It only gets better

Last night was my first nighttime flight as a student pilot. I have always loved flying at night, on commercial planes, and seeing the carpet of lights below, but getting to pilot the plane was a treat. It can be a little disorienting at first, but with some reassurances from my instructor and properly timed comments it went well. The first thing that I noticed is that it is easier to over-bank the airplane in turns. The horizon wasn't visible which is a valuable tool during the daytime. I had to glance at the artificial horizon a little more often to make sure my turns weren't too steep. I can't wait to fly during the day again as I feel the night flying will help me get better during daylight conditions.

After that we did several touch and go's. I need 10 take-offs and landings at night and we did at least 4. My instructor said that the best flying is with a few fluffy clouds on a moonlit night. That will be a treat.

Passion for Flying

As my children have grown, and moved out of the house, I have finally been able to find the time and resources to work on getting my pilot's license. One of the guys that I work with is an instructor at a local aviation program, and I have started on the path to reach my goal. I have been training with the Diamond Flight Center, out of Spanish Fork Airport (U77) http://www.dfcflyer.com/content/blogsection/5/27/ . The training consist of ground school (class room) and flight time with an instructor. The more I get involved with it the more I realize how much I enjoy it.

The first flight time was on December 17, 2011. The aircraft was a Katana DA20. I was so tense that when I was done I was sweaty and famished. I might have even had a little knee shaking when it was all over (a common problem with too much adrenalin). It was over all too soon, but I had practiced climbs, turns, decents, and combinations of those. I also got in two take offs and two landings. Unfortunately it was all a blur, with lots happening all of the time. I can only equate it to the first time that I went skydiving. It wasn't as intense but it all happens so fast that it was hard to really enjoy.

My second flight was still filled with lots to do, but I was much more relaxed and could really enjoy what was going on. We practiced the same maneuvers, with the addition of safety drills on loss of power. While I wish that this photo was of me, it is of the kind of aircraft and it gives a good idea of size.

I will continue with dual instruction until I have enough time under my belt for a solo flight, somewhere between five and ten hours of flight time. The great thing about learning to fly in Utah is that it is all high altitude and mountain flying. My next goal is the solo flight and I will post a note when it happens.

New Provo Temple Construction

My office sits across the street from the old Provo Tabernacle. Preparation for construction has been underway for the last few weeks. Fencing has been installed around the old Travelodge and Los 3 Amigos properties. The demolition of the buildings started on the day after Christmas. I will have a birds eye view of the progress.

I will post images from time to time to share my view of the progress.