My Long-Awaited Return to the Skies: First Flight in Florida

After dealing with all the necessary legalities for studying in the US, I finally have the opportunity to fly again! However, it’s not without its challenges. There are four new factors that I have to work with: it’s been a while since I’ve flown (since August), I’ve never flown a Cessna 172, I’ve never flown under IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions – either simulated or actual), and the radio communications are a bit different here.

Firstly, the takeoff in a Cessna 172 is different from what I’m used to – the airplane is faster and heavier. Additionally, the instruments are arranged differently, so it takes some time to get used to the new layout.

The flight ended up being more difficult than I expected. I thought I had learned how to fly straight and level, but it seems I need more practice.

Currently, I’m flying with “foggles,” which covers everything but the airplane instruments. This means I can’t see the beautiful Florida landscapes, let alone take photos. Despite this, I’m excited to be flying again!

foggles

We landed without the “foggles” in VMC (Visual Meteorological Conditions, which means I could remove the foggles and look outside), but the landing wasn’t perfect. However, the approach to the runway was made easier by the VASI (Visual Approach Slope Indicator), which is actually the improved version, the PAPI (Precision Path Approach Indicator). The runway itself is long and made of concrete. The Cessna 172 lands with much more of a “nose up” attitude than the Cessna 150, so it feels different.

VASI and PAPI

Overall, I’m thrilled to be flying again, despite the challenges!


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Milestones

04/09/2017: My First Flight
04/25/2017: EASA PPL written exam (6 exams passed)
05/21/2017: Radio Operator Certificate (Europe VFR)
05/22/2017: EASA PPL written exam (all passed)
05/26/2017: The First Solo!
05/28/2017: Solo cross-country >270 km
05/31/2017: EASA PPL check-ride
07/22/2017: EASA IFR English
08/03/2017: 100 hours TT
12/04/2017: The first IFR flight
12/28/2017: FAA IR written
02/16/2018: FAA IR check-ride
05/28/2018: FAA Tailwheel endorsement
06/04/2018: FAA CPL long cross-country
06/07/2018: FAA CPL written
07/16/2018: FAA CPL check-ride
07/28/2018: FAA CPL ME rating
08/03/2018: FAA HP endorsement
06/03/2019: EASA ATPL theory (6/14)
07/03/2019: EASA ATPL theory (11/14)
07/15/2019: FAA IR IPC
07/18/2019: FAA CPL SES rating
08/07/2019: EASA ATPL theory (done)
10/10/2019: EASA NVFR
10/13/2019: EASA IR/PBN SE
11/19/2019: Solo XC > 540 km
12/06/2019: EASA CPL
12/10/2019: EASA AMEL
02/20/2020: Cessna 210 endorsement
08/30/2021: FAVT validation
05/27/2022: TCCA CPL/IR written
05/31/2022: Radio Operator Certificate Canada