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Nervous pilot

Old 09-29-2008, 08:16 PM
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Default Nervous pilot

Well I've got a strange thing happening lately!! I have roughly 120hrs.TT and am just about finished with my inst. rating. Here lately though it seems I am very nervous about flying without an instructor with me, even with a safetly pilot it is not any better. Flying has never bothered me in the past, since I was raised in and around planes. My dad was a private pilot in fixed wing and helo's and I loved every minute of it, even through my private cert. I just cant seem to quit thinking about the engine making weird noises and quitting or something crazy like that. I know its good to be somewhat cautious, but I think I'm going overboard with it. What really sucks is flying is all I can think about up until I'm actually up there, then when I'm back on the ground, I cant wait to go again....Maybe I'm just off in the head or something? Well if you guys have any suggestions I would greatly appreciate it! Maybe I just dont have enough experience yet? All I know is its frustrating as crap to feel like this about something I cant seem to get my mind off of!!
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Old 09-29-2008, 08:26 PM
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at least you don't sound overconfident......just fly more solo!
-engine quiting isn't that bad (unless you are 45 miles off shore at 1000ft) ...in-flight seperation - now that's bad. Seriously though... solo flight will probably be the best... and after you get your IR... file on every XC and go solo or with a non-pilot. Don't let it get to you.. just focus and take care of business. You'll be fine!

In the words of several on the forum.......
"re-engage mav, re-engage"
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Old 09-29-2008, 08:31 PM
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Practice some power-off landings.

You proved on your private pilot ride you could handle an engine failure. Keep practicing, learning and stay proficient and you'll succeed.
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Old 09-29-2008, 08:45 PM
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I think you just need a little more time. AC engines are very reliable. Once you move on to a twin you won't be as worried about an engine failure. Keep your focus on flying the plane and staying ahead.
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Old 09-29-2008, 09:41 PM
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Tune in your favorite AM station on the ADF. Or, just put your IPOD earphones in one or both ears! That'll take your mind of the worries instead, enjoy the view and appreciate what everyone should experience but seldom do.... The freedom of flight.
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Old 09-30-2008, 04:31 AM
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Originally Posted by Aileron View Post
Tune in your favorite AM station on the ADF. Or, just put your IPOD earphones in one or both ears! That'll take your mind of the worries instead, enjoy the view and appreciate what everyone should experience but seldom do.... The freedom of flight.
Good for a distraction, but honestly he's 120hr pilot, he doesn't need distractions. Just my 2-cents. It's like giving every teenager their cell phones, and telling them to text while driving.........oh wait they already do.

Here's something I think would be of at least some comfort. Have you spent any time in the Maintenance shop? Take a look of the inner-workings of the engines that are torn apart if you can. Get a feel for how all the motions go, etc.. Hopefully the Mechanics can instill some confidence in their work, but always remember as PIC it is your responsibility to insure things are ready for safe flight, but knowing what those are by educating yourself of the finer points of your aircraft will help you in the long run.
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Old 09-30-2008, 04:59 AM
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If the engine quits the airplane still flies just fine. Some of the best airplanes I've flown dont even have engines on them!
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Old 09-30-2008, 03:58 PM
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I've had a couple of students that are the exact same way. I tell them that as long as you are trying to learn on every solo you do, you'll probably learn far more than you could with an instructor. Maybe not new material, but the stuff that you already know will definitely get stronger. My brother is going for his commercial rating and is almost done. He's pretty hesitant about the night flying requirements, so what I did was go up on a night flight with him and pretty much just observed him. He did great. Maybe because I was there but either way I didn't touch the controls once. You've already got your PPL and almost your IFR but there's nothing that says your solo nerves instantly go away with your certificates. I guess it is what it is, just buck up and go out there and solo. Hit the traffic pattern and practice power off landings. Step it up to a cross country here and there. Before you know it, something just clicks and the nerves get replaced by the confidence your experience will bring.
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Old 09-30-2008, 05:27 PM
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Thanks guys for all the positive thoughts and suggestions! I guess I just need to believe in myself more! But like you said, the night time is what really bothers me the most, and I have quite a bit of night time, but not being able to really spot a good landing site just freaks me out.
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Old 09-30-2008, 05:41 PM
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Originally Posted by badtransam97 View Post
Thanks guys for all the positive thoughts and suggestions! I guess I just need to believe in myself more! But like you said, the night time is what really bothers me the most, and I have quite a bit of night time, but not being able to really spot a good landing site just freaks me out.
Stop being a Mary! You want to think uncomfortable thoughts? Try fighting 150+ miles off the coast at night, water temp in the 40's, in a dry suit that won't do much to keep you alive, knowing the rescue helicopter will take 1-2 hours to get to your location after they have launched, if they can find you!...
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