Need pointers from PILOTS!!!

[avbug]

Nothing happens in the airplane fast. Especially a cherokee. Take a big, deep breath, relax, and do one thing at a time. You have time. Point it straight at the ground from that altitude and you have time. A lot of it. Don't allow yourself to be overwhelmed. You drive in traffic, no doubt, and that's a lot more demanding that flying to any airport...even a busy one.

Try not to do too much. Do one thing at a time, do it slowly, deliberately, and then do something else. If you feel like you're getting rushed, then slow things down. If ATC is talking too fast, then tell them you're a student pilot...things will slow down to quarter speed, you may get some delaying vectors to give you more time...you have time.

It's not time to get out of aviation, just time to relax. Each time you do it, you'll find it's easier. Relax.

 

[skyaddict]

Here are a few things that can reduce the shock of a new and strange ATC environment while learning the ropes:

(1) Spend a few *hours* in the classroom going over the whole ATC scripts, likely calls, requests, etc., including roleplaying (be sure to pay your CFI fully for that ground time).

(2) Do an entire flight into a new environment, the first time around, with your instructor doing all the radio work so you can soak it up- and tape record the whole thing using a y-splitter so you can listen to it on your commutes.

(3) Get an airband scanner and regularly listen to it near busy airports- listen to all the frequencies- especially ground, tower, and approach/departure.

Eventually it will all be old hat.

 

[SPilot]

You're fine. Its supposed to be a bit hard work.

 

[mee]

after you do it for so long its like driving a car, dont stress just keep at it.

 

[hawk16e]

There are some good posts here. Unreal #9, and Avbug#11 have good points. Things I noticed- you were aware that things weren't normal- and your instructor was laughing. I've flown with people that didn't realize things weren't the same. And that was in a Falcon 20. Another thing is tha t you want to improve. A lot of people just want to just get by. Hopefully the comments about alcohol are made in jest. If you do need (?) a drink after flying, maybe flying is not your best option.

Regards

 

[Murdoughnut]

Where are you training in Tampa? I have a plane at KPIE.

 

[VW Pilot]

Thanks guys, I agree...good responses..these were all the type of answers I was looking for....even ones about Beer...gotta relax...
Positive pointers.

THANKS ALOT and keep the blue side up and the brown in the toilet.....hehe.

 

[VW Pilot]

Oh I'm at Vandenberg...

 

[Fedora]

If you're here writing about it , VW, you probably did OK!
Remember that no two flights are alike and "handle it, handle it, handle it." Also keep in mind that thought and that feeling, "It was FUN!"
I've been doing this for 30 years and it's as enjoyable now as it's ever been.
A flight instructor once ponted out to me that straight and level flight is just a series of small climbs, descents, and turns.

 

[Murdoughnut]

You're welcomed to ride with me through the Tampa Class B if you want to chip in $25 per hour (half) towards my club rental fee. You can't log the time, but it may better familiarize you with some of the ops.