Second AFIS-flight & Flight levels

I've now flown my second solo cross-country flight to an AFIS aerodrome. We flew this one with a course mate using both our own planes. Having the exact same route planned and since I was always a few miles behind, navigation was easy for me. I basically just followed the other plane checking headings, courses and ATO's every now and then :)

This eased my workload a bit since my OH-CAP doesn't have a DME and also the ADF seems to wander around quite a lot.

Ready at holding point Kilo. First on the line is the Diamond DA40.

Our destination today was Seinäjoki airport (EFSI). I hadn't been there before so it was nice to visit and get to know the place. The ground crew were very nice and even opened the cafeteria for us.

Seinäjoki Airport EFSI

I flew the route at FL075 since I wanted to get on top of the growing cumulus clouds. I therefore also got the flight level exercise done and I now don't need to climb to the levels in my last remaining cross-country flight if, for example, the weather doesn't allow it. Now I'm off to packing some bags since I'll be driving to Kuopio airport tomorrow to do some night flying!

Night Flying theories

We've now been sitting in the classroom for two days going through the little theory course included in the night flying training. There's actually no strict guidelines as to what should be included and covered in theory but here at SL Flight Training the course was split into four parts and lasted for about 7-8 hours.
The four parts were:

1. Aviation rules and regulations in night flying
2. Human performance and limitations at night
3. Operational procedures regarding night flying
4. Aerodrome lights and obstacles

A few pages of material to be browsed through.

It was very interesting to hear about the differences of night flying before actually doing it. Like engine failure for example, what if you can't see where to make a forced landing? Everything is dark and you wouldn't know if you'll crash into a lake, forest or field. What to do then? I also find the optical and sensorial illusions very interesting and we discussed things like the black hole approach and fake horizons.

In my opinion, this course covered really well all the basic aspects and I now feel quite prepared for next weeks flights. Will be writing about those next!

Hanging around at Nummela & some glider aerobatics!

It's been quiet lately. Bad weather and the fact that our school's new course have now been starting flying means I have been grounded for a while. There have been days when I've had a plane reserved for me but I've been very unlucky and it always seems to rain when I'm about to have a school day. I also requested a few days off a while ago due to a trip to Copenhagen, and all this has led to a situation where I've now had a three-week "vacation" having only gotten airborne once during this period! But I'm in no hurry since I only have two PIC flights left before we'll move on to the Piper and I think I'll manage to fly those flights out of the way.

Recently I've been hanging around for two complete days at Nummela airfield gaining a little extra motivation and of course flying a lot. In addition to practicing with the ultralight, I also got to be on board the towplane for quite a few flights. It's really nice since I've been offered a chance to fly this plane part-time after I achieve my license. What a fun way of gaining valuable experience and those golden hours! The plane in question is the PIK-15 "Hinu", which is a finnish-made plane designed solely for aerotowing. I'll go more in-depth once I start flying it myself.

The cockpit of the PIK-15 Hinu. A very simple layout, even compared to the C152. No radio navigation equipment, no transponder, just the basics you need to get flying.

There the glider is, following us!

I also got to fly a little aerobatic flight with our two-seater glider ASK-21 with one of the flight instructors at the field, who is my good friend. Nice!

A slightly different perspective on the world

Approaching the airfield and making a high-speed pass..

When the day started to come to an end me and the tow pilot decided to fly a little cross country flight with the FK9 ELA. We flew first to Torbacka, which is an ultralight-only grass field with only 300 meters of runway, from there to Hanko, then to Genböle grass field, and from there back to Nummela via Kiikala aerodrome. What's better than casually flying around with another pilot-friend, talking about the hobby/profession and enjoying evening scenery? Nothing.

You've seen lots of nice scenery so here's something else for a change. Here we're flying towards Hanko airfield at FL085.  Notice the airplane profile setting ;)

Some information about the future:

Starting next tuesday we will be having our Night Rating theory course, which lasts for two days and after that we are going to some other airfield, probably Mikkeli or Kuopio, for at least one week to fly all of the night flights in the CPL syllabus. After the night rating we'll fly a few flights in the FNPTII for the first time and then move on to the Piper Turbo Arrow IV. Looking forward to all of this!

Flying solo to an AFIS Aerodrome

Last week I flew solo to an AFIS aerodrome for the first time in my life. I've never managed to fly to an open AFIS with the ultralights, since they are very often closed and most of the time only open for a few hours when a regional airliner arrives. And they arrive at unconventional hours as we know.

The 172 at Savonlinna.

I had the C172 reserved for the day and decided to fly to Savonlinna Airport, since it was the closest AFIS that was open. Mikkeli is a little closer but its operating hours aren't as good now in the summer.

Savonlinna airport from above. At the apron there's a Flybe ATR-72 and a private Pilatus PC-12.

The flight was easy and relaxing to fly and navigation didn't pose a problem especially since the 172 has a GPS, which we are allowed to use as a backup reference. In practice you'll just end up keeping the GPS route line straight and eventually arriving to your destination.

Navigation = Follow the pink line.

Now I have one more AFIS flight to go. Maybe I'll go to Seinäjoki next.. :)