I had a big day today. I did it. I took my first introductory flight at 1000 hrs in a 1980 Cessna 172 with a great instructor. It lasted for 1.3 hours and it felt excellent. I want more.
I arrived at the airport at exactly 8:47am, 13 minutes early. My instructor was already waiting for me. Let's back track. In previous posts I said I'd report on my task of searching for an instructor and I didn't, I apologize. Out of the 5 CFI's listed in my area, so far 1 is retiring and another is a contractor and neither is taking new students. A third is too far away but might be a good back up and a fourth I haven't contacted yet. The one I flew with today is taking new students and is available. So far, from a couple of phone conversations and now meeting in person, the dynamic is good and I hope it works out well.
Back to my first flight. After a good hour long pre-flight and briefing we started the engine. She roared to life on the first try, beginners luck. We, I mean I, as it was "my airplane", taxied out from the transient area and onto the taxi way. This was not as easy as I imagined it. That front wheel has a mind of its own, it veers from side to side like a dog walking in the woods. But I was able to keep it on the pavement, all the way to RWY 1.
I had no trouble talking on the radio as I'm experienced with radio work from various different things, plus I'm a bit of a ham and like the sound of my voice.
"Truckee unicom, ####Foxtrot, radio check".
" We hear you loud and clear".
"Thanks Truckee unicom, ####Foxtrot".
Then.
"Truckee traffic, ####Foxtrot taxi form transient area to runway 1, Truckee". Or something like that, I can't remember exactly what I said. I was too excited.
With the run-up completed, take-off briefing done and the pattern scoped out, it was time. I taxied her out on the center line, lowered my toes off the brakes and advanced the throttles to full. At 55kts eased back on the controls and lifted off nice and smooth.
Check back tomorrow for the rest of the story.
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