Falcon Journey: It Begins

[Tim]

It looks like I may be over there the first part of July. I am having knee surgery this Friday and that will sideline me for a few weeks.

[surreal1221]

Here's to a fast recovery, and a safe surgery!

[Tim]

Thanks

I will let you know when I am coming over there. I want to check out the cardinal.

[surreal1221]

Another XC out of the way. FFC-CSG-FFC. RNAV 24 CSG, LOC 31 FFC.

Have a long cross country coming up this weekend in the 40. Just deciding where to go.

Any suggestions? >250NM, with one segment of >100nm, 3 approaches.

Was thinking FFC-AUG-AHN-FFC. Or, FFC-SAV-MCN-FFC.

[Tim]

Ffc-tlh-vld-ffc
Ffc-pns-aby-ffc
Ffc-avl-ahn-ffc

[surreal1221]

Well, I decided on FFC-SAV-MCN-FFC.

It satisfies all the requirements, and will fit in under 4 hours. So long as the winds don't kill us.

[surreal1221]

Well, FFC-AGS-MCN-FFC.

ILS 35 AGS, VOR 23 MCN, RNAV 31 FFC.

Routings were filed for EATWO.IRQ, HARLE.V56.MCN, and MCN.V323.HUSKY. . .

Flight overall was great. Ended up getting direct IRQ after passing east of the SINCA arrival corridor. After AGS, once I knew we were clear of the Bulldog MOA(s) I requested dir MCN, and got it. Coming out of MCN, we received cleared to FFC via present position direct FFC. So, all in all, a laid back, smooth ride around Georgia.

3.0 on the hobbs, 2.7 simulated.

[surreal1221]

Had the EOC/Stage 3 Instrument check yesterday. Completed the course @ 34.8 hours. Flew again today down to Auburn and flew three approaches. Two non precision, one partial panel, and one precision - also partial panel.

VOR 29 AUO, LOC 36 AUO, ILS 6 CSG.

After the flight I had the needed 35 hours to get the graduation certificate.

Checkride is tomorrow morning at AUO, at 7:30 central time. Will have a write up when it is all done and over with.

[Wxman2000]

Wow, you blew through the IR pretty quick too. Good luck on the checkride...you'll do fine.

[surreal1221]

Thanks Aaron. Write me back in the PM, or via e-mail. Wondering about a couple people from the hub.

[surreal1221]

Passed the checkride. Ride was only 1.3. Gary Kiteley was the examiner. Oral was about an hour and a half, didn't feel like it though.

Cover weather decision making, personal minimums (brought up on my part. . .), alternate minimums, Non precision and Precision alternate minimums [standard]. Covered flight planning, and route / chart reading.

Covered systems, Pitot static, vacuum, and electrical.

And that was it. A good bit of the checkride was getting to know each other and going over paperwork. Show up prepared, and it'll go smooth. Bring your B game, and you'll struggle through the whole ride.

Everything I heard about him was spot on, kind, courteous and respectful at all times. Quiet in the plane unless he begins to see something NOT happening. Example was, the first approach was an ILS 6 CSG, I checked the weather, flew the approach, and then we came back around for AUO's VOR 29 approach. Tune up the AWOS, and get the "AWOS weather currently Out of Service." Okay, fine, used the ALSTG from CSG. On the missed from that procedure he had me fly the RNAV 18 AUO. Well, with the AWOS already out, and CSG's ALSTG already into the altimeter I didn't bother checking the AWOS again. . .granted, I should have, just incase it was back up. But, he asked "Well, what altimeter setting are you going to use?" Got CSG's latest, and continued the approach.

Gary has only a few hours in the Diamond 20s, so as we reached the VDP for the RNAV 18, he took the controls and asked if he could have the landing. Sure, why not. lol

That was the ride, back to the ramp, park, clean up, and debrief.

End of checkride.

Instrument training analysis

Day training started: May 17
Day training ended: June 14
Checkride: June 15

Total number of days during the training period that were flown ("as not all days during the period were flight days, nor was I available to train on 2 of the weekends due to family commitments).

Nevertheless, total number of days flown: 17 days.
Total flight hours: 36.9

Average amount of flying per day, 2.17 hours.

Hope this helps. So, all in all, it is possible to complete the instrument 141 syllabus at Falcon in a decent time period. If I could have flown the two weekends that I had family committments, I would have been done a few days earlier. But, I would have had to wait longer for a checkride since today was the only day, and the earliest day, available for the ride THIS month.

[Tim]

Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!

[surreal1221]

Thanks Tim!

[surreal1221]

Started CMEL training today.

The Twinstar is a pretty fun plane, and maybe it's because it's my first twin. . .but man, it was fun.

Have to work on keeping it coordinated a bit more. Wasn't expecting just how much right rudder is needed. . .at all times. Did a simulated engine out at about 4500ft, we didn't really kill the engine, just set power to zero thrust to get the whole yaw left effect. Banked 3-5 into the right engine, and kept that ball .5 to .75 toward the good engine for the zero sideslip.

Was fun all around. Landings were not as bad as I thought they would be. I'm a very cautious individual when it comes to airspeeds from base to final, so I usually carry a bit more power than needed. Just heard too many stories of base to final incidents. Nevertheless, it stabilizes out very nicely when established on final.

I have a few pictures of the Falcon flight line that I'll upload later once I find the camera cable. And then also a picture of my chariot for today.

Good thing I heard also was the following.

Yes, it's all CMEL training, following the Part 141 CMEL syllabus. . . BUT . . . once I can perform the private pilot maneuvers within standards, I'll take a checkride for my PP-MEL. That way, the rest of my training in the MEL will count as PIC time. Cool right? No additional cost to me, AND, since it's following the part 141 curriculum . . .well . . . I still get to file for my money from the VA. I dig it. Most of the CMEL students are taking their PP-MEL rides in the 10-15 hour range. So with the CMEL program at 65 hours total ME, if I take 15 hours for the ride, the rest (50'ish) will be PIC.

[fawnsdad]

Originally Posted by surreal1221

Started CMEL training today.

I have a few pictures of the Falcon flight line that I'll upload later once I find the camera cable. And then also a picture of my chariot for today.

That all sounds so cool. I can't wait! Would enjoy seeing your pics. I have set an appointment for a visit in mid July. Looking forward to it.

[surreal1221]

Let me know when you are planning on coming through. I'll try to organize something with a few of the local ATL gentlemen (and ladies?) from JC.

I think you'll be very impressed with what Falcon can provide. It's just a matter of weighing the pros and cons for your personally.

[TexasFlyer]

I'll be in Peachtree starting July 9th, so give me a shout. I'd love to meet up since I'm there but simply have nothing to do but read books to prepare for my start date of July 30 or 31.

I'm so ready to start my journey since in the last few weeks my job's been a lame duck position (it's an empty feeling after 8 years in the business and 4 of it with this company), my girlfriend broke up with me since she will not relocate (that was expected), and I'm just going crazy with anticipation of taking on a debt load and going somewhere I don't know a soul once again to pursue a dream that casued my life to totally be revamped. But overall, I feel like

Yes, a banana... a real crazy one!

[LAFF]

Originally Posted by TexasFlyer

I'll be in Peachtree starting July 9th, so give me a shout. I'd love to meet up since I'm there but simply have nothing to do but read books to prepare for my start date of July 30 or 31.

I'm so ready to start my journey since in the last few weeks my job's been a lame duck position (it's an empty feeling after 8 years in the business and 4 of it with this company), my girlfriend broke up with me since she will not relocate (that was expected), and I'm just going crazy with anticipation of taking on a debt load and going somewhere I don't know a soul once again to pursue a dream that casued my life to totally be revamped. But overall, I feel like

Yes, a banana... a real crazy one!

Rent and watch "little deiter needs to fly"

You'll never question your dreams / love of flying again...

-LAFF

[surreal1221]

Originally Posted by TexasFlyer

I'll be in Peachtree starting July 9th, so give me a shout. I'd love to meet up since I'm there but simply have nothing to do but read books to prepare for my start date of July 30 or 31.

I'm so ready to start my journey since in the last few weeks my job's been a lame duck position (it's an empty feeling after 8 years in the business and 4 of it with this company), my girlfriend broke up with me since she will not relocate (that was expected), and I'm just going crazy with anticipation of taking on a debt load and going somewhere I don't know a soul once again to pursue a dream that casued my life to totally be revamped. But overall, I feel like

Yes, a banana... a real crazy one!

LOL - A banana huh? It's all good Joe.

I'm sure you'll probably see me up there that day. I'll PM you my cell phone number. Just give me a call.

You coming with your PPL? Any additional ratings?

[TexasFlyer]

PPL only, with no additional ratings.

PPL is from December 1992 way back in college if I remember correct (maybe 1993). I have not put any time in my log book since 1996. So I consider myself starting from the beginning since I can't even remember the most basic of items it seems.

I got the Jepp PPL and Instrument/Commercial books and the FAR/AIM to read through once I arrive, so that should help refresh some stuff and give me a little head start.

I am not the best with self study. I do better in a classroom setting. But I'll do my best to prepare before starting since I have a few weeks of nothing to do but relax and transition my mind from work to study (and forget about the X since I picked airplanes over her).

[Tim]

You will do fine. Sometime around the time you are starting I should be healed from my surgery enough to get back into the game. I havent flown in 3 yrs. I am starting with CSEL. Will have to meet up for lunch or something.

[fawnsdad]

[quote=surreal1221;624377]Let me know when you are planning on coming through. I'll try to organize something with a few of the local ATL gentlemen (and ladies?) from JC.[quote]

All set for July 16th - 18th. Planning on checking out the school, aircraft and living options, etc. Would be great to chat with a few people there!

[surreal1221]

You'll do fine Joseph. They really do have a great staff of instructors. Plus, as far as I can tell. . .they all look forward to flying with American students. From what I hear, we tend to have a better handle and maturity than the international students.

Tim, good deal. The surgery has already occured right? Just healing now? Here is to a fast recovery, and then to a few drinks over lunch in the future.

Fawnsdad, rock on. Keep us informed, and I'll see what we can do about getting together with a couple people.

---
UPDATE
---

Just came back from a weekend trip up to Tennessee and the Great Smokey Mountains with the in-laws. Back to flying tomorrow afternoon.

Presently have 4 hours scheduled for each day through to Friday. All multi time.

Will let you guys know how it goes later on this week.

[Tim]

Surgery was done on the 8th and therapy starts today. I have pretty good range and very little limp with left leg so hopefully therapy wont be a long process.

[surreal1221]

Yeah, therapy. . .never was a huge fan of it myself.

Flew today. .9 and .6. Both flights ended with approachs with showers all around FFC. The second one was the worse though. Departed the field to the south, was nice and clear, a few TCU's well south. Did two series of steep turns, and began to set up for slow flight. . .well, what the hell. . .thrust levers are at idle, and I'm climbing like crazy.

I look down at the winds aloft from the G1000, and what do you know...45-55kts at 3500ft. Time to head home.

Coming in on downwind winds were about 25-30kts. In the end, was a pretty exciting day weather wise.