, she was surrounded by snow and ice as well. Seeing as how Friday's weather was perfect for flying, I was determined to get up there. Thanks to my good friends at the air center, this became possible. Nate helped me dig-out and push the Arrow into the hangar to "warm-up." After this, we waited for a bit, and once the Arrow was back up-to-temp, Sarah (my instructor) helped me push it back out. All 3 of us make quite a team, thanks again gang! 

We're nothing if not dedicated!

After all that, the "hard-part" was over for the day. The flying actually went quite smoothly for me. Sarah had me practice some CPL maneuvers, as we had planned. Overall, I was a lot smoother and calmer. I think I'm finally getting the hang of this commercial-pilot stuff! We started with a soft-field takeoff. I have struggled with these, up to now. On Friday, I was able to execute one aptly! 

12/16/16: Commercial Pilot Lesson Flight Summary

1.) Depart KROC: Soft-Field Takeoff

2.) Maneuvers over Canandaigua

3.) Return to KROC for Landings

12/16/16: Commercial Pilot Lesson Flight Summary

1.) Lazy-8s

2.) Steep-Spiral

12/16/16: Commercial Pilot Lesson Flight Summary

1.) 8s-on-Pylons

12/16/16: Commercial Pilot Lesson Flight Summary

1.) Arrive KROC: Soft-Field Landing (Touch & Go)

2.) Short-Field Landing to Full-Stop

The Lazy-8s are becoming a lot more, well, Lazy. They 'ought to be! As I mentioned in my last post, I was forcing them too much at first. Now, I am slowing down the whole maneuver, and it seems to be working. The key is to imagine the Lazy-8 as a roller-coaster ride. Use momentum, and get a feel for the airplane! During the lesson, Sarah and I also did a steep-spiral (simulated emergency landing) and 8s-on-Pylons. Both went well! Again, as with anything in life, confidence can be found in repetition and mindfulness...aka...slowing oneself down and focusing.

As we flew back into KROC, I asked tower if I go do a touch-and-go before making a full-stop landing. They obliged, so 1st I made a soft-field landing which was actually smooth (for once!), followed by a short-field landing to full stop (which was actually "on-point!) Again, I am really feeling more confident on all of this commercial pilot "stuff." This is due to the great instructors and support staff at the air center, as well as all of you! Thank you.

Another good flight in the books

Saturday-Sunday 12/17-18:

On Saturday and Sunday, I met with fellow CPL candidate Paul C. @ the air center to cover oral-exam ground materials. We tooks turns quizzing each-other, and it was most helpful! We covered everything from flight planning, to weather, to aircraft systems. We are both feeling well-prepared now. Paul has his checkride shortly, here. He will do great, good luck buddy!

Tuesday 12/20:

Tuesday, I met with Sarah with the intent of flying the Arrow to "hone" my commercial maneuvers a tad more. Sadly, we were kept on the ground. We did, however get to talk through the maneuvers that I am still "working on." I found this most helpful. Also, I got to do some more practice with Paul, always a good thing to be well-prepared. Once the Arrow is out of maintenance, we will get up again real soon. I am planning to go up this Friday, so stay tuned!

Until next time, "Keep 'Em Flying," and "Never, Never, Never Give Up."

12/11 - CPL...Waiting...Update

Hello Friends, Fam, & Followers!

Can you believe we are a mere couple of weeks away from Christmas? My, the time sure does "fly," when you're having fun (or at least busy.) I come to you this evening bearing an early holiday gift, a quick update! I will be honest, this past week, not much flying took place for me given the weather. However, it was still a very productive week for my Commercial Pilot training as a whole.

Friday 12/9:

I was finally able to finish the display case for my future hangar-home-museum model! To clarify, my goal is to eventually start my own non-profit museum, "Final Victory Warbirds." It will operate a P-51 (in honor of Local MIA Tuskegee Leland Pennington), Yak-1 (in honor of Lilya Litvyak), and L-4 (to be used for flight training underprivileged children/teens.) This is my hangar plan, tho it may turn out smaller...

Saturday 12/10:

On Saturday, I had planned to fly with Sarah in the AM. We were going to practice my commercial maneuvers. However, the Arrow was located in Canandaigua for routine maintenance, and needed to be flown up to KROC 1st. So, I volunteered to do so! After waiting (hours) for lake-effect snow squalls, I was able to sneak the Arrow up to Rochester. 

The waiting is the hardest part...

I could see snow falling off to my left and right, but KROC was dead-ahead. This was a real "test" for me, as a commercial pilot candidate. I had really used my judgement and precautions before flying, and despite the conditions being what they were, I still feel that I made the right choice to "go." If I had gotten "into trouble," my Instrument Rating would have come to good use. But, I am safe and sound, and the flight went great!

CPL Training Flight Summary: 12/10/16

1.) Depart Canandaigua (D38)

2.) Arrive Rochester (KROC)

By the time I taxied back to the Air Centre and post-flighted, the conditions had begun to deteriorate. Sarah and I had decided to cancel, and we'll hopefully get up this week. The important take away here is, I got to fly! That's better than nuttin'.

Safe 'n Sound

Sunday 12/11:

Sunday's are my day to QB at the Air Centre. This AM, the weather was actually decent enough for flying. A bright spot from today was the 1st Solo of Michael's student Stephen G! Congrats, Stephen! Well done...

Add another name to the list!

By the time came for me to fly with Michael, the conditions were too poor to go up and practice. I instead stayed on the ground, and prepped for the oral-portion of the Commercial Pilot Checkride. I am currently studying the FAR/AIM (Federal Aviation Regs/Airman Info Manual), and marking the sections that will apply to my test. Also, I am making a customs checklist for my commercial maneuvers in the Arrow, to supplement the manufacturer's checklist that I use. This will make every go smoothly on the checkride itself!

Well, that's all I got for now. Until next time, "Keep 'Em Flying," and "Never, Never, Never Give Up."

12/4 - CPL Training Update

Hello Folks,

Happy December! The holiday season is now in full-swing, and this aviator is certainly feeling the cheer. Despite the crummy weather, this past week, I maintained my regimen of "chair flying" the Commercial Pilot maneuvers. My persistence paid off, today, as I was rewarded by mother nature with flying weather...

Sunday 12/4:

Today, I flew with RAC instructor, and good personal-friend, Mike K. A very experienced pilot, Michael knows the Commercial maneuvers quite well. He is a good role-model to have in the right seat, as a Commercial Pilot candidate. Today, we tried a little bit of everything...

In addition to the maneuvers, I got to meet up with my good buddy Pete C. @ D38. Pete had some spare B-17 model parts for me, so I could repair the "Fuddy Duddy" model I have (*future blog post alert*.) While waiting for me, he was able to snap some pics of our arrival and departure. Thanks again, Pete!

Thanks, Pete!

12/4/16: Arrival/Departute @ D38

1.) Power-Off 180 Landing (Go-Around)

2.) Power-Off 180 Landing (Land Full-Stop)

3.) Soft-Field Takeoff

"Here I am...(rock you like a hurricane?") - Pic, Pete Contario

Me after landing - Pic, Pete Contario

Pic, Pete Contario

Mike and I pulling-in. Pic, Pete Contario

And, off we go! Pic, Pete Contario

Now, back to the maneuvers...

Overall, I did pretty good. However, I really need to focus on slowing myself down. Also, I need to really be on-top of my altitude. I find that, when I get impatient on a maneuver, I tend to force/rush it. From there, my attention turns to the maneuver, and I lose sight of my altitude...thus ballooning. I have remedied this issue, before, and as I mentioned, it always appears after doing something new or unfamiliar in a lesson. So, the takeaway is, I just need more practice! This is also exactly what my pilot buddy Patrick C. said last week, as we did some Arrow "ground school."

12/4/16: CPL Flight Lesson Summary

1.) Depart KROC (Soft-Field Takeoff)

2.) Arrive D38 (Power-Off 180 Landings)

3.) CPL Maneuvers (Accelerated Stalls, Steep Turns, Lazy 8s)

4.) Arrive @ KROC (Short-Field Landing)

• Soft-Field Takeoffs: Overall, I am finally getting a feel for doing soft-field takeoffs in the Arrow. It is much different that in the Cessna, because the Arrow is so nose-heavy. I am beginning to gain the ability to remain in ground-effect longer, without trying to "force" the Arrow off too soon. With a bit more practice, I will have this "down."
• Power-Off 180 Landings: Michael had me do my 1st 180 landing @ D38 without any input/help from him. The result? I put down the gear too early (drag), and also added flaps too early (more drag.) I needed to add power to make the runway. That's not the intent for a power-off landing! So, the second time around, I followed Mike's wisdom, and waited on the gear/flaps. Boy, did that make the difference. I am now confident that I can fly right to the runway, without gear/flaps, until they are warranted with power-off flight characteristics. Why? Well, like I said, the Arrow likes to sink (nose-heavy.) At this point, when power is off, the gear and flaps are just supplements for slowing down (well, ya still kinda need gear for landing, ya know... ;-)
• CPL Maneuvers: My steep turns went well, as did my accelerated stalls (once Mike grilled me on the correct recovery procedure!) My Lazy-8s, once again, showed that they need work. I was "forcing" the maneuver too much, thus making the Lazy-8s...Crazy-8s. Mike re-enforced that I just need to relax, and slow down while flying the 8s. At this point, I think the best thing I can do to improve is "chair fly" the maneuver, as slowww as possible. I will get this, somehow!
• Short-Field Landing: For the first time, I nailed a short-field landing in the Arrow. I was so excited. I managed to find just the right power setting, and settled down right on the touchdown zone markings. I used aerodynamic braking to slow as soon as possible, to simulate short-field conditions. All went well, I just have to keep it up.

Thanks, once again, Mike, Pete, and Pat for your assistance! Until next time, "Keep 'Em Flying," and "Never, Never, Never Give Up."

Yakety Yak

Hello y'all!

Hope your week has gotten of to a great start. I've been thinking lately about how my desire, to one day own a Yak fighter plane, may confuse some the you readers on here. Those of you who have recently followed my blog, or don't know my full-history, may not be aware as to why I am so "obsessed" with the Yak. Well, here goes!

"It" all started when I was a wee-toddler, and the setting (once again) was the National Warplane Museum. Some of the earliest Geneseo airshows that I attended, with my father, featured the Yak-11 "Czech Ride," flown by Dan McCue. For some reason, Dan's routine of dog-fighting aerobatics really reached-out and grabbed me. I was enthralled as the classic Russian music played over the PA system, and Dan put the Yak-11 through it's paces. For me, this is the 1st memory I have of seeing a WWII Fighter fly in-person, probably hence the reason it is my favorite. 

For years, my goal has been to one day be just just Dan McCue, and own a Yak-11 (or Yak-3UA) and fly it in airshows. " I want to use it as a "traveling museum," and demonstrate authentic WWII aerobactics. Furthermore, in conjunction with my Tuskegee P-51 "Lucy Gal" project, I wish the have my Yak fly painted as Lilya Litvyak's "Yellow 44." Dubbed the "White Rose of Stalingrad," Litvyak was the 1st female ace. She was sadly lost in combat, akin to Leland Pennington & "Lucy Gal." Together, I think these two "tribute" planes can be used as an effective subject for a museum and community-youth program. That's my plan(e)!

Litvyak's Yak "Yellow 44"

Lilya Litvyak

Back in 2009, I got to meet Dan McCue at our airshow, in Geneseo. I had e-mailed back-and-forth with him in the months leading up to the show, mentioning my plans/goals of becoming a pro pilot and someday Yak-owner. Our meeting was brief, but he was just awesome! He even introduced me to another fighter-pilot legend, Dale "Snort" Snodgrass. Since that day, my desire to own the Yak has only grown stronger. One day, soon, I will make it happen. When I do, it'll be thanks to the support of great folks like Dan, and all of you! Thank you...

Until next time, "Keep 'Em Flying," and "Never, Never, Never Give Up."

11/24 - CPL Training Update (& Thankfulness!)

Greetings, all! Happy Early-Thanksgiving. I hope you get to spend some quality time with your loved ones and/or friends this week. Deep down, we all have at least one thing we each are forever thankful for. For me, having the opportunity to follow my dream of becoming a professional pilot is something I cherish every day. Having a family, and friends, who are equally supportive and enthused about my journey is a bonus! Thank you!

Recently, two good pilot-pals of mine generously shared some "goodies," to help in my commercial training. Darryl Y., a regional airline captain, has been a friend of mine since his children and my little brother went to Pre-K together. In addition to offering to meet with me to discuss my training progress and aviation-job prospects, Darryl has "donated" manuals to me in the past. This past week, he handed me a "Flow" diagram for the Embraer 170 (which he currently flies.) Remember me mentioning "Flows" once or twice, before? Thanks, Darryl!

Another fellow-aviator, Jeff G., noticed that in my videos of flight-simming, my rudder controls were giving me "fits." So, what does he do? Well, he offers to loan me his very own set of rudder-pedals (and a yoke to boot!) Thanks, Jeff. I will be putting them to good use shortly, and they should help quite a bit. Stay tuned!

Again, I have so many reasons to be thankful!

Thursday - 11/17:

In the past week, the Rochester Air Center (where I train) gained their newest CFI. Congrats to Sarah D! I jumped at the chance to fly with Sarah, and we flew both Thursday and Friday last week. Since she has just taken the CFI checkride, she is fresh on all the commercial pilot maneuvers, which is just what I need for my training. Last Thursday, we practiced and little bit of everything...

CPL Training Flight Summary - 11/17/16

CPL Training Flight Summary - 11/17/16

1.) "Lazy 8s"

2.) Chandelles

3.) Steep-Spiral Descent

Flying with Sarah has been great for me, so far. She is a great instructor, calm and informative. I had a good flight on Thursday, but I found that I needed to get more precise on my Chandelles and Lazy-8s. So, that was my focus for Friday!

A successful Thursday AM flight lesson complete!

Friday 11/18:

On Friday, we decided to focus more on my Lazy-8s and Chandelles, trying to make them more precise. The key, here, is relaxing and really getting a "feel" for the Arrow/Airplane. We did a lot of maneuvers in a short time (slow-flight, power-on/off stalls, accelerated stalls, steep turns, Lazy-8s, Chandelles, short/soft field takeoffs and landings.) Overall, I flew pretty good! I got my Chandelles down, finally. Lazy-8s still need a bit of work, but with Sarah's help, I will improve with practice. On Friday, we decided to put the FAA Commercial Pilot Test standards aside for the Lazy-8s, and just follow the maneuver for "fun." Basically, we just flew a "rough draft" of the maneuver, to get a feel for it. This helped me a lot!

CPL Training Flight Summary - 11/18/16

CPL Training Flight Summary - 11/17/16

1.) Slow Flight

2.) Stalls, Lazy-8s

3.) Chandelles

In addition to my Lazy-8s, my soft-field takeoff and short-field landing needs "work." Again, something that can be improved with practice! I am optimistic, and will keep at it. Thanks for the help, Sarah!

Soon.

Saturday 11/19:

The WNY weather decided not to agree with hopeful flyers, last weekend. So, I took the opportunity of being "grounded" to learn the fine-art of knot-tying, with my Grandpa! You see, tying a good knot is critical for pilots, when it comes to "tying down" and airplane after flight. For Commercial Pilots, this skill is useful, due to the wide-array of destinations and airport ramps they find themselves needing to tie-down at. With some experimentation, and input from my pilot-buddy Charlie, the "Locking Half-Hitch" knot won-out as the best one for the tie-down application.

Sunday 11/20:

The sour weather continued, so I did what any bored pilot would do, made a model of the plane I fly! I recently bought a "Hot Wings" die-cast Piper PA28 toy, with plans to repaint it as the Arrow I fly (N827RA.) While still grounded, I did just that. I think it came out looking pretty close!

A bored pilot's gotta do what he's gotta do, right? Anyhow, again, from the bottom of my heart, I am thankful for you all. I would not be where I am, and going where I am heading, without your help and support along the way. Until next time "Keep 'Em Flying," and "Never, Never, Never Give Up."

11/13 - CPL Training (& Tuskegee) Update

G'Day folks! I want to start off by wishing all those who have served a most honor-filled Veteran's Day & Weekend. I cannot thank you enough for your service, and I will never forget the sacrifices made by so many. This past week brought about more progress in my Commercial Pilot training, even though I was unable to find an available instructor. Furthermore, this week, I got to participate in our museum's (National Warplane Museum) Veteran's Day Tuskegee Airmen Event.

On Veteran's Day, Friday, our museum hosted a Ceremony to honor a handful of local Tuskegee Airmen, from WWII. The Tuskegee were the 1st African-American pilots to fly in the US Air Corps, breaking barriers of race and discrimination along the way. They succeeded! In 2007, The Tuskegee Airmen were collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for their service, by President Bush. Though they were awarded, many Airmen have yet to receive their medals in-person. Many simply didn't know how (or that they even had one coming to them!) Our museum took the initiative, and located all the local Tuskegee that we could find. This included the family of F/O Leland H. Pennington, the focus of my "Lucy Gal" project (more info, here...http://www.sjfc.edu/academics/business/departments/marketing/news-detail.dot?id=3f00fa53-2ef6-44cd-aa7f-b68a8822becd, and here...https://www.facebook.com/Tuskegee-P-51-Lucy-Gal-Project-Geneseo-NY-164292383635429/)

F/O Leland "Sticks" Pennington

My job, for the event, was to be the chauffer for Mr. Herbert Thorpe, and his daughter. Mr. Thorpe flew as a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, during WWII, and piloted the B-25 "Mitchell." He entered service just as the war was ending, so he did not see combat. Instead, he stayed state-side and trained other pilots. Herbert currently lives in Rome, NY, and I had initially planned to fly out there to pick his party up. I thought that it would have been rather cool to have flown with a Tuskegee Airman! Sadly, the weather did not agree, so I drove. Luckily, I had my co-pilot Charlie H. with me, as he wanted to meet Mr. Thorpe and attend the ceremony as well. The trip was a blast!

The event itself was very well attended, and we were all very surprised and happy with the turnout. (See, here: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/tuskegee-airmen-receive-congressional-gold-medal-43458989) For me, it was a true honor to be able to be a small part of the whole thing. The best part? Herbert wants me to come back to Rome soon, and take him flying! I think I can manage that. ;-)

On Saturday, the weather vastly improved, and I took advantage of it by flying the PA28-200R Arrow. I flew solo, and did a few Commercial Maneuvers for good measure. I did a few Chandelle's, a Lazy-8, and then a Steep-Spiral. All the maneuvers went pretty well, for someone who is in my shoes while training (waiting on CFI availability.) I looked at the flight as a "rough-draft" of CPL maneuvers, just to get the "feel" for them. I feel like I accomplished this.

CPL Training Flight Summary: 11/12/16

Goin' solo...

Cruisin' along in the Arrow, out to the practice-area...

CPL Training Flight Summary: 11/12/16

1.) Chandelle's

2.) Lazy-8s

3.) Steep-Spiral

GoPro shot of my Chandelle's! :-)

This AM, I did roughly the same thing as Saturday, a "dry-run" of the Commercial Maneuvers. This time, however, I flew with Charlie for some perspective/insight. As I mentioned in the last post, Charlie is a very competent Arrow flier, and also will be a CFI soon. He is in a great position to mentor me as I prep for my Commercial ticket. Today, we focused on doing the following...

• Soft-Field Takeoff @ KROC
• Soft-Field Landing @ 7G0 (Brockport)
• Short-Field Takeoff @ 7G0 (Brockport)
• Chandelle's
• Lazy-8s
• Steep-Spiral
• Short-Field Landing @ KROC

CPL Training Flight Summary: 11/13/16

The winds were very stiff, today, with gusts nearing 30 KTS. This made the maneuvers quite tricky, particularly the Lazy-8s. However, practicing these things in adverse conditions makes me all that much better at them when the weather is "normal," (or, as normal as WNY WX gets!) Overall, I flew pretty good. Charlie seemed content with my work, and told me that the maneuvers will be second nature to me shortly, the way I'm progressing. I am very thankful for his help!

Until next time, "Keep 'Em Flying," and "Never, Never, Never Give Up."