Starting in June 2023 I will be documenting my use of the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 as I work my way back into active flying for the second time. I originally setup this sit to document my return to flying in 2020 just prior to the pandemic that hit and as a result I had to discontinue this idea for a time. How that I am in another position to return to flying I decided I am going to start out by using the MSFS as a tool to get back into the flow. I am going to select flights from my logbook and fly them in the simulation and record and share these flights on our YouTube Channel. I will post updates on this site and on my twitter account when new videos are released. I hope you enjoy these and the best way to help is to like our videos and follow us on YouTube.
Author: stevekaviation
It has been many years since I last flew a Cessna 172, and on February 4, 2020 I returned to the sky taking off from Savannah for a one and a half hour flight to see how rusty my flying skills became from the lack of proficiency. The flight consisted of basic maneuvers, slow flight, power off stalls, an emergency engine fail procedure and return to KSAV for some landings. We where scheduled to do this flight on January 31 but the weather did not cooperate so we knocked out some ground work for the ground portion of the BFR requirements.
I felt right at home in the cockpit working the radios and flying but do have areas that I need to improve too regain my proficiency. Doing the steep turns, as I expected, I had trouble maintaining altitude but by the last on I started to get back into the flow. The landings will need more work as I need to regain the perspective out the window turning the landing flare. I was consistently wanting to flare to high.
My short term goal is to get back to the point I can get my BFR complete and start flying as PIC again. I also am looking to regain instrument proficiency and look to combine both the BFR and IPC maneuvers into future training.
I did record this flight but do not have ATC audio connections at this time and will work on adding this in the future. I hope to edit and upload the video shortly.
Takeoff 28 KSAV
Taxi to 28 KSAV
The pictures are still shots from the video recording and show the take out with a new Gulfstream G700 sitting in front of use as we leave the ramp on our way to runway 28 KSAV. The takeoff picture was from the first takeoff from runway 28 at KSAV and the approach picture was to runway 19 KSAV.
I have scheduled my first flight in a Cessna 172 for the end of January. Based on my log book it will be 20 years since my last logged flight in a single engine aircraft. This will be the start of my journey to getting my BFR complete. I have completed the AOPA Rusty Pilot online course and also did the Sporty’s Pilot Online Flight Review course. I was surprised that I remember most of the information provided in these courses. The key will be seeing how I do on the actual flying.
Completed Step one today, got my medical. Since
It has been several year, before 2006, so I was not able to take advantage of the BasicMed option the FAA now allows. I will post more information on the BasicMed options in a future post. The one new thing with the medical that I like is filling out the application through the online system prior to going to the appointment.
Now that step one is complete, I am continuing with the online training provided through the AOPA website and a online course I obtained from Sporty’s Pilot. Look for more information on these two area in another post coming soon.
Time to schedule first flight!
I hope everyone has had a successful 2019 and wish all the best in reaching your goals for 2020. This is my first posting on the site and as the site indicates my 2020 goal is to return to active flying status and I hope to update the site with content that I have found helpful, educational, supportive and entertaining.
Best of luck to all in 2020 and fly safe.