I took and passed my Stage 1 Instrument check today. I’ve proved that I can fly around without visual reference to the outside world. I can, under the hood, perform basic flight maneuvers, stalls, steep turns and slow flight. I can also fly with various instruments covered up– i.e., without an attitude indicator (artificial horizon) or a directional gyro. Which means I can also do compass turns (turning with a magnetic compass is something of an art and a real pain in the butt).

I had a little trouble maintaining altitude, but I kept it within +/- 100 feet, which is what’s required. I was worried about steep turns under the hood, but miraculously they turned out just fine.

I even got complimented on my landing.

Zach wants to have me done with Stage 2 by Friday. Stage 2 doesn’t involve any flying in the airplane, it’s all in the simulator. You might get some fancy idea of simulator when I say that word, but ours resembles playground equipment. They aren’t really simulators per se, they are “instrument training devices.” There is no attempt made to simulate the outside world, just an instrument panel. And they’re very finicky devices. But, supposedly, they’ll get the job done.

I scheduled my Instrument written exam for Thursday. I get to go study that now.

Berck