Why I was shown winds-aloft chart and text for FL 340 I didn't understand until I realized the point was: I didn't recognize a 50-mph wind "arrow" mark. This meant I hadn't really been studying much.
Interpreting the text report wind speed numbers for those altitudes is a lotta fun, too...
I get this guy's game now... he's throwing me sliders.
My METAR readings were squeaky, only because I hadn't tried to recite the list of METAR abbreviations since last night. Really. I've always relied on weather graphics and a phone briefing.
It being an open-book affair, I was able to keep my dogeared old C172P manual handy for reference when answering the related questions, but it was taken away from me from time to time during this congenial inquisition. I had my little revenge when, during questioning about the operating limits of the airplane, I revealed to my teacher that he had Service Ceiling and Absolute Ceiling mixed up... I know I'm right on this one...haHA! Gotcha!
But of course, he may have only pretended, to make sure I knew.
Of some relevance is the fact that I was still about 1,000 feet off on both numbers... never tested that ceiling in a C172, but now i guess I owe it to old bleached Skyhawks everywhere to plan on cruise over 11.000 sometime; only because i underestimated them.
It seems very do-able... they seem pretty strong at 8,000 (highest I've taken one), so why not try to make it climb a little at 13,000? I think I'll take another pilot along, and a thermos of hot coffee.
Despite that, I think I saved both of us a lot of grief on the flight portion by really showing I know that airplane well enough to be trusted with one (verbally, that is).
The appointed date and time right now is Sunday afternoon, with a warning to show more mastery of weather data interpretation.
The flight syllabus will focus more on maneuvers, etc. than navigation.... excellent. I think I'm OK with my nav. work, and that's boring compared to MCA/stalls, steep turns, and landings. Bring it on, I say. I'm very eager to shoot the pattern again- it's very satisfying to finally nail a nice touchdown after a long spell on the ground.
I'm thinking it'll be my usual:
First circuit-sloppy pattern/hard landing;
Second-excellent pattern but long landing;
Third- either perfect... or a go-around.
Wish me luck...
