Final Commercial Dual Prep (10 JAN 08)

Today Pete and I completed the commercial maneuver training. We took off from VVS at 1130. We departed from 14 since the winds were reported at 150 at 5. At this airport this means there will be some wind shear climbing above 200' AGL as the wind rolls off the ridge.

As expected there was some buffeting after the gear came up. I started turning left (north) as soon as we were 600' AGL -- otherwise the ridge gets close very soon.

Once west of the ridge and above 3500' MSL (1700 AGL) the air smoothed. We started out with some chandelles. The best power, attitude, and configuration for the A36 is 2300 RPM, 17" MP to maintain 120 KIAS in straight and level flight (131 is Va at gross), flaps up, gear in.

At this PAC, the 30 degree bank is immediately established and the pitch rolled in steadily. 3 more inches MP and then the 90 degree turn comes quick this way. Then the bank is steadily released until the horn starts to blare. Yesterday we saw a 600' altitude gain with this PAC and technique.

Pete demonstrated a couple with a bit faster control inputs -- Quite the thrill ride.

Next we flew Lazy 8s. These were much more difficult when I started flying them in the 172. The key is to make the control inputs swift and steady -- the airplane will just about fly the maneuver on its own once pointed in the right direction. So same power setting (2300/ 17-18'), straight and level at 120 KIAS, then smooth application of increasing pitch and bank. The key is crisp application of controls to get the airplane into the proper attitude while it still has energy.

Very soon the windscreen fills with sky, then the nose slices through the horizon. I have to consciously release and then push forward some on the yoke to get the dive going, and then coordinated roll in to the next turn.

Both are fun maneuvers that would be good for thrill seeking passengers -- such as my son!

After practicing those for a while and Pete demonstrating a few techniques, we headed over to the new highway for 8s on pylons. The key to these is establishing the pivotal altitude, which is a function of groundspeed. We determined 110 KIAS would be best speed, got set up at a 45, and tried it. It was my first time so I was still getting the connection between yoke and view of the object, but soon had it down. It's a pretty neat maneuver, and would have lots of applicability to CAP flying.

All the swooping and turning worked a number on my insides -- the first time in a long time I've felt even marginally ill in an airplane.

We landed on 14 after I completely misjudged the winds and would not have made it to the runway in a power off landing -- oops. Need to practice that on this runway too.

Overall it was a good flying session -- the airplane flew fine and everything is n order (paperwork, etc).

I have a the practical test scheduled for Monday but the weather looks iffy.