So that was a long break, five months this time. I really mustn't do that. To that end I've decided to run for a while with 1/2 day holidays on a Friday to get some regular practice in. I also really, really need to memorise some of the well know pilot acronyms and checks.
So after such a long break I was somewhat nervous. Tony chose a simple flight with some stalling and turning exercises. The mic on my headset wasn't working so I didn't even do the radio work. Thank goodness because I also need to learn that. It had been a nice clear CAVOK morning and was still bright and clear as we took off to the west, but huge stormy cumulus clouds were visible in the distance as we gained altitude. The manoeuvres went pretty well, hearing the stall warning, feeling the light buffeting and finally the heavy bumping before pushing the stick forward and going to full power to recover. A few turns as well, some to 'clear' before stalling. Light nervousness means I don't stay at 30°, easing off by a few degrees as the turn progresses.
It seemed like a surprisingly short flight and we turned and headed for Blackbushe. Traffic had been quite heavy and lookout seemed more important than ever. Approaching deadside "over the numbers at the end of the runway" to join the circuit at 800ft. By some fluke I had the aircraft set up and trimmed at 70 knots which after a bit of Tony's input we were down. Tony said it was my best landing yet - I'm pretty sure he says that kind of thing to inspire confidence for next time.
