Getting Some Training Done

I have finally gotten around to starting my Instrument training in earnest.  Today was my first ground lesson over Skype.  It was fairly introductory in nature, but we did get to some definite meat and potatoes as well.

We first covered what instruments are generally required for both VFR and IFR flight.  While I couldn't readily recall the acrostics for VFR, I was quickly reminded of TOMATOES FLAMES and FLAPS for VFR Day and Night, respectively.  For IFR, I was informed of the acrostic GRAB CARD.

From there, we delved into the Pitot-Static System, Gyroscopic Instruments, Instrument Scan, and Navigation Instruments.  Since I have a 430W in the Cherokee, we spent some time going over functions other than the "Direct To" that most pilots fall into the habit of using.  I certainly want to be a pilot that does more than simply follow the magical magenta line.

From instrumentation, we turned to Section 8 of the AIM; all of the human factors in flight starting with the acronym that all CAP flight crews should be familiar with: IM SAFE.  The plan for tomorrow is to go over Weather and as such, I have some studying to do tonight.  For this I must turn to the Aviation Weather Services Handbook.

I have managed to get some time in the air as of late as well.  In fact, February was a very good month for my flying career.  Out of the 4 flights I conducted, 3 were towards endorsements in my logbook.  Specifically, I procured my Complex endorsement in a PA-28R-201 out of Oklahoma Aviation and my High Performance endorsement in a C-182 at the CAP Altus SAREX.

As expected, I did complete the Mission Scanner qualification at the Broken Arrow FTX.  Now, with 178.1 hours PIC, I'm certainly gaining ground on Mission Pilot in CAP.  In the interim, I hope to get more time in the 182s, and specifically hope to get into the Glass Cockpit 182s.  Having the training necessary to fly the Glass Cockpits will make me much more versatile, and thereby valuable, pilot for CAP.