Pia, congratulations, it was a nice surprise to see the announcement in today's copy of the FLYING eNewsletter. Have a great time and I'm looking forward to the columns!
Great article Pia!
Growing up in Maine and learning to fly there gave me little opportunity to speak with controllers on a regular basis. After a move to the West Coast and spending the better part of the last decade in Southern California (based at various times at Santa Monica, Gillespie Field, Ramona, and Montgomery Field) my skills had improved dramatically. It was a case of total immersion, similar to what Pia describes.
Today, I fly out of a small field in Central Florida and, though I usually have an exchange with an approach controller or tower controller on most flights, I'm aware of the edge coming off my radio communications skills. Lately I've been adding some thought to proper phraseology to my pre-flight activities and it seems to be working well.
I think it is good to remain mindful that good communications skills are extremely perishable. To maintain them they must be used either in live situations or using one of the simulators.
Fair Skies,
Bulldog
Pia, another great topic. DanOlsen hits the nail on the head IMHO when faced with a departure engine failure: push, establish Best Gide, remain in control and bleed energy prior to touchdown.
Great column Pia! You capture that unexplicable emotional connection between pilot and plane perfectly! I know if I had to part with my beloved Bulldog, there would be a definte sense of loss.
I have no doubt that you'll have another plane at some point in your future and that there will be many more grand adventures.
