ET's Info-Stew

Today is the first time I've flown in nearly three weeks, and it shows. I had planned a flight to Fresno, but my checkpoints were weak and we didn't have that kind of time anyway so I quickly planned a flight to Modesto and we flew that. I didn't even plan the return flight. The plan worked out pretty well but there were a couple mishaps. One, my radio didn't seem to be working well and some of the controllers couldn't hear me, so Nick had to do much of the talking. Two, I had more trouble seeing my airport checkpoints than I expected and Nick had to help point them out. Finally, I didn't make the best approaches and landings, though a small crosswind is partially to blame. I really shouldn't go so long without flying.

On the way back, the transponder on 757HH was acting up and replying intermittently and the sun was in my face, but I flew the course reciprocals (plus wind drift) amazingly well (though I didn't do a great job with altitude control). Nick wants to fly again Thursday or Friday either to Modesto or Fresno (I'm not sure). This time I'll be prepared with a better flight plan and a weather briefing (weather briefings aren't that bad, actually). Nick said he would sign me off for the cross-country from KHWD to KMOD and back, but I think he had second thoughts. Probably a good decision, actually.