Promoting the safe enjoyment of aviation for pilots, aircraft builders and enthusiasts.
On February 19, 2006, I took my co-worker Alan's wife, Rose, on her first airplane ride for her birthday. After thorough briefings and checking weather conditions, we flew over stunning landscapes, including Calgary and Drumheller. Despite some turbulence, Rose enjoyed the experience, expressing newfound confidence about flying. It was a memorable tour.
In a busy month, the author managed home renovations and aircraft upgrades, including work on a Cessna 150. After successfully retrieving a salvaged plane in Florida with his father, they encountered delays and icy conditions. The trip proved worthwhile, yielding a core engine and quality parts for future projects, costing $4,000 less than anticipated.
February brought mixed weather but ended positively with a lunch gathering in Lacombe that featured multiple aircraft enthusiasts. The author recently introduced a fellow student to light flying, excelled in class, and continued working on their Buttercup project, focusing on rib construction for wings. Upcoming aviation events are in the pipeline.
Aircraft performance is greatly influenced by density altitude, impacting take-off distance and rate of climb. Manufacturer claims are based on standard conditions, but real-world factors like temperature and altitude can double take-off distance and reduce climb rates. Other considerations include airfield conditions, wind, and angle of climb. Understanding density altitude is crucial for maximizing aircraft performance.
The writer's perfect flying day takes a harrowing turn as an engine failure leads to a forced landing in a neighbor's field. The emergency reveals oversights in pre-flight checks and decision-making. The experience serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of regular forced landing practice with an instructor to sharpen piloting skills.
It's easy to navigate an airplane! That's what some people think after all, you're up high where you can see everything so much better, so there shouldn't be any excuse for getting lost! In fact, when it comes down to it, the opposite is true. It's easy to get lost while flying, or at least disoriented. If it hasn't happened to YOU yet, it will. Just go over some unfamiliar terrain without adequate preparation and watch your anxiety level grow as your fuel level shrinks.
Calgary Recreational Flying Club YYC 