Followup to Tamed

Well friends I had another opportunity to practice my landings
yesterday at Alexandria Field (N85). During the first landing I was
too fast and ended up going around. With the second landing the speed
control was better but I started the transition to the three point
attitude a little too late, didn't hold off long enough, and landed
mains first. However, the next two landings actually ended in pretty
good three point attitudes. After the landing prior to those, I told
my instructor that I wanted to quit and just focus on aerobatics. I
really do hate not doing well. But because I hate quitting even more I
stuck to it and came away with some respectable landings in the end.

I got the power back abeam the numbers and made sure I didn't lose any
altitude as I was trying to lose airspeed. I also tried to be more
careful in trimming for 80mph. Since I was still high because of the
descent delay while getting the speed off, I simply slipped it down to
where I wanted it to be, which had the benefit of getting rid of any
extra airspeed.

I must say that in the two times I choose to go around I was truly
impressed with the Decathlon's response once the throttle was applied.
I'm also still getting used to the relatively nose high attitude,
compared to the 172, required to hold approach speed. Of course this
is due to the lack of flaps, but it still takes some getting used to
and is likely one of the reasons my speed has been too high. Also, I
really enjoy the lack of AI and DG. It forces me to keep my head
outside even more than usual and to fly the plane more by feel. I'm
sure it would have been easier to learn in a plane with fixed pitch
prop as I now have to worry about manifold pressure and prop settings,
but even those are becoming more familiar. Ok, enough ranting on my
part. Just wanted to let everyone know that the advice offered helped,
although I still have a ways to go. Next time we'll attempt a wheel
landing, on purpose this time.

Dave