My first time flying (warning:image heavy)

[Spencer.]

I lost my #2 after rotation in a Aero Commander with Dash 10's taking off out of PDK (7ish years ago). Declared an emergency, circled back and landed with no further issues. Most excitement i have ever had flying!

[RW16610]

Originally Posted by CRM114

Squawked 7700 once. Shortly after departure climbing through 10,000' the cabin and then the cockpit of the aircraft quickly began filling with smoke. Put on the Oxygen masks, dumped the pressurization to start clearing the air, and began an immediate descent/return to the field declaring Mayday and squawking 7700. Was a over our maximum landing weight so dumped some fuel, flew a modified traffic pattern and landed on the parallel runway of the one we departed.

Luckily, we weren't on fire and nothing wrong with the engines/pressurization/electrical systems. After many days of the engineers trying to locate the source after the usual suspects were eliminated (engine seals, electrics, AC units), and finally ripping out the interior it turned out that a coating compound applied to the outside of the bleed air/hot air ducting for insulation and soundproofing under the floor and behind panels had chemically broken down and begun cooking-off, and would generate a flood of smoke into the cabin when the ducts reached a temp well below what it should have been able to handle. Nasty stuff, not sure how toxic, but happy not to breathe much before getting the mask on/clearing the air. When I looked back the first time the visibility wasn't more than a few feet through it.

On the upside, and as in Paul's case, if things s**t the bed out of the blue as they sometimes do, having an airport handy makes all the difference in the world.

(My apologies to anyone who may have experienced a light misting of Jet-A one early morning about 20 years ago for no apparent reason. Sorry).

Wow, now that's quite the story and certainly something I'll remember as with all the others! Dealing with the possibility of such things can be daunting at first. The part of the pre-flight where the instructor was going over the safety protocols and showing me the locator beacon was a bit scary at that stage but no doubt essential to be aware of. Keep the discussions and stories coming, I really appreciate them being share here

Originally Posted by superdog

Wow. This is really cool. And ballsy. Thanks for sharin!!

Glad you enjoyed it too, Seth Although my particular experience seemed rough for a first time, it definitely better prepared it. It's certainly something I'll never forget, always be proud of, and share with others

Originally Posted by Spencer.

I lost my #2 after rotation in a Aero Commander with Dash 10's taking off out of PDK (7ish years ago). Declared an emergency, circled back and landed with no further issues. Most excitement i have ever had flying!

Wow! I've never experienced anything like that yet (thankfully) but can only imagine the thrill felt after a safe landing. Some challenges I do look forward to more than others for what it's worth

[joe100]

In my decade of experience as a controller, I’ve seen about every type of emergency situation from engine failures, bird strikes with injuries, fuel leaks on takeoff, smoke in the cockpit, hydraulic failures, gear failures, VFRs flying into IMC conditions and not rated, etc.

From an ATC perspective, we treat even the most minor of issues as an emergency and put the full force of precaution into effect. You never know when something small is going to continue to build or if that small thing is the symptom of a larger issue.

The best advice I can give GA pilots is to not keep secrets from us. If you have a problem, we need to know. It amazes me how many pilots try to continue a flight in an aircraft that has issues. And if your controller ever advises you against continuing the flight, listen. I’ll give you an example:

About 2 years ago a Cirrus SR22, VFR, reported his engine was cutting in and out, not just sputtering, but on and off. He was about 12 miles from a nice long runway, no tower but a nice 5000’ runway, wind favoring a straight in landing. It was a no-brainer. He kept insisting on continuing another 50 miles to his airport. I finally said “look, your engine is cutting in and out, you have a runway you can glide to and you’re not taking advance of it, this decision is scaring me”. He begrudgingly landed and I had him call me on the ground on his cell so I knew he’d landed safely. He called and said he’d landed safely but the engine did completely shut down as he turned off the runway and wouldn’t restart. He made it by seconds before the whole thing packed up.

I’ve had pilots in small aircraft flying into areas of known severe icing conditions, after repeated warnings. I had to beg a guy to land once, absolutely beg him. He was flying right into an ice storm. I changed his mind, he landed and called my boss to thank us for talking sense into him.

I’ve always thought of the controller/pilot relationship as a team, you keep me informed and I’ll keep you informed and between the two of us, we will work together to keep everyone safe. And for you GA folks, don’t ever think for a second you’re bothering us if you feel the need to declare an emergency. That is what we are here for! I’ll take a emergency declaration out of caution any day.

[eman1200]

this is my baby

[artschool]

I am in the middle of completing my PPL

[yhzdude]

More so just for fun, and although I pretty much never wear it the watch is always ready to serve as a "beater" or to provide benefits from the plethora of features.


Oh yeah, wow!

[/QUOTE]
i have that watch, as a beater, titanium, i have had it for 8 or 9 years...it never let me down...i love it.
would buy another one in a heart beat.
Yes flying is fun...especially if you get paid to do it...Oshawa is a nice little airport to learn...you should try to do a night flight with an instructor and go around the CN tower...now that s pretty cool.
leave before dawn and go to Niagara falls first...brings back memories..
i used to go flying around the cn tower ..to practise my radio work with Toronto pearson...i love listening to ATC....and CPL pilots...

[RW16610]

Originally Posted by joe100

In my decade of experience as a controller, I’ve seen about every type of emergency situation from engine failures, bird strikes with injuries, fuel leaks on takeoff, smoke in the cockpit, hydraulic failures, gear failures, VFRs flying into IMC conditions and not rated, etc.

From an ATC perspective, we treat even the most minor of issues as an emergency and put the full force of precaution into effect. You never know when something small is going to continue to build or if that small thing is the symptom of a larger issue.

The best advice I can give GA pilots is to not keep secrets from us. If you have a problem, we need to know. It amazes me how many pilots try to continue a flight in an aircraft that has issues. And if your controller ever advises you against continuing the flight, listen. I’ll give you an example:

About 2 years ago a Cirrus SR22, VFR, reported his engine was cutting in and out, not just sputtering, but on and off. He was about 12 miles from a nice long runway, no tower but a nice 5000’ runway, wind favoring a straight in landing. It was a no-brainer. He kept insisting on continuing another 50 miles to his airport. I finally said “look, your engine is cutting in and out, you have a runway you can glide to and you’re not taking advance of it, this decision is scaring me”. He begrudgingly landed and I had him call me on the ground on his cell so I knew he’d landed safely. He called and said he’d landed safely but the engine did completely shut down as he turned off the runway and wouldn’t restart. He made it by seconds before the whole thing packed up.

I’ve had pilots in small aircraft flying into areas of known severe icing conditions, after repeated warnings. I had to beg a guy to land once, absolutely beg him. He was flying right into an ice storm. I changed his mind, he landed and called my boss to thank us for talking sense into him.

I’ve always thought of the controller/pilot relationship as a team, you keep me informed and I’ll keep you informed and between the two of us, we will work together to keep everyone safe. And for you GA folks, don’t ever think for a second you’re bothering us if you feel the need to declare an emergency. That is what we are here for! I’ll take a emergency declaration out of caution any day.

One misconception I had years ago was that similar mistakes or lapses in judgment didn't happen at that level. I can't quite wrap my head around why that particular pilot thought it would be a good idea or worthwhile to continue the 50 miles with the other runway in (relatively) close proximity Either way, it's good that you were there to talk some sense into him and very likely save lives.

You have any knowledge of forced landings around your area?

Originally Posted by eman1200

this is my baby

Very nice! Any shots of the avionics? I'm sure you've made some great memories in that!

Originally Posted by artschool

I am in the middle of completing my PPL

Nice! What would you say the most challenging thing has been for you so far?

Originally Posted by yhzdude

i have that watch, as a beater, titanium, i have had it for 8 or 9 years...it never let me down...i love it.
would buy another one in a heart beat.
Yes flying is fun...especially if you get paid to do it...Oshawa is a nice little airport to learn...you should try to do a night flight with an instructor and go around the CN tower...now that s pretty cool.
leave before dawn and go to Niagara falls first...brings back memories..
i used to go flying around the cn tower ..to practise my radio work with Toronto pearson...i love listening to ATC....and CPL pilots...

Ah of course! That explains your name here on the forum Lot's of great sights to see from above around here. There's a lot I'll do in the future and can't wait to experience more of these things really.

Regarding the watch, it's fantastic! Pretty much all of my other watches are mechanical and for the ones not worn often (or at all really) it becomes a pain. I needed something that could take a beating, had some useful features, and required no major servicing / battery changes for the most part. Something that's ready to go when ever I need it and doesn't have to be set etc. This was all of that and more and I'm truly impressed by what this brand was able to do with it.

[eman1200]

Originally Posted by RW16610

.....Very nice! Any shots of the avionics? I'm sure you've made some great memories in that!

here u go........

[RW16610]

Thanks for adding those I love the look of flight instruments. It makes perfect sense why many watch brands, particularly Bell & Ross used these as inspiration for their designs. Something I could easily see myself being fond of seeing with each glance at the time!

[eman1200]

Originally Posted by RW16610

Thanks for adding those I love the look of flight instruments. It makes perfect sense why many watch brands, particularly Bell & Ross used these as inspiration for their designs. Something I could easily see myself being fond of seeing with each glance at the time!

totally! they don't call it 'plane porn' for no reason!

[RW16610]

Originally Posted by eman1200

totally! they don't call it 'plane porn' for no reason!

This one isn't for me really but I can totally appreciate the design concept for the aforementioned reasons!



One thing I must admit though, watches with the anti-reflective coating on the outside of the crystal have a propensity to annoy me. I've had it on a few watches before (Fortis B-42 Cosmonaut, Planet Ocean) and the scratches it gets... The reduced glare seems beneficial in the cockpit though.

[yannis]

Congrats Rommel! Fantastic experience!

[RW16610]

Originally Posted by yannis

Congrats Rommel! Fantastic experience!

Thanks, Yannis

[kneedeep]

Soled in N7539U an old but reliable C-150. Loved those 40 degrees of flaps that went to 30 degrees max in the C-152.

[Prestige_Swiss]

Originally Posted by eman1200

this is my baby

wow nice

[tyler1980]

great thread. Always wanted to learn how to fly. This is the closest ive gotten though. I was able to take off and land without crashing on the first try (with help), however a simulator is no pressure obviously

BA 747-400 at their training center, just for fun.

[RW16610]

Simulator or not, that's still one heck of a thing to experience! Would love to give something like that a try!

[Bluside]

Originally Posted by Widows Son

OK everybody, let's see if you remember the end number of the first plane you ever soloed. Me first, N8135C, a Piper Cherokee.

N8535J, Cessna 150 in 1972.

Retired flying a Boeing 767.

[Prestige_Swiss]

Intro flight scheduled for Monday and the journey to private pilot license will begin shortly after.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[eman1200]

Originally Posted by Prestige_Swiss

Intro flight scheduled for Monday and the journey to private pilot license will begin shortly after.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Based out of where?

[Prestige_Swiss]

The Flying School, based out of Fort Collins-Loveland Municipal Airport in Loveland, CO. I do not look to make a career out of flying, it will be for hobby. Excited to start though.

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by Prestige_Swiss

The Flying School, based out of Fort Collins-Loveland Municipal Airport in Loveland, CO. I do not look to make a career out of flying, it will be for hobby. Excited to start though.

Best of luck John I have about 2,500 hours total, but pretty sure my flying days are over. Still, wouldn't trade them for the world.

[Sperry]

Nice! I had the same lesson in the same plane. In Prescott AZ, though.

I wanted to know what a stall felt like. So we stalled.

That was the last time I went up. I did not even keep my flight book.

[function12]

At ERAU we had to do observer flights. I will never forget a Friday afternoon. All my friends went to happy hour to start the weekend off and I had to do an observer flight. I had to sit in the back on a C-172 and watch another student. This student happen to be a female. She was practicing slow flight and stalls. She did a pretty hard stall that almost went into a spin. She panicked and just let go of the controls. The instructed kept tell her to grab the controls in a louder and louder voice. She just froze!! All I see is the ground approaching in the windscreen thinking I am going to die. I should have just gone to happy hour. After 30 seconds or so (it seemed like minutes from the back seat) the instructor had to take over and her lesson for the day was over.

[RW16610]

Originally Posted by Prestige_Swiss

The Flying School, based out of Fort Collins-Loveland Municipal Airport in Loveland, CO. I do not look to make a career out of flying, it will be for hobby. Excited to start though.

That's awesome, John! I can't wait to read about your experience after the fact! I'm the same as you, doing this based on my passion - as a hobby. Although I'm not ready to fully fund my PPL just yet, I do plan on going up maybe a couple more times until then as it was a great way to get accustomed to the sensation and simply learn. Now when I watch videos of flights online it becomes obvious to me how much was picked up from just that one experience.

Originally Posted by Sperry

Nice! I had the same lesson in the same plane. In Prescott AZ, though.

I wanted to know what a stall felt like. So we stalled.

That was the last time I went up. I did not even keep my flight book.

I didn't get to experience that yet but I'm willing to bet it was intense the first time. From my experience (as someone that spends most of my time on land) it certainly takes some getting used to.

Originally Posted by function12

At ERAU we had to do observer flights. I will never forget a Friday afternoon. All my friends went to happy hour to start the weekend off and I had to do an observer flight. I had to sit in the back on a C-172 and watch another student. This student happen to be a female. She was practicing slow flight and stalls. She did a pretty hard stall that almost went into a spin. She panicked and just let go of the controls. The instructed kept tell her to grab the controls in a louder and louder voice. She just froze!! All I see is the ground approaching in the windscreen thinking I am going to die. I should have just gone to happy hour. After 30 seconds or so (it seemed like minutes from the back seat) the instructor had to take over and her lesson for the day was over.

Wow! I can just imagine some of the stories instructors would have from years of doing this. I'm assuming this had to be above 1,500 feet. In a perfect world I would much rather be close to the service ceiling when doing this sort of thing (if possible). I need to get up in the air more and have these things feel like the norm to me finally. Either way that was a great story you shared!

[TheVTCGuy]

One of my squadron mates is a CFI, keeps telling me to come on, fly a couple hours with him and become current. I told him I haven’t flown in years, he says it’s just like riding a bike!

I told him I forgot how to ride a bike too....

[RW16610]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

One of my squadron mates is a CFI, keeps telling me to come on, fly a couple hours with him and become current. I told him I haven’t flown in years, he says it’s just like riding a bike!

I told him I forgot how to ride a bike too....

I know for me at this stage it's precisely why I'm trying to avoid big gaps once the ball officially gets rolling. It would be cool if you did and with all the hours you've got under your belt should be fine if you did decide to go for it.

[Prestige_Swiss]

Intro flight happened today and there was so much going on that I totally forgot to document most of it. Had so much fun. Bought all my materials for Private Pilot right after. My FAA class three medical is Friday










Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[eman1200]

Nice, congrats!! You’ll be smiling for a long time now.....

[TheVTCGuy]

Looks like you'll have to add a GMT!