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MSN AV8R · Guest

Ok, so it is not baseball. But, it is the season for it! :)

I have not written much lately, mainly because I have been working so
stinking hard on lessons, studying for the written, work, kids, etc.
that I have not had time at all to do any extra stuff like reading the
gospel according to R.A.S. Smile

But for an update, I am at like 56 hrs,
with 6 of that kinda goofing around (took a flight while on vacation in
Florida and a solo x-ctry that started out getting ready for my soda
ride, but the next two hours were to have fun and say that I landed at
KOSH).

As some may remember, I am blind in my left eye. So, I had to go
through an extra hoop yesterday. Not only did I have that to do, but
also scheduled my written exam to be taken yesterday.

Well, left work at 11 to go to the FBO at MSN. Walked in and took my
written. Passed it with an 87. Not as good as I wanted, but heck I will
take it. Really only had 3 questions that I thought I had problems
with, so that was not bad.

Then the extra hoop. I had to take a special ride called a "SODA" ride.
Statement of Demonstrated Ability. This is something that I have been
looking forward to for 3 years (mainly to get it over Smile

. The whole
purpose for this ride was to check me for my depth perception. Well, it
went extremely well, even considering the HEAVY winds and turbulence.

On take off, the ASI was bouncing around like a windshield wiper
(nuckles were definatley white at that point). Once we got about 2000
AGL things got a little easier. Anyway, we headed to the SE practice
area and just as we were approaching the area, he asked "How far is
that lake over there?". It was Lake Koshkonong. I thought for a brief
second and said "4 or 5 miles". He said "Yep! About what I figured."
During this whole time (particularily on taxi to the active) I kept
thinking how amazed I was at how relaxed I was. Then he had me do
something that I can't recall, but do recall asking myself "why is he
asking me to do this". But then he called for what I was dreading and
knew it would be make or break.

"You just lost power, where you going to go and can you make it?". I
remember in the sporty's videos(or somewhere) saying pick a spot, and
only change your mind once. I was a little slow in making a decisive
decision, but eventually said that one over there. Not more than 3
seconds later, I said "Nope that one". It was a nice long field with
trees on apprch end and had trees blocking the heavy winds we were
experiencing on the ground earlier. Immediatly turned 90 degrees to
the right to enter base and started to drop altitude quickly ( I was
about 2500 AGL) and was 1500 just prior to turning final. I would have
made the field easily.

After him telling me to go-around and head back, we headed NW back to
the airport. It was over. It went well, and I now have a Medical that
DOES NOT have the words "For student purposes only". YEAH!

Next step in this parade is the dreaded "Mock Checkride". Any input as
to what to expect for this would be greatly appreciated.

Jim
KMSN

Dan Girellini · Guest

"MSN AV8R" <av8r (AT) wjwarwicks (DOT) com> writes: