INSTAGRAM
#FlywithAOPA
@flywithaopa Anybody want a good place to do eights on pylons? Found this cool bridge just north of #SanFrancisco —Colin Henry (@flyallthethings) I was surprised to see Carlos Bousono’s advice to perform a second GUMPS check after turning base (“Pattern Primer,” January 2017 Flight Training). This would seem, especially for the student, the exact wrong time to be distracted from flying the airplane. While a second GUMPS check (I use GRUMPS, with the “R” for Rudder trim) is a good idea, perhaps the better time to do it is at downwind entry, prior to reaching the key position. Enough lives are lost turning base to final.
Scott Cole
Talent, Oregon
Passenger nerves
I loved the article on talking to passengers (“Be Quiet,” January 2017 Flight Training). Since getting my private pilot certificate in 2009 I have really enjoyed taking friends up for a ride, and giving EAA Young Eagle flights. I’ve found that the younger they are, the less nervous they are.
I explain my preflight to them first. After we get in, I explain all the instruments, the need for a headset, and all the noises they may hear, and answer questions as we go. I then tell them about the need for quiet during takeoff and landing, and let them know that I’ll say, “Now it’s time to be quiet” when I need quiet. I also generally ask what they would like to see while we fly. So far I’ve not had anyone panic or freeze up, although a few have said, “Thanks for the ride, but I don’t think I’ll do that again.”
Mike Hartz
Arkdale, Wisconsin
Erratum
“Flying Carpet: O, Canada” (January 2017 Flight Training) referred to seeing Toronto from Lake Erie. Toronto is on Lake Ontario. Flight Training regrets the error.
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