November 26, 2003 - Ah !!! It’s another beautiful winter day here in Minneapolis. On the menu today was full approaches under our own navigation. First stop today would be the VOR/GPS-B approach into Buffalo (8Y2) and after that would be the GPS-36 back at Flying Cloud (KFCM).

We departed Flying Cloud and intercepted the 324R from FCM. We tracked NW and intercepted the 266 radial from GEP. The intersection was the FAF as well. The flight up there went really well. I think I am starting to get the hang of this thing. There was little wind so that helped. I went through my approach brief and had that done in plenty of time before getting to the LORDY intersection. Once at the intersection I made my turn and tracked outbound for 1 minute. After that I started my procedure turn and went outbound for 40 seconds because of the tailwind we had. We turned inbound and went back to intercept the 266R from GEP and tracked it inbound.to the FAF and then shot the approach. I managed to do quite well. I flipped up the hood and the airport was just off of my right wing. Man that was nice to see. We went missed and flew the published missed approach. After a couple of trips around the hold we departed the area and headed back to FCM. Before I forget, I even remembered to start the timer at all of the appropriate places.

I contacted approach and we were cleared direct to VOYBO. On the way back we had almost a direct headwind so it was slow going. I could not believe how smooth the air was today. I went through my approach brief and had 15-20 miles before we would get to the waypoint. I had the plane trimmed out and managed to keep the altitude nailed right at 3000. Just before getting to the waypoint we had another plane from T-Bird go right under us (500 ft) and a 737 went over us at about 5000. The GPS started to blink and I started my turn to the next waypoint. I slowed the plane and dropped down to 2700. Mr. GPS was blinking again and it was time to turn inbound to shoot the approach. I tracked the inbound course and headed home. Once at the FAF I contacted the tower and we were cleared to land on 10R. Once we hit the last waypoint I flipped up the goggles and started my circle-to-land.

I came in a little tight so I had to crank my turn. I got a little slow and the stall horn beeped for a split second. Oops, I pitched down for a little more airspeed right away and trimmed the plane for 65 kts. Again I started the flare a little high so we floated slightly. After I released some back pressure I flared again and managed to get the plane on the ground with minimal roughness. It was by no means a “greaser”, but they are definitely getting better though.

After my last couple of flights I did not think it could get any better. I am starting to see some improvements and I think I have begun to climb the “progress ladder” again. Prior to the last few lessons it seemed I had hit a plateau and was not making the progress I thought I should be. This studying really is paying off. As long as it continues I will be happy.

Things To Remember:
Just keep doing what you’re doing. Continue studying and be prepared for the flights.

BY FAR THE BEST DAY YET. AGAIN.