Flying Texas - Part I

So here we are on holiday in Texas. One of the reasons for choosing Texas was to get some flying lessons in in good conditions for five consecutive days. I'm learning at Fort Worth Spinks (KFWS) with Jake Huffman's Huffman Aviation in Burleson, TX. I had to jump through a number of legal hoops to be allowed to fly in the US - an application via the Alien Flight School Program from the Transport Security Administration which included fingerprinting and around £200 in fees.

All of that stuff seems worth it now. I've had three days of almost two hour lessons and while there is a lot of stuff that is different the circuit (pattern) fundamentals are the same. I'm learning in a much older PA28-180 N15BC which is in very nice shape, seems smoother than my home aircraft and is a delight to fly. The controls differ somewhat - she has choke style controls and the trim adjuster is on the cabin roof. I've really been getting into the circuit, 14 touch and goes this morning with Stephen. Jake has had me flying with trim and power, Stephen without trim at all.




The Americans are so much more relaxed about flying. We don't seem to do checks while in flight in these simple aircraft, there is a little more friendly banter with the tower and boy is this airfield quiet! In the three days so far I don't think I've shared the circuit with anyone for long. People are using their aircraft to do stuff and there aren't any other students at 7am. There is only one altitude measurement - Qfe so circuits are at 1700ft (1000ft above the airfield)





One of my favourite moments was landing for fuel at another airfield - Cleburne (KCPT). A biggish airfield with no tower or control and a very lonely by-way service station feel. While 5-Bravo-Charlie was refueled we had time for a friendly welcome chat and a look at the curiosity cabinet before heading back to Spinks.

I've just been for an FAA medical (another £50!) since both Jake and Stephen seem to think I will be able to solo by the end of the week. I'm now an official US Student Pilot!

I'm sitting in the hotel in Fort Worth at the moment looking at the rain lashing against the windows. The weather so far has been great - 10 miles visibility and low winds. Hope this clears for tomorrow!

Weather Forecast | Weather Maps | Weather Radar