Skidz flight training confessions

[skidz]

Morning JC'ers Skidz here with some update, not a big one, but after almost a week on the ground even the dme arcs and holding is exciting. I nailed that pretty good this morning which has put me in the good mood for the rest of the day. We took off and tracked the V20 to SNAKI intersection. The wind made my outbound legs last about 20-25 seconds in order to fly the inbound leg for a minute, that was some 70 knots outbound and 110 or so inbound.
The weather cleared up quite a bit after almost a week of heavy rains and winds. I should have two more lessons this week and maybe I get to write up some more about it.
Take care ya'all

Love,
Skidz

[skidz]

I had a stage check today. This is the first out of three stage checks for my instrument rating. Before I went flying, we covered some of the ground stuff, and I had to take a stage check written test. For the stage check we took of north to Hammond, I was tracking the Hammond VOR and then a 9 Nm arc around it to line up for localizer approach to Hammond. After tracking the outbound loc course we did some unusual attitudes, compass turns and timing, DG and AI failure and then the GPS tracking back to Lakefront. We also did changes in altitudes, speeds and steep turns. This is basically the basics of IFR flying and tomorrow we will start on the approaches and more holdings and that will be the stage two. Will keep posting it here as it gets more interesting.

[skidz]

HI everyone,
Well, I've had some cool experience today, I've done 3 instrument approaches in solid IMC for a total of 1.5 actual. We took off from Lakefront direct to Hammond VOR, we did two VOR 18 approaches with missed approach and holding and then we went back for the VOR/DME approach 36L to Lakefront. The ceilings were pretty low, some 800 ft or so with a mile visibility, perfect for this kind of approach. This was my first VOR approach and it was actual IMC, it just couldn't get any better than this

[DE727UPS]

Back when I did a lot of IFR ratings, I would teach all the basics in the ground trainer before setting foot in an airplane. That way the guy at least had an into to holding patterns, VOR nav, NDB nav, DME arcs, and all the approaches. I found the ground trainer very useful, efficient, and cost saving, for about 10 hours toward an IFR rating.

If a guy said "I'd rather do it in an airplane", though, I'd gladly let him.

[skidz]

My flight training has become a pain, not because of me, but because of the school. Since I've lost my instructor that had me right on the track for a while and everything went well, all of a sudden he's gone and the school ended up with only one CFII and a new guy that just shows up to fill in. I haven't been able to continue as I wanted to and now I'm just picking up the lose ends here wondering if I'm ever gonna finish this at all.
Wish me luck ya'll, I'm getting really frustrated here.

[sdfcvoh]

hey buddy - have faith. also - be the squeaky wheel a little bit, too. before you know it, you'll be looking back at this as a pain in the butt - but you'll be looking back at it. Take advantage of the down time to take a ton of practice tests, fly sim, etc. Practice tests #1 though.

I hope you get back on your feet quickly - I've been through some growing pains at my school, too. When/if it comes down to it some polite, but firm, discussions and deadlines to the school might be in order. Especially if they are sitting on your funds.

Take a deep breath ...

[skidz]

Well, I've done a stage two check last thursday. We did the ILS 01 to MSY (New Orleans Intl), Localizer to 01 and VOR/DME to KNEW on the IFR plan. I did good except for making my instructor nervous because I kept looking down and double checking the minimum descent altitudes on the final stages of the approach The whole thing seemed overwhelming at first, but before you know it you realize you've done like two dozen approaches and you know what to look at and you just tweak it all up a bit and get rid of some bad habbits. I'm supposed to do a few cross countries right now and I will probably start doing some of that this week. It's being kinda hard because of some personal issues on the side, some college coursework I still have to do (my last class for my Bachelor's)
Had a little bit too much on my shoulders lately, but I'm still alive and kicking. I'll keep you all posted here on the rest of my IFR training. I still have to do the FAA written as well.

[bunghole]

Thanks for the updates Skiddo! Its enjoyable keeping up with your progress. I remember those stressful days/nights working on my IFR. Makes me want to get current again soon!

Ciao!

[skidz]

I was supposed to have another flight today, the school is down to two cfii's and the girl that works there scheduled me with an instructor who isn't a cfii...well long story short...I am staying on the ground this week and I have the next flight scheduled for Monday. I just had no luck with this place. They are hurting for cfi's though and if I ever ever make it through I am basically guaranteed a job there...if I can handle the confusion and stress that comes with it.
That's it I'm pissed off...but that's ok cause my baby Pam is coming here this weekend...and hopefuly we get to go fly a little...
peace out!

[skidz]

Took a little break from training and took off into the skies yesterday with Pam (NotCoolEnufToFly) and her friend Amber. Had a very nice flight and got compliments for a picture perfect landing. I'm happy I didn't disappoint the ladies It's nice to take a pleasure flight like this after 20+ hours of torture under the hood

[skidz]

I've done a short cross country yesterday. We took of from Lakefront (NEW) did an ILS 13 approach to Baton rouge for a touch and go, direct to Hammond for a Localizer 18 approach and back to Lakefront for GPS 18R. I think next week I'm gonna do the long cross country and then get ready for a checkride. I've been behind with studdying for an FAA test, got to knock that out sometime as well. I haven't been flying that much lately, but still I retained a lot of learned information and feel comfortable with everything, Instrument flying doesn't seem as complicated now as it seemed at first. Well, so much for now, I don't think there will be whole lot going on there before checkride which I'm gonna post here as well after it happens. Take care everyone, fly safe,

Skidz

[skidz]

I've done another cross country yesterday, that was the long cross country required for the rating. I filed three IFR flight plans NEW-LFT, LFT-BTR and BTR to NEW. Apparently this is easier to run through than having a really long one. Anyway, we picked up the clearance on the ground at NEW, on the way to LFT we went through solid IMC with visible moisture, the temperature was at 6 C so it's always good to watch for possible icing conditions, we then did an ILS 22L to LFT, a touch and go and continued on to BTR while picking up that second IFR clearance which went pretty smooth. After another ILS 13 to BTR we picked up the third clearance and continued to HDC for LOC 18 approach and back to NEW for GPS 18R, nice long flight, great experience, got a little bit tired on the way back. I've almost fulfilled all the requirements with this flight, so I'm on to the checkride prep and I still have to do the darn FAA written. I don't anticipate doing this before January so I'll just take it easy and get more proficient in my flying skills while studdying for the test.

[sixoneseven]

Originally Posted by skidz

I'm using this 141 school

Originally Posted by skidz

I aced it so I feel like wasting time a bit.

These go hand in hand. Part 141 and wasting time.

[skidz]

I've had a pretty cool flight yesterday, it was windy, something like 12g19 from the east, but it looked pretty clear. We took off from Lakefront to do some unusual attitudes, partial panel stuff refresher and went on to shooting few approaches. We wanted to do a VOR/DME 18 to Slidell and we heard some of the guys went missed because the ceilling was around 100 or so, they never saw the runway. We got our pop-up IFR plan for the approach to slidell and then back to Lakefront VOR/DME 36L. Both approaches had gusting winds coming from the east. The whole approach into Slidell was in the clouds, I went down to the minimum altitude which was 240 I think, didn't need a hood cause everything was white, it felt a bit disorientating at first because I haven't flown like that a whole lot, but looking down to instruments rather than gazing at the clouds helped the cause. Well, just like the other folks, I've never seen the runway and at the missed approach point we went missed and picked up the vectors back to Lakefront for VOR/DME 36L. The controller vectored us to intercept the final approach course but it had to be more than standard rate turn to get me on the final course because the winds were just trying to blow me west of the course. Runway 9 would have been far more favorable to land on and I sort of wished we could have circled to land on 9, but since we were on IFR clearence we had to land on 36L which had published instrument procedures, so we had to stick with it. I had to put in a full left rudder and quite a bit of right aileron to stay lined up with the runway centerline, taxying back to the parking wasn't any easier. It was a great experience and it makes you feel that this is the real deal because everyone can fly when it's nice no wind clear sunshine day, and that tends to become boring after a while. As a private pilot I was looking for nice days like that, but right now I'm anxious to immerse myself into those clouds up there any chance I get
Thanx for reading, happy flying holidays to all!

[Micaoct]

Cool thread! I am doing the second half of the instrument rating (since its part 141, we have 2 different courses) the procedures and regulations part, and reading this has really gotten me pumped up for it. Can't wait!

Thanks, have a happy new year, and keep it up!

[Firebird2XC]

Originally Posted by skidz

Well, there is more. Apparently they are NOT VA APPROVED. Just a tip for all of you out there that plan on using va benefits, check with va first. The school being part 141 does not automatically mean it is VA approved.
This school I'm training at has been advertizing VA benefits on their web site for 2 years now and they were not approved at all. Well, I found that out today. Apparently, they were given guarantees but then Katrina hit and they lost the paperwork. Anyway, I'm still sticking with them because I like the instructor and there really is no other school in New Orleans area that is VA approved unfortunatelly. I don't know why veterans get screwed like that, but they do.

Dude, I'm with everybody else on this one. I did some VA training at a place in Tucson, Arizona that took me from knowin' nothin' bout IFR and got me my ticket in 16 days. They were VA approved, and banged out the paperwork fast. I had money in my account in a little over a month. I did it five years ago but if they're still around I'd still recommend them.

If this place you're at is jerking you around, even if you're loathe to leave.. I'd be tempted to take my money elsewhere.

Not to mention- if they're running you through a 141 program without VA compensation, you're paying out the nose when a part 61 program would likely save you a TON of cash.

In fact, I've seen 141 programs so inflated that even AFTER I reimbursement they're STILL more expensive than an out-of-pocket part 61 course.

Don't let those crooks work you over.
GI Bill money doesn't go as far as it used to.

[38bat]

Hey Skidz- I flew into KNEW this weekend. Does the wind always blow there? It was calm here (Pensacola area) on arrival to knew was 23 knots. Did great but seemed like it was windy all weekend. Fun flight though and great weekend in New Orleans. Stayed at Le Pavillion and would definately recommend. Nice FBO also, can hardly wait to come back. JOE

[skidz]

Originally Posted by 38bat

Hey Skidz- I flew into KNEW this weekend. Does the wind always blow there? It was calm here (Pensacola area) on arrival to knew was 23 knots. Did great but seemed like it was windy all weekend. Fun flight though and great weekend in New Orleans. Stayed at Le Pavillion and would definately recommend. Nice FBO also, can hardly wait to come back. JOE

Let me know when you're comming next time so we can have a proper jc meet n greet. The winds are not always this bad, it's just this time of year I guess.

[38bat]

Weather permitting I am going to try to get back out in a week or so. I will let you know, maybe we can go for a ride or have lunch or something. JOE

[skidz]

Originally Posted by 38bat

Weather permitting I am going to try to get back out in a week or so. I will let you know, maybe we can go for a ride or have lunch or something. JOE

That would be great, you know mardi gras is also comming up last week in February.

[NotCoolEnufToFly]

Originally Posted by 38bat

Weather permitting I am going to try to get back out in a week or so. I will let you know, maybe we can go for a ride or have lunch or something. JOE

If you come on a weekend I'm there I can join you guys!

Originally Posted by skidz

That would be great, you know mardi gras is also comming up last week in February.

YAY... my first Mardi Gras!!!

[skidz]

Hi everyone, skidz here, still working on this instrument thingy
Last night was pretty cool, I filed a flight plan to HDC for couple approaches there, ILS 18 and VOR 18, and back to NEW. Right after take off from NEW we got into a cloud layer and ended up on top of it with no references to the ground, after doing these two approaches we came back to Lakefront (NEW) for GPS 18R. The fog was setting in and I did the whole approach in actual conditions almost down to minimums which was something like 640 ft. It was a nice view to see the runway right where it's supposed to be after coming out of the clouds. Anyway, I must have done like 30+ approaches already and the checkride should be close as soon as I get hot on the dreaded faa exam part.
uh....forgot to mention, the approaches were done partial panel

[Beech driver]

Aren't those views great. Clouds, clouds, clouds, runway. Perfect, right where it should be. Partial panel and close to minimums only make it better. Nicely done.

[PatrickCPS]

Best of luck, and just keep plugging away. It sounds like you're making the most of a less than ideal situation, so good for you!

[sdfcvoh]

Originally Posted by Beech driver

Aren't those views great. Clouds, clouds, clouds, runway.

much better than me. clouds clouds clouds...where the hell's the runway!!!!! oh - way over THERE .