Flying with Mom and Dad 10/11/2009
Aircraft: C172
Registration: C-GYWN
Dual Time: 0.0 Total: 53.9
PIC Time: 0.6 Total: 23.4
Total Time: 76.6
METAR CYND 111400Z 25011KT 15SM FEW028 06/M02 A3011 RMK CF1 SLP198=
METAR CYND 111300Z 26006KT 15SM SKC 04/M02 A3010 RMK SLP196=
Our flight today was a special one as it would be the first time I flew with my parents on Rica’s side. They are seasoned travelers of the jumbo jet series but never have flown in a “little plane”. I wanted the weather to be smooth with little crosswind. Our flight took place at approx 13:00Z with a slight wind coming directly down the runway.
Since it was cold I did most of the preflight while H & V kept warm in the clubhouse. I had booked MME but noticed it had full tanks, so the lovely dispatcher switched me to YWN which was sitting half full. The aircraft was totally ready to fly save for an entry about the INST breaker popping during start. I somehow remember this, so noted it and moved on.
Rica soon arrived with parents in tow. I loaded them in the rear carefully explaining how the seatbelt worked. This is when I discovered there is no rear headset jacks in this aircraft anymore!! I looked for the little box but couldn’t find it. I ended up telling them that they would not get to listen in to all the “cool pilot talk” but if it got too noisy, to put the headset on. I then gave them the briefing just in case they could not hear it later. They appreciated the attention and soon we were firing up the aircraft.
The ISTR breaker did pop. I have to postulate a theory here, YWN does not have an avionics master switch. Is there not a reason that most do? You are supposed to have the avionics off in case there is a spike on startup. I had them off yet the breaker popped. I’ll bet a dollar to a donut that if this aircraft had an avionics master, this would never happen. Then again, what do I know I’m a pilot. I followed the rule, reset it once and all was well.
Fall Takeoff at Rockliffe, October 2009. CYRO
Takeoff and climb went well but as I turned downwind I could feel the aircraft resisting the turn the wind now pushing us away from the field. I wanted to keep the bank shallow here but had no choice but to steepen it up in order to maintain my desired course.
Soon we were departing and heading up the river at 1700′. Rica kept everyone informed and managed her co-pilot duties with ease. She would listen intently to radio calls and then pull an earpiece off to relay information to her parents. ”There’s your house. look at the mall”. I flew along to Cumberland ferry then began a turn back towards Gatineau. I called up Gatineau radio to request a transition and ended up getting schooled by Quebec radio that made me realize I was on the wrong Freq. A quick change over to 122.3 sorted this and soon I was flying along in Gatineau’s “protected airspace” just north of Rockliffe. I flew across and allowed pictures of the fall colors but as we approached the hills of Gatineau park the turbulence began in earnest.
Fall Colours over Gatineau Parc
I decided it was time to head back in. A quick 180 turn and and a descent to 1200′ I called up Rockliffe to hear only 2 in the pattern. On downwind I could see the very erect windsock and hoped it was at least within a few degrees of the runway centerline.
On final I could see there was just a slight crosswind but the headwind was bucking and weaving giving our flight path a bit of a sine wave look to it. I kept the speed up just a bit and managed to plop the aircraft down to a firm but well centered landing. Everyone did the French thing and clapped furiously. (I held the yoke).
Fall Landing at Rockliffe, October 2009 CYRO
All in all it was an excellent flight and I thank you guys for trusting in me. Anytime you want to go, I’m ready and willing. Well maybe RIGHT now we should stay on the ground, here is the latest.
METAR CYND 111500Z 26016G22KT 15SM FEW040 07/M03 A3010 RMK CU2 SLP194
Awesome!