Lesson One: Effects of Controls (29 Dec 05)

The instructor started by talking me through the theory part of the lesson. It was pretty straight forward, we were pretty much just learning what the controls of the plane do such as the ailerons, rudder, elevator, how lift keeps the plane in the air, the basic controls of the cockpit, and the 'Im Safe' checklist. Once that half was over with, we moved onto the a couple of main effects: airspeed, and slipstream, which would make up the basis of the lesson.

We then climbed into the aircraft with the instructor giving me a lesson on how to belt yourself into the harness, before getting me to write down the aircraft flight time and checking all the airworthness certificates, flight manuals, axe, fire extinguisher, etc were on board. We then started the aircraft up and I got to taxi the aircraft out the runway for takeoff, and soon we were full throttle down the runway, a couple of minutes later we arrived at cruise altitude and we levelled off.

My first exercise of the day was the effect on the controls at different airspeeds, so the instructor first set a attitude and allowed the airspeed to settle. I then had a bit of a fiddle with the elevator, rudder, and ailerons to feel the firmness of them, which was quite a bit stiffer then I thought they would be. Keeping the same power setting we pitched up until our airspeed was reduced - we then did the same thing, taking notice how the controls dont have as much feel at slower airspeeds, as there is less air flowing over them. Second exercise was the effect of slipstream, where airspeed was maintained but power settings were varied - with the elevator and rudder becoming more effective due to slipstream from the engines - differing from the 'different airspeeds' exercise above where there was a constant airflow over all parts of the plane rather then just the elevator and rudder. (Sorry I dont really no how to explain that, I hope you get me) Once that was over with it was time to head back to the airport for landing, so the instructor let me have a go at the approach with help, before touching down at the stall warning on the runway.

Overall it was an interesting lesson, with time to enjoy the scenery. I then taxied back before sutting down.