|
|
|
|
MRB's - RV-14 Build log
|
Date: 12-14-2013
|
Number of Hours: 0.00
|
Manual Reference:
|
Brief Description: It's done
|
|
Finally it’s done. I’m now officially a pilot. It took me about 8 weeks at a fairly continued pace to get the number of hours (and acquire the skills of course) to meet Transport Canada requirements. I’d like to thank my instructor, Katia Canciani, with whom I’ve spend most of my time in the cockpit. She has surely the talent for that. She’s patient, calm and most of all put you in confidence for what you’re doing.
The first flight at Lachute occurred on October 14th after nearly a full year without any flight time. I was a bit nervous because I really didn’t know how much of my skills would’ve vanished over time. Well it wasn’t that bad. Actually, only my landings were miserable. But with the help of Katia, she taught me how to handle them properly. Doing greasers most of the time now.
The most difficult part is definitely the flight test. I know it is no more than showing off the skills you’ve just learned. That is not my point. I’m referring to the fact that at a certain age, it seems like you have a hard time to cope with being challenged and quizzed with so much intensity by someone. Can I say “being judged”??? That’s what it is. I must admit, after that day, I was vanished, exhausted but happy. I have totaled 58 hours of training (including past time spent in Val-d’Or) to achieve certification. I think it is in the low average.
On December 13th, with the help of a good friend of mine, we brought back C-FXAO to its Val-d’Or base. I insisted not to be alone on this x-country trip because the area between Lachute and Val-d‘Or is quite wild and rugged. Flying over LaVerendry park during winter isn’t something to take lightly. There is virtually no place to land so better follow the road in case your engine quits. When we arrived in Val-d’Or, the OAT was indicating -24°C. It was about time we arrived because it was getting cold in FXAO’s cockpit!!
BTW, while I was away for training, the empennage kit arrived from Van’s. I’ll crack open the crate during Christmas break. Time to bang rivets now.!!
|
|
C-FXAO sitting on the ramp in Brockville, ONT
|
|
Message board full of cards witnessing solo flights in Cornwall
|
|
C-FXAO at the gas station in Lachute prior to its return to Val-d'Or on Dec 13
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2001-2024 Matronics. All Rights Reserved.
|
