A Tale of Traffic Trauma, Pattern Paranoia, and Confidence Lost
Hi SkyMom!
I’m hoping you hear this a lot and I’m not a failing student pilot. I’ve got about 50 hours logged since last June-the first 15 hours with a CFI that didn’t work out (I didn’t learn a thing!), followed by a month long break trying to decide if I could live without flying my own aircraft. I decided I would probably stop breathing if I didn’t fly, so I recommitted to a very experienced CFI. I’ve learned a ton! I soloed at the end of October and in between dreary weather have flown solo in my 150 about 6 hours. We’ve done 2 dual x country trips and are gearing up for the simulated instrument and night flying. I try to fly twice a week. I’m studying for my written next month and I hope, hope, hope to get my ticket in May or June.
Here’s my dilemma-I feel stuck. I think I’m supposed to be flying around on my own, logging hours and gaining confidence and solo experience. I’m still limited to my home airport and within 25 NM, which is a good thing cuz I’m finding I’m pretty chicken sh*t when it comes to a lot of stuff! I feel like I’ve lost any courage I had. It seems like something scary happens each time I fly alone, and then I’m afraid to tell my CFI because I don’t want to let him down. I love taking off, I love leaving the pattern and messing around with maneuvers and all, but when it comes to going home, I seem to stress out every time. Specifically, entering the pattern. I usually fly over midfield and try to join in on a 45 to the downwind leg. The last few times, though, I’ve had to do go arounds on my first 2 landing attempts because my approaches were a mess!
The first time, there was a Skyhawk in front of me and a Bonanza behind me. The Hawk took this HUGE extended downwind. I could have been a jerk, cut in line, and landed before he even knew it-that’s how far downwind he went! I even asked if he was leaving the pattern and boom, he turns base right in front of me. I freaked out and left the pattern to the right (it’s a left pattern). The Bonanza was right on me! So I ducked down 200 feet and came around again, but was so rattled I was way too high and made another go around, landing fine on my third attempt. That was 2 weeks ago. And then this same scenario happened AGAIN last week-I was overtaking the experimental in front of me, and a big bird was catching up to me…
Is this typical? I’m afraid to slow down too much as I’ve been known to come in too slow with lots of flaps. My CFI teaches us to fly a tight, steep pattern (in case) but it seems that’s not what others are doing and now I’m really flustered and frustrated.
What should I do?
Thanks in advance,
F&F
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Frankly, Flustered, I’m Finding Your Flying Fine! Here’s Why-
Let’s start with the things you’re doing right, which are many. Regardless of whether instructor numero uno was objectively good, they weren’t any good for you. Instead of letting this derail your dreams, you were brave enough to find another one and try again. Good for you! Shooting to fly twice a week is an excellent goal, by the way, and probably (along with your winner of a CFI) is one of the reasons you sound so well on track for your 50 or so hours. It sounds as though your lessons are progressing just the way they should and on a reasonable time table. And don’t let me forget to congratulate you on your solo, the first one and those that came after! Really. It’s always exciting to hear that another student pilot who has been working hard at it is getting to realize their dreams.
Congratulations are also in order for your wariness. Yes. It sounds like you’ve been turned loose at one hoppin’ uncontrolled field, which frankly, can be one of the hardest things to navigate safely and comfortably. You seem to understand the proper procedures for pattern entry and safe maneuvering in that traffic pattern. Honestly, it sounds like you’ve got good situational awareness. You knew where the other traffic was every time, no mean feat when you’re flying your own itty bitty bird and making sure all your ducks are in a row. And you had the good sense to get out of the pattern when you couldn’t figure out what to do safely, go around when the landing wasn’t happening, and keep your ego from getting in the way of a second go around. You are a model student. I’m not kidding. The one thing I’d quibble over is that you haven’t yet told your hallowed CFI about these hair raising adventures of yours. You won’t be letting him down. You’ve been solving your problems well so far. He should know about that and also know about your drop in confidence. Really. What will probably help is some more dual pattern work at the busiest times of day you two can find. If you’re soloing, your landings should be in fine shape but the fine art of compensating for what every other yahoo pilot in the world calls a traffic pattern can take years. Or at least a few extra hours.
Now this airport of yours-is it out betwixt the farm fields, or wedged into a corner of the city? This makes a difference. See, your CFI is right. If the engine fails, it’s nice to be able to glide to the runway and we all know how far 150’s don’t glide. If, however, you have other acceptable off field landing options in the vicinity of your airport, you may be able to ease up on the tightness of your pattern without undue guilt or terror. It pains me to say it, but you are only safer flying that tight pattern if it doesn’t cause interference with the rest of the pilots in the pattern. I agree. Too many fly way too far out, screwing up your landmarks and sense of security. We’d all be better off if they stayed a little closer to home, but such is life. Never trust a pilot. Ever. Keep your eyes and ears peeled. Have your head on a swivel and always have an out: Out of a landing, out of the pattern, out of the sky and into a field if it comes to it. If you’re ready for anything, it won’t be such a shock when that other pilot pulls some boneheaded maneuver. Sadly, some people fly a little faster than they think. If you’re ready for ‘em, though, you should be all right. Just wait for the one who enters on a right base from above without calling…
Really, though, it sounds like you’re doing everything right except sharing your qualms with the person in the best position to help you overcome them. Fess up, get a little more practice when it’s hairy out there, and consider trying to schedule your solo fun at times of day when you’re less likely to have to dodge every home builder and corporate jet jockey who wants a piece of your runway!
Ooh, and have fun,
Mom
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