Sincerely,
Lee
Greetings Lee,
The 45-degree entry to the downwind leg as described in the Aeronautical Information Manual is only a recommended entry. It's not a required entry. Nevertheless, I strongly recommend that you use this method when entering the pattern at all uncontrolled fields. In regard to uncontrolled civilian fields, the method you described might be better called "the overhead and break someone's airplane entry." I can assure you that entering the pattern this way won't make it any easier for other pilots to see you.
This maneuver basically involves flying over the runway above traffic pattern altitude followed by a descending 180-degree turn to the downwind leg. No doubt, it's a fun maneuver to perform. It's also a great way for you to descend on top of downwind traffic without being seen. And that's very dangerous in my book. Take a little extra time and enter the downwind at a 45-degree angle at traffic pattern altitude. The increase in safety is well worth it.
Getting Back Into Flying
Rod,
I received my private pilot certificate about 20 years ago and haven't flown in the last 16 years. What is the best course of action to become an active pilot again? Can I be signed off for solo flight? Do I have to repeat ground school? I've been trying to find information on the Internet regarding this, but I have had no success.
Thanks,
Barry
Greetings Barry,
Even though you haven't flown for 16 years, your pilot certificate is still valid. Before you can act as pilot in command of an airplane, you'll need a flight review and a current medical certificate. You aren't, however, required to take the FAA knowledge exam again.
Here's how to get started. Find yourself a good flight instructor. Use AOPA Flight Training magazine's online instructor database (http://data. aopa2.org/project_pilot/ftmag/index. cfm) to find a school and instructor near you.
Since you've been away from flying for 16 years, you'll probably need anywhere from 10 to 20 hours of dual instruction to regain basic proficiency. That's only a guess since I don't know anything about your previous flight time and experience.
Unfortunately, you can't be signed off for solo flight in a single-engine airplane if you're already rated in this category and class of aircraft. That's the way the regulations are written; sorry. Before you can fly alone or with a passenger, you must become proficient enough for a flight instructor to sign you off for the flight review - that usually means proficient to the private pilot skill level.
As far as ground preparation, I recommend that you study as if you were trying to pass the private pilot knowledge exam. Many things have changed in the past 16 years. When you study airspace, you'll know exactly what I mean. While it's not necessary to enter a ground school, you might consider a home study course using books, videos, CD-ROMs, or whatever else you feel comfortable with. Your flight instructor can help you choose the products that are appropriate for you.
It's also a good time to consider renewing your AOPA membership. If you're already an AOPA member, visit AOPA Online to see the Getting Back Into Flying booklet (www.aopa.org/members/files/guides/getback.html ). It will tell you everything you need to know to get back into the air.
Tossed And Tumbled
Hi Rod,
I have always been curious about one thing in particular. Do you think it is possible for a Cessna 172 to be rolled inverted by a strong gust of wind? I'm not talking about the kind of winds you would get with a tornado or a strong thunderstorm, just a 20- to 25-knot crosswind.
Thanks for any ideas,
Jack
Greetings Jack,
Yes, I think it's possible but not probable. Here's why. During my in-flight emergency programs, I usually ask if anyone has ever had their airplane thrown inverted by some phenomenon other than wake turbulence. On a very rare occasion I'll encounter one or two pilots out of a few hundred who have experienced this. (A World War II pilot once told me that he had this happen when the enemy blew off part of his fighter's right wing, which adds a whole new meaning to the concept of "circle to land.") I'm seldom surprised to discover that these few pilots were usually flying near tall mountains in strong, gusty winds - often with a velocity greater than 30, 40, or even 50 knots.
While gusting winds of 20 to 25 kt can certainly make an airplane harder to handle, the evidence doesn't suggest that you need to worry about being flipped inverted under these conditions. Nevertheless, this is a good reason to consider taking a few aerobatic lessons and learning how to roll an airplane upright from an inverted position. While you'll probably never have to use this knowledge, the peace of mind it provides is well worth the investment.
Creating A Ratings Collection
Hi Rod,
I have a very important question for you. How far should I go with ratings if I only want to fly for fun and recreation? I am asking because one day I would like to get my hands on an old jet or a prop airplane from World War II. Right now I feel I should go as far as getting a commercial certificate. Please help me out with my decision.
Thanks,
Larry
Greetings Larry,
As I see it, if all you want to do is fly for fun, then get your recreational or private pilot certificate and have a ball. You don't need an instrument rating to have fun in aviation.
If you're really serious about getting those little pinkies on a vintage jet fighter or warbird, it's a different story. If that's your goal in aviation, then consider obtaining more ratings, experience, and flight time. After all, the more ratings and experience you have, the more likely you will be to find an insurance company that will be willing to insure you to fly these types of aircraft.
Please e-mail your questions to "Since You Asked" at [email protected] . Only questions selected for publication will be answered.
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