It started before I even got off the ground. For the very first time, I was flying another airplane of the same model. I contacted ground control for taxi instructions. Upon responding, I failed to read back the “departure frequency”, and the fact that I was to fly the runway heading. Ground responded by asking if I’d like to read back the rest of the information. My instructor reminded me, and I started to read back the information. But halfway through the transmission, I went blank and FORGOT THE FREQUENCY. I had to again ask my instructor, and by now, I was sounding like a total idiot on the radio. BUT IT GETS BETTER!!! Upon reading back the info, my sub-conscience accidently spewed forth the call-sign for the other airplane I had been training in. Worst yet, this same airplane was currently on the taxiway and in use. For a moment I thought my instructor was going to rip my headset off and taxi back to the hanger. Ground was highly pissed. Ground asked which airplane I was. After clarifying, ground responded by asking if I understood the gravity of the situation, particularly because the other airplane was in use. I acknowledged the mistake and offered an apology, to which I was given no response…
Finally in the air, I felt like total crap. Maybe I wasn’t cut-out to fly. Little did I know my problems were only beginning. We did some 360’s and I kept climbing up past the desired altitude. Ever god-forsaken time. Even during straight and level, I was drifting up. After several painful reminders of incompetence, we started flying back to the field for some touch and goes. We started getting knocked around by what appeared to be convective turbulence. Around the pattern, my instructor forcefully told me to relax on the controls. I felt like I had no part in landing this airplane. So here I am, approaching 12 hours, and I feel like I have absolutely no control over what I’m doing. At best, it’s difficult to judge how much my instructor is helping me along around the pattern…
The last thing I want to do is quit flying, but for the moment, I feel like total crap. I will stay defient however. From now on, I will write down all frequencies, transponder codes, ATIS information, etc…so I can read it right back to the controllers. I will THINK before I give my call-sign. And I will express to my instuctor that I need major work in the pattern!!!
Finally in the air, I felt like total crap. Maybe I wasn’t cut-out to fly. Little did I know my problems were only beginning. We did some 360’s and I kept climbing up past the desired altitude. Ever god-forsaken time. Even during straight and level, I was drifting up. After several painful reminders of incompetence, we started flying back to the field for some touch and goes. We started getting knocked around by what appeared to be convective turbulence. Around the pattern, my instructor forcefully told me to relax on the controls. I felt like I had no part in landing this airplane. So here I am, approaching 12 hours, and I feel like I have absolutely no control over what I’m doing. At best, it’s difficult to judge how much my instructor is helping me along around the pattern…
The last thing I want to do is quit flying, but for the moment, I feel like total crap. I will stay defient however. From now on, I will write down all frequencies, transponder codes, ATIS information, etc…so I can read it right back to the controllers. I will THINK before I give my call-sign. And I will express to my instuctor that I need major work in the pattern!!!
Last edited:
