Solo XC + Checkride Preparation. 10/6/2002

Sunday, 10/6/2002
11am-3pm
99348 2.2 Hobbs
Noah - Solo XC + checkride prep

Edit (years later): The prep for this flight involved silly blocktime booking rules and frustration with the for-profit flying club. The short summary is that non-profit flying clubs (alameda-aero for example) were far more to my liking.

I seriously look forward to joining another flying club, or joining a partnership on an aircraft.

Now for the flight!
OAK to STS checkride XC, maneuvers, and T&Gs.

Short + sweet - getting to STS was easy.
Few pattern maneuvers (1 each loop) for spacing/traffic/departures/parachute jump (warning, not yet), etc...
Even heard wake-turbulance caution as 4 Apache-looking military helicopters flew by the R-downwind for 14 in formation.
The last (planned 4th) T&G came in for a no-flaps landing, but floated way down the runway, so 'Go Around', even though I was departing
straight out.

Ok - back to the bay (w/o flight following) Oak Ctr was busy, and I knew they wouldn't get to me until I had to req freq change for
maneuvers over SP Bay.

Did S-turns over a highway (possibly 37 to Napa) at 1500'. Did a great engine-out to approx 200-400' AGL/MSL (large concrete development, possibly for future homes)
on the north side of san pablo bay. I swear that if I had to, I could have landed there without any damage/injury etc...
Did some turns around a point after recovering to 1500' just near the abandoned Hamilton AFB runway (good gliding spot from 1500').

Finally, climbed up to 3000' for more clearing turns (did them earlier also).
Did power on and off stalls. All good - all probably to the PTS - none perfect. Did steep turns - all felt good, and were PTS +-100' etc...

back to OAK for a good landing (all today were nearly greasers, but not perfect...) I have less practice in 348 lately vs. 1658F.