Flying the Radials
Well I have about three more flights before my first cross-country. Today’s flight was an introduction to VOR’s. Upon receiving my takeoff clearance from Gwinnett tower (LZU), he cleared me for a left turn to the southeast. After a simulated soft-field takeoff (must I mention I forgot to take out my 10 degrees of flaps till I was at about 400 ft. AGL), my instructor finally reminded me that since I was heading east towards Athens (AHN), that I should probably correct the tower and get clearance for a left turn to the east. So simple mistake, but that led to many more communication errors later. I intercepted the 085 degree radial for the AHN VOR. Upon reaching the intersection of Hwy. 316 and Hwy. 78 which is about 11 miles west of AHN I called the tower. I can’t help but laugh about it now because I sounded like Elmer Fudd calling the tower, “Athens tower N7262X 10 mi. west…I mean east….no west…. inbound for touch and go then departure to the west, with information X-ray.” After an uneventful touch and go at AHN, I headed west and used the ATL VOR to do a VOR cross check. Finished the flight with a soft-field landing back at LZU. Other than the helicopter pilot not looking before he took off and almost hitting me, the taxi back to the ramp was normal. Just a reminder to stay vigilant even during ground operations even if the tower clears you to taxi somewhere doesn’t mean someone isn’t going to do something unexpected. Will write again after a short solo lesson on Friday.
Blue Skies,
thefalken