I wish I had better words to describe the frustration and enjoyment I've felt in the last three weeks.
Frustration at having very limited funds with which to fly. Lots of bills have been due lately, which has put a pinch on my wallet. I really hope that I find some new cash soon and can get back on a regular schedule for planes.
On the other hand, I had the opportunity to fly two new aircraft: a Grumman Yankee and a Baron 600 twin.
The Yankee was at Livermore Muni in California. I had a three-day conference at eBay in San Jose, and (thanks to ridiculous ticketing by JMR) found myself in CA 6 hours before the first get-together. Sans luggage (courtesy American Airlines).
Arrived at San Jose International at 11:30 and to Livermore by about 1:15. Read up in the POH on flight characteristice of the Grumman; they seemed similar to a 152 except for a different flaps system (not Fowlers).
Met the CFI (John) and did a thorough preflight. I asked a lot of questions and it took a while, but learned enough to make it worthwhile. Differences: sumps under the wings (on your knees, sucka), electric fuel pump as part of the starting procedure, switch tanks every 15 minutes. Check wings for delamination and ailerons/flaps for excess play on the hinge (not a piano hinge like the Cessnas). Taxiing required differential braking since the nosewheel castered, but it was only a little dirfferent from what I was used to.
Then we're off!
Used 25R and climbed, very slowly, to 3000' as we did a NE turnout off the downwind. It was warm and I'm sure the DA added a couple of thousand feet to the performance, as well as being at gross in the small Yankee.
We flew past Bushy Peak and out toward Byron Airport. Did some steep turns in each direction and three stalls. Flew around the area and saw what sights we could...the haze made it hard to see anything from our altitude.
After a half hour, turned back through Altamont Pass and back direct to LVK. Landed with power on 25R and made the l-o-n-g taxi back to Attitude Aviation where we started.
Total time: 0.8 hours. Cost w/ instructor: $97.
After the trip, JMR and Andy met me in Austin in Andy's (borrowed) Baron for the trip back to Bryan. I flew it from AUS to CFD. Pretty cool.
200 MPH at 3200' for less than 30 minutes got us home. Andy did a lot of the detail work, but I feel like it was a good introduction to nighttime, complex, multi-engine flight. Lots to remember: retracts, prime engine, two of everything to adjust, electric trim, flies like a brick without power, etc. etc.
The landing was challenging but it worked. Kinda scary trying to listen to Andy and do what he says and also fly the plane. I guess it was mostly "get the thing in position to land, kill power, flare and brake" that did it.
I tell you what: I'd be spoiled in a hurry with that thing. It was like driving a Mercedes or Cadillac after nothing but Yugos and Chevys to this point. Everything automatic and smooth. If it weren't for the high cost-of-entry, I'd be working to join that club!
