I’ve been flying less lately, and it has shown in my performance.  I’m working to analyze what’s up, and get busy fixing it.

How I found it: During flights in the SR22 with Mike, I got behind on my scan using the Avidyne system – more than once. While I typically had the correct approach loaded and the aircraft lined up, I had difficulty keeping track of where I was with respect to lateral guidance – how far from the runway and/or step down fixes. The result was that I was too high at the MDA, and had to miss the approach. Since then, Mike has shown me his technique to keep DME like information in my scan, but I need to practice.

What to do about it: Returning home after that experience, I fired up the simulator and started flying both single and multi-engine models on non-precision approaches.  I’m not having issues with precision approaches and WAAS GPS approaches, but confirmed that I need to clean up this area. My scan is rusty in the sim and the 22; my approach briefing misses a few items when it gets busy; and I’m basically out of practice regarding non-precision approaches.

Study and Research: I’m reading Redefining Airmanship, by Anthony Kern, based on a recommendation that came from one of my sources.  It is a rather well written textbook, in my opinion, but not a particularly fun read.  Interesting if you want to self-evaluate and find ideas for improving. I’ve already been undertaking the self-improvement steps defined in the text, but there are some new ideas coming to the fore. For now – I am working to improve my use of checklists and stop relying so much on memory.

Improvements are coming.

 

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By fdorrin

Fully retired now, unless something interesting comes along. I’ve enjoyed a lucrative career as an Electrical Engineer, Certified Software Solutions Developer, and Project Manager. An excellent and fun career that I’m very proud of. I began flying commercially in Dash-8 aircraft for Piedmont Airlines, and moved on to instruct in the Gulfstream 280; WestWind; and Astra jet aircraft. I’ve also been blessed with a type rating in the B-25 bomber in a fortunate turn of events. My wife, Beverly, and I currently own and operate a beautifully restored PA30 Twin Comanche, which we use to explore the CONUS.