Flight Journal: flight 59

[beaky]

Flight 59
10-20-96

1986 C-172P
TEB-N07-TEB
1.1 solo
2 landings

"Short to/lndg, ground ref, NDB nav"

7000 broken; wind variable at 5 kts; warm

My plan to fly solo to Sullivan County airport today has been dashed- a large cold front is approaching from the west, and that area is marred by low ceilings and heavy rain. It's doubly disappointing because I'd planned to also stop at Sky Park and take the shuttle to the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome for a quick visit and maybe a hop in the D25.
This wonderful plan having evaporated, I consider taking some time anyway, "keeping it local", as they say. No need for another short solo hop, certificate-wise, but a little practice won't hurt. The weather is slowly deteriorating near TEB, but the briefer informs me that there's still a few hours left for me to enjoy flight within my student solo limits: ceiling better than 5000 overcast, wind less than 10 knots, and visibility better than 7 nm.

So I put aside my disappointment and set off for a little airwork, then a landing at N07.I start off straight for N07, but circle back before passing Pompton Lakes. I pull back the power and trim 6FR for MCA. the horizon is buried in haze, and little wisps of scud reach down from the overcast, but I feel quite comfortable guiding the 172 through some gentle slow-flight turns.Then I choose a vague point on the horizon before pulling back to initiate a power-off stall. Piece of cake!
I recover and veer off towards a nearby water tower, circling it a few times. there's no wind to speak of, so it's not much of a challenge.


Next I set my sights on Lincoln Park, taking note of the approaching ramparts of low clouds to the west. It's alright, I tell myself- plenty of time to land, take a quick break, and get home before it closes in.

On short final for 01, I see a deep puddle obscuring the displaced threshold; last night's rain hasn't drained away yet, and the airport is rather soggy. But the usable runway is high and dry, allowing me to make a fair landing.
I taxi over to the LPA hangar, park, and find JP there, in the office. After a pleasant chat, JP gives me a tour of the shop, explaining the work that's being done on a few airplanes there. Finally I decide to get going- someone else will be waiting for 6FR.

After a good short-field takeoff, I turn to 100 for the leg home. Just as I pass the ridge SE of N07, we are pelted briefly by rain. It is a little startling, but I remain unconcerned, as I can see the way ahead is clear, with an adequate ceiling. There's even a big hole in the overcast to the north.

No more rain as I call Tower and receive my transponder code. Landing on 24 is routine and well-executed.

All in all, a pleasant substitute for what was supposed to be a big adventure.

Next: flight 60- first solo cross-country!