First cross country

Today I did my first dual cross country with Kent. It was also my brother’s 21st birthday, so I thought I’d take him along as well. I planned a trip from Van Nuys (VNY) to Big Bear (L35) via the Pomona VOR (POM). Kent and I had gone over the planning earlier in the week, so that was all nailed down. We debriefed over breakfast at a nearby restaurant, called for a weather briefing and filed a flight plan. Then it was off to the airport for preflight, including what to do about fuel. With the three of us aboard, we were too heavy to carry full fuel. Turns out there was enough out of the tanks to go.

The first problem was that the tower had us fly out a ways before we could start our own navigation, which threw me off a bit, but nothing major. Next was my airspeed. When you plan to climb out at 80 knots, you really NEED to climb out at 80 knots. This REALLY did some damage to the plan, since it took us longer (and therefore more distance) to climb to cruising altitude. The rest of the ride was uneventful, with location of all checkpoints and a solid landing at Big Bear. We reviewed over coffee, and then planned to come home the same way. A bit of fuel and some clean windows, and we headed back. Takeoff performance was a solid 100 foot per minute climb. Density altitude is not something to be taken lightly. The flight back was as planned, hitting all checkpoints even in haze.

All in all, a great learning experience. We’ll plan another soon to keep up the pace, and then get ready for my solo cross countries!

2.2 hours/ 41.7 /3.0