KTTA 102120Z AUTO 28020G36KT 10SM CLR 18/M04 A2998 RMK AO2
KTTA 102103Z AUTO 28026G35KT 10SM SCT100 18/M05 A2998 RMK AO2
KTTA 102040Z AUTO 26016G37KT 10SM SCT100 19/M05 A2998 RMK AO2
KTTA 102022Z AUTO 26025G44KT 10SM 19/M06 A2997 RMK AO2

(That’s winds of 20kts gusting to 36kts).

I know I complain about the lack of any real winter season here in Raleigh, however with a weekend weather outlook like this it sure makes it easier to get some flight-time in for the final push for my check-ride.

PS. I’m diggin’ the new weather icons on weatherunderground.com.

Of the three Cessna 152’s that I fly regularly, there’s one that I just don’t get along with.

Every plane has its little quirks and issues that, as a pilot, you must adapt to, but no matter how much I romance this particular 152 with flowers or soft landings she does nothing but return a bad attitude (literally and figuratively).

On departure, just as the wheels leave the ground, she shakes and feels like she’s starting to buffet (buffeting is an indication of a pending stall) even though I’m at or above Vy (best rate of climb). Not just once, but every single departure. It’s almost like she’s letting me know she’s the boss and we will be flying on her terms only.

When flying in the pattern, I’ve tried several times to get everything squared for a solid, timely, “on the rails” approach but she always throws a tiff on final and pushes us either below or way, way above the glide slop. I’m left scrambling to either add power, reduce power or invoke a go-around.

After five landings yesterday, despite beautiful weather and 45 minutes remaining in my reservation time, I’d had enough; you don’t choose who you fall in love with and she definitely didn’t fall for me.

I have nothing more to give to this relationship. It’s over…and she can have her Elton John record back, it’s scratched anyway.