Transitioning to the PA28 post ppl
25 Jun 2006This was the first of a few flights to get me familiar with the PA28-warrior (so I can take 3 passengers instead of just 1). I did the preflight check which is similar to the Cessna but with some differences. On this flight I had an instructor with me to teach me all the differences and things I wasn’t sure on, Dad also came along for the ride in the back, (and this was actually the first time he’s been able to come up with me). As there’s only one door on the PA28, Dad was in first, then me, and finally my instructor, who then closed the door.
I started to do the pre start checks but got stuck a few times as everything was in a different place and there were extras which you don’t have to do in the Cessna, like changing fuel tanks etc, once I got the engine started, we taxied to holding point C for runway 13 and then did all the usual pre takeoff checks before backtracking for takeoff on runway 13.
It was a very nice smooth takeoff, and then we turned right, flew over my house, then past the Tamar bridges and onwards to the SW coast. We then did some general handling starting with steep turns, then a few stalls, and then PFL, which I don’t like very much, and my first one wasn’t too good - I found it harder to judge for some reason, so we did another which was better, and then when climbing away, I was given a simulated engine failure after takeoff, which went ok, as there was a nice field straight ahead!
Then we headed back to Plymouth, and on the way, I looked out, and saw another aircraft, (looked like another PA28) flying at similar altitude just out to our left very close, they were clearly not in contact with Plymouth as we would have been told about them otherwise, so we advised Plymouth they were there (as they have no radar to see) and continued over Saltash, joining right base for runway 13 while keeping an eye out for the other aircraft.
The approach was, interesting, as I had to get used to putting flaps down with a lever between the seats, like a handbrake, instead of an electrical switch. On the approach the speed seemed high to me, but my instructor said it was ok, although during the flare it floated for ages and then landed about a third of the way down the runway with a reasonable bump on the left gear, not too bad for a first go in a strange plane, and it was completely unassisted. We then taxied back in and parked up,