Back to Yuma!

Ok, so I have to say I was pretty disappointed to learn that I was again scheduled to fly to Yuma, AZ for my second long distance flight, but it turned out to be not so bad. I ended up with a sub instructor who was nearing his 1500 hrs so he was very knowledgeable and helpful and taught me some new tricks. We also got to fly through some real clouds today and then I continued with my foggles for another 1.5 hrs of instrument training.

Today I also flew a newer model plane equipped with a Garmin 1000 glass cockpit for the first time and it certainly took some getting used to. With its two full 10 inch LCD screens, its a totally different experience from the traditional six-pack of instruments…

Once we arrived in Yuma, my instructor informed me that we were able to take advantage of a $1 breakfast meal, offered as a promotional offer to visiting planes refueling. So we ordered up a yummy homemade breakfast burrito and hot chocolate and enjoyed a brief break from flying. When it came time to leave, we were treated to our own mini airshow with four F35 Raptor fighter jets performing low approach and go-arounds. It was quite the sight to see those amazing new jets.

The return flight followed the same route and again I was able to practice more instrument flying which I started to find pretty draining after about an hour. When all you can see is the screens and instrument panel right in front of you its very taxing on the eyes and brain and could only think that it is an other new experience I am going to have to get used to as flying in clouds is all part of the business.

Photo gallery…