I had a pleasant experience flight instructing yesterday which I'd like to share with you.
Al has been a student of mine for a while now. He is not seeking aviation as a career, but enjoying it as a hobby. He should be getting his private license soon this summer.
I won't reveal his age, but this is Al's second try at flying. He first soloed the year I was born.
Well, as happens to many people at our advanced ages, Al has faced some medical challenges recently, particularly with the FAA medical procedure. He had to stop flying for six months while he got it all straightened out. He got his medical renewed and asked to go flying again.
We decided to go up and do a few touch and go's, just to get the feel of the airplane back, before proceeding back in to the final stages of pre-check-ride lessons.
What a wonderful experience it can be when you fly with someone who is prepared!
The first landing was a little tentative but still very smooth. I had to reach to critique it. I asked him for four more smooth landings. Al stunned me. The next four landings were not only right on the centerline, but were of the type where you want to call the tower and see if you've actually landed
Amazing performance after six months away from the yoke. Have you been doing touch and go's on your flight sim Al?
And this was all with a 12 kt crosswind ...
Great job Al, you will be a great pilot!