The Hardest Part- Getting off the Ground
One of the big challenges that people in aviation face is the feat of actually getting the plane off the ground to go fly. While it may seem simple to most non-aviation enthusiasts, it is a rather complex process. There are so many things to plan and do before taking an airplane to the sky. That, of course, is a good thing considering airplanes are not simple pieces of machinery that anyone can operate. Instead, all the aspects of a pilot's "To Do" list prior to takeoff are to ensure the utmost safety of all members onboard.
Some of those pre-flight challenges to consider include: airplane worthiness (actually making sure it's safe to fly), airport conditions, air space availability, aircraft weight and balance planning, flight planning, weather, human factors (pilot fatigue, physical condition, etc.), and timing. Large-scale flights, like commercial flying, often have so many people involved in the process that it seems like an efficient, quick operation to get a plane airborne. There are many people working behind the scenes to ensure all those pre-flight considerations are addressed and taken care of. General aviation flying is a whole different ballgame. When that prep team consists of you and just one other person, it makes getting off the ground much more difficult.
Some of the preparation lessons learned by Amelia's Aviatrices came early on in their first practice week. While having big intentions to fly several flights over the span of a few days, many of those challenges listed above just got in the way. Particularly, the weather was the big issue. While the ceilings and visibility were fine most days, the winds were very strong and gusty. It was something jets could handle easily with no problems. Nana, however, has to be careful due to the fact that she is a much smaller airplane and the V-Tail shape reacts differently with strong winds.
Another hurdle in the preparation week was with just the logistics of getting the aircraft moved. Nana sits high in a hangar on a lift with another airplane underneath of her. It takes at least an hour just to get the plane out of the hangar and loaded up ready to go! In addition, having a toddler as a passenger makes the process take a lot longer too.
When the team flew its first flight, they had to quit early due to storms moving in. Though the storm wasn't imminent during the flight itself, the logistics of getting the airplane put back in the hangar took a lot of time at the end of the day. The fact that only 20 minutes of flying took about 4 hours to make happen seemed extremely unproductive! But that is the nature of flying- the pre-flight and post-flight duties are just part of the process.
Though the team did not get a ton of practice actually flying, they took away some valuable lessons for next time. It is not all about the glory of being in flight; the behind-the-scenes challenges contribute a ton to pilots' successes. Practicing all facets of a pilots' job, besides just the flying, makes the team more proficient, forces them to work through the steps together, and creates an appreciation for all those details that no one else can understand. Liz and Lisa are ready to keep training so that the Air Race Classic week is smooth and successful from start to finish!
