General Yeager and I went flying yesterday. AFter reading about the accident, I kept coming in about 5 knots too fast on final. I tried slowing it up on downwind, base, and then final, but it just felt too darn slow. I was afraid of stalling.
I landed fine – each time. But by the third landing, I was comfortable enough to slow it down. Gen Yeager later told me that the first two were fine – but the third was the best. Slowed down enough, when I finally put the nose gear down it didn’t shimmy.
My former instructor told us a great story about Patty Wagstaff, world champion aerobatic pilot, who is now flying for the CA Dept of Fire.
She was flying her Extra on her time off.
He heard her on the radio asking for fuel.
Then he looked out the window and she was slipping (purposefully) sideways to the runway. As he says it, there she was, coming down sideways to the runway, calling in for fuel. Now THAT’S some talent, experience and confidence!
Patty is beautiful and courageous. What a role model for young women!
c. GCYI