First Lessons

Lessons 1 & 2                                                                                                              

11-21-11                                                                                      

2.0 hours logged  
3.3 hours total recorded in logbook 
       

Today, at last, I had my long-coveted first flight lesson at CubAir Flight School and my first ride in an old school Piper J-3 Cub! The school's slogan is "Old school is still cool" and I certainly found that to be true! It was wonderful!

Since I travel a distance to come down for lessons, I actually had two flight lessons with some ground school in between. My primary instructor is Mr. Joe Norris, who, incidentally, was the man who signed off on the Sportsman when its construction was complete to say it was airworthy. He's a good instructor and talks a lot while I'm pretty quiet so we work well together but he still gives me plenty of opportunity to ask questions.

After a lengthy and thorough preflight check of the airplane, we climbed in, started up, and within minutes, I was taxiing the plane! Joe explained the ground controls and briefly demonstrated, then it was my turn. I had control of stick, throttle, and rudder! I didn't do everything perfect. I got too far to the side of the taxiway a couple times, but that's all part of learning. I taxied us to the end of the grass strip where we did the engine run-up and magneto checks then it was up and away as I followed Joe through on the controls.

For this first flight, we focused on straight and level flight as well as basic turns--pretty similar to what I've already done in other airplanes and yet a little different in a Cub I soon discovered. The procedures are the same for the most part but the operation is a bit different as it's a whole new setup. On the ground, I quickly learned that you must be ahead of the airplane all the time or it'll get ahead of you! One of the most obvious differences between the Cub and the other planes I've flown in is just the smaller space of the cockpit. Not much extra room for sure! Many of the controls are also placed differently.

Sitting in the rear seat with Joe in the front hid much of instrument panel from my sight forcing me to use outside references which is a good thing for now at least. The instruments tend to lag slightly behind the airplane so you don't want to rely entirely on them in VFR flight or you'll be constantly chasing them. We landed with several bounces as I again followed through. That cockpit is by no means airtight, I was quick to discover and was ready to warm up in the office behind the hangar for a while before heading back outside for our second flight. I felt a bit more confident as I taxied out this time.

On this flight, we worked on climbing and descending turns and slow flight--again not too far beyond the range of what I've already done but definitely worthwhile. We also practiced more straight and level flight as well as a few more basic turns. Once, Joe had me do a 360-degree turn, trying to hold steady altitude at the same time. When I levelled off, he told me I'd stayed within twenty feet of our chosen altitude! Wow!

Joe did have to keep reminding me not to subconsciously put back pressure on the stick. "Just a very light touch is all you need and the airplane will fly itself," he said. "All it needs is someone to tell it where to go." He's right.

Finally we turned back toward the airport. Joe let me fly the pattern then I followed him on the controls in another landing. The Cub at last met it's shadow and I taxied us back. What a beautiful day it was to fly in such a beautiful plane! And to think I flew it! It's a great feeling! I hope I never get over it.

So there you have it. My first official flight lesson! That alone is exciting!