Hours Done... and Booked In: Part Deux

Today was one of those days.  The weather was too good NOT to fly!
 
The question was... What do I do with my last hour?  Do I do a local flight?  Stay and do circuits?  A bit of both?

Usually, the weather determines what the flight will be.  Today was no exception.  When I arrived it was absolutely stunning weather, clear blue sky and only the slightest amount of wind.  I prepared the aircraft - pre flight check, check the fuel, check the engine and general outside walk around.  By the time all that was done, some scattered cloud had rolled in on the breeze that had come up a little.  I fired up the Jabiru's radio and listened to the friendly voice of the AWIS, which told me that the broken cloud base was at 1800 feet.  Uh-oh!  With the ground at 1433 feet, I can't even do circuits!  I need it to be clear at least one thousand feet above the ground (where have I heard that before?!) in order to safely fly. 

Once again, I elected to wait and see if an answer would present itself.  Just then, I heard the unmistakeable roar of the TBM 850 start up and was treated to a couple of takeoffs and landings by this beast.  Then, once again, I see Tweety (the Ballarat Aero Club's bright yellow Gazelle) start up and hear him announce that he's doing some circuits.  If he can do it, so can I!

I proceeded to do five circuits.  I've been working on my landing technique - particularly the hold off.  Today's conditions were just right to work them out.  When holding off, one needs to progressively bring the control stick quite a way back, which prevents the aircraft from touching down prematurely. What I've discovered is that I still have my elbow on the armrest during the landing, and this prevents my from moving all the way back.  As I come into land, I've been consciously lifting my arm and holding on to the top of the stick with my fingertips.  This means that I'm not afraid to pull it all the way back.

I've still got to work on it, but it seemed to be better.  Oh well, I guess the pilot certificate is a 'licence to learn'!

The other main thing is that I've now got the required solo hours for the passenger endorsement.

Booked in... Part Deux.

I've booked this Wednesday for my passenger endorsement quiz and check flight.  I hope the weather holds until then!!