Frank E. Dorrin Jr: Professional Flight Instructor


Before I get to the iPad discussion and other matters - I've had this foot pain going on for several weeks now. It believe I have figured out why both feet are hurting in the same place all at once, and it has to do with aviation. When I do a run-up, I am in the long time habit of holding the brakes with my feet, instead of setting the parking brake. I recommend that for lower power airplanes still.

I am also in the habit of running up and checking out both engines at the same time, but I've had to limit the RPMs to 2000 instead of 2200; since holding the airplane in place requires significant brake pressure and the airplane wants to FLY NOW!!. If I used 2200 RPMs, I don't think the brakes would hold. It is that excess foot pressure on the same place on each foot that is bruising both feet.

I figured this out after putting the entire PA30 checklist on the iPad and then running it item by item for each activity. The checklist called for 2200 RPM, so I finally listened to Paul's advice. Paul recommended I get in the habit of setting the parking brake for the run-up, and only running up one engine at a time. I did this and it worked. I have been sitting on this advice for months.

Ok - the iPad is having a much stronger impact on my flying process than I expected. Check out my iPad Review, which will document what I am learning and how I'm using the tool. It is improving my checklist usage; making it easier to update the VOR backup of my GPS enroute; making it easier to divert without rummaging for new charts.

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Experienced an emergency yesterday in a Cessna 172. We had electrical smoking in the cockpit that I believe was the electric HSI. Killed the master switch and did a day VFR NORDO landing at GED.  The event strengthened my experience in not vacillating on critical decisions. If your gut tells you to land - then land and sort it out on the ground. Look for a write-up shortly.

The PA30 Twin Comanche is a good looking cruise missile. My landings are consistent, and my recovery from bad landings are good too. I landed in a crosswind today and let the nose drop a bit. That resulted in a bounce, but I recovered directly with appropriate controls and landed using no brakes at Delaware Airpark.

Upcoming improvements will include the addition of a Hobbs so I can assure myself I am being honest and consistent reporting my experience. I will be over-hauling the manifold pressure gauge, which become inaccurate after the left engine failure in Tampa. I'll also be having Paul put a new landing gear mirror on the left nacelle, as the sun killed the one I have.

Angel Flight coming up next week. I am looking forward to getting some good work done there.

Frank



You can follow me (or just read the comments) on twitter at http://twitter.com/fdorrinjr, and you can see my professional profile at http://www.linkedin.com/in/frankdorrin if you are interested.
fed 2010-08-01