Altitude

[ifly2001]

Hello, I am a begining student, and on my upcoming 6th lesson, under FAR141, and i have a slight concern. For whatever reason, i sometimes deviate from a given, or set, altidue, not much, within 250ft, but he said im gonna get tougher on you about that. Is this normal for first timers? i dont want to be too hard on myself, but what do you think? Does this happen to others?

[flygirl04]

Don't worry about it if you are only on your 6th lesson. Everyone has trouble with something in the begining. For me it was also my altitude. I thought it was so hard in the begining...but once pitch trim becomes your bestfriend you will find it much easier!!! So my advice is TRIM YOUR PLANE, it really does make everything better!
GoodLuck!

[ifly2001]

thanks alot! most appreciative!

[This message has been edited by ifly2001 (edited 02-26-2001).]

[djschaut]

I would agree, but 250ft is quite a bit. It would be understandable if your instructor is forcing you to do steep 60 degree turns where you have to really muscle the yoke to keep your altitude stable. But if you are deviating that much straight and level, you have to pay closer attention and, as said above, trim the plane.

When you get to your instrument rating, you won't be able to deviate more than 100ft. up or down or you'll bust your checkride. If you have the time to focus your eyes on two things--the altimeter and magnetic heading--if you don't have to clear for aircraft outside or do engine management, you should be able to keep your altitude. As Nike says, just do it. During a turn, if you tend to lose altitude, pull back as much as you need to.

Once, getting checked out in a Cessna T-210, the instructor forced me into a very steep turn. I was pulling so hard on that yoke to hold altitude I couldn't believe it. He told me that I was lucky it wasn't a jet--in which they work much harder during critical maneuvers.

Keep at it!

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DJSchaut