First Night xcountry

[SaberFlyer]

Wow was that an experience or what... I was under the hood for 30 mn before entering class C airspace around KRIC. Potom Approach tells me to descend to 1200,which I did, and right after that my instructor tells me to take my hood off.. What a sight.. This is when I realized why we all like to fly.Then to top that off, on the way back, the wind predictions were all off in the Metars and TAFs. We had a cold front coming in last night, which brought winds up to 20-25 knt gustings around the whole region (KCHO). This was my first really strong crosswind landing with variable winds.(which I couldn't land btw) However, it was an unbeatable experience... which told me and confirmed my thought that I should be working on my CFI from now on and not doing the accelerated route. There is definately soo much more to learn and experience and for sure I dont want to miss out..

[Heli411]

I love night cross countries... except for dodging towers.

[killbilly]

Heh.

I LOVE night XC - even on nights I don't fly well. It's been clear and a million here in TX for a couple days with calm winds, so it's been perfect.

[v1valarob]

Originally Posted by SaberFlyer

Wow was that an experience or what... I was under the hood for 30 mn before entering class C airspace around KRIC. Potom Approach tells me to descend to 1200,which I did, and right after that my instructor tells me to take my hood off.. What a sight.. This is when I realized why we all like to fly.Then to top that off, on the way back, the wind predictions were all off in the Metars and TAFs. We had a cold front coming in last night, which brought winds up to 20-25 knt gustings around the whole region (KCHO). This was my first really strong crosswind landing with variable winds.(which I couldn't land btw) However, it was an unbeatable experience... which told me and confirmed my thought that I should be working on my CFI from now on and not doing the accelerated route. There is definately soo much more to learn and experience and for sure I dont want to miss out..

I cant tell you how many night XCs I have done going to KCHO this past week. I have a few this up coming week too.

Night flying in a single still gets the blood flowing a little bit more than day flying.

-Rob

[troopernflight]

Sounds like great fun. I'm still yet to do any night flying. Is it a lot more challenging than day time? What's the hardest part?

[SIUav8er]

Originally Posted by v1valarob

Night flying in a single still gets the blood flowing a little bit more than day flying.

-Rob

wuss

[v1valarob]

Originally Posted by troopernflight

Sounds like great fun. I'm still yet to do any night flying. Is it a lot more challenging than day time? What's the hardest part?

Not much harder about it. Just have to be more aware of your surroundings.

Oh and Keith, Ef you.

-Rob

[SeanD]

Yes, be very aware of your surroundings. If the red light is on your right then they're coming right at you . That was the one thing I became of aware of really quick. Another thorn was those pesky power lines that surround the entire perimeter of the airport which adds a few beats to your heart rate. All in all there is nothing like climbing out over the ridges and seeing the entire city lit up.

[SaberFlyer]

The hardest part I thought was basically trying to figure out your surrounding and finding the airport. I flew in to KRIC and even though Approach told me where the airport is, I still couldnt find the airport and then when I found "a" beacon, I thought it was KRIC, nope, I actually was on right base for 20 and hadnt realized it, had to slip it all the way down and correct for some crosswind, and got realigned for the runway. SO I guess what Im trying to say is be prepared and know your surroundings well, like are there any other airports around and where are the runways located in relation to the beacon. KRIC has alot of lights....

BTW Rob, were u in KCHO last night? like around 830?

[v1valarob]

Originally Posted by SaberFlyer

BTW Rob, were u in KCHO last night? like around 830?

No. Been sick all weekend. Ill be doing many XCs this week to CHO however.

Its amazing how hard airports are to find at night. Manassas is surrounded by the city lights and the airport is very dim. I know exactly where the airport is and use other lights as guides, but if your going to it for the first time and have no GPS, youll be right on top of it before you see it.

-Rob

[beckyanne19]

Originally Posted by troopernflight

Sounds like great fun. I'm still yet to do any night flying. Is it a lot more challenging than day time? What's the hardest part?

For me, the hardest / most scary part is finding a place for an emergency landing. But here in MN, that's much easier in winter, 'cause the snow helps outline fields. But the first time my CFI pulled power I went through my checklist and set up beatifully for an emergency landing in a field that turned out to be a swampy lake Also, finding hills around the airfield. On the plus side, it was easier to find traffic, but hard to find airports, especially close to the city.

But watching the sun go down as I'm flying, and the moon and stars, make night flying really fun.

[ASpilot2be]

Congrats

Originally Posted by troopernflight

Sounds like great fun. I'm still yet to do any night flying.

But I hope to remedy that soon.

[juxtapilot]

Originally Posted by v1valarob

No. Been sick all weekend. Ill be doing many XCs this week to CHO however.

Its amazing how hard airports are to find at night. Manassas is surrounded by the city lights and the airport is very dim. I know exactly where the airport is and use other lights as guides, but if your going to it for the first time and have no GPS, youll be right on top of it before you see it.

-Rob

My first night flight was into Portland International. It's pretty bright from the ground, but from the air it's kind of difficult to pick out.

Congrats SaberFlyer, that's a fun flight.