The last couple of lessons have focused on taxiing and then getting the aircraft into straight and level flight, and they have been a real step up in coordination and awareness.
Taxiing has been harder than I expected. Steering the C152 on the ground with the rudder pedals felt manageable at first, but the differential braking caught me out. I struggled with getting the balance right, especially after landing when things happen quickly. At times it felt like the aircraft had its own idea of where to go while I was still trying to work out what my feet were doing. Greg reassured me that it takes time to build that “muscle memory” on the pedals, so I’m trying not to be too hard on myself.
Straight and level flight was another challenge in its own way. I was introduced to the trimmer properly, and at first I found it awkward. I kept glancing down at the trim wheel tab just to check which way I was moving it, rather than feeling it naturally. Eva (Owner of the school and my stand-in instructor for Greg being ill) explained that trimming is about relieving the pressure so the aircraft is in balance, not about forcing it where you want it to be. That advice made sense, and I know with more practice it will become second nature.
I’m also getting used to using checklists properly. At first they felt like something to get through before I could get on with flying, but I’m starting to see how each item has a clear purpose. They make sure everything is set and safe, and they stop you relying on memory alone. Alongside that, I’ve been introduced to all the main instruments; airspeed indicator, altimeter, VSI, heading indicator, turn coordinator and the attitude indicator. Understanding what each one shows, and why it matters, is slowly making the cockpit feel less overwhelming.
To help things stick, I’ve been spending extra time in the aircraft after lessons. Sitting in a free aircraft with the engine off gives me the chance to go through the checks at my own pace and get familiar with where everything is. I’ve also started recording my lessons on voice notes and looking back at videos afterwards, which has already made a big difference.
These lessons felt like an important step. Taxiing has shown me how much control on the ground matters, and straight and level has taught me the value of trimming and small, precise inputs. It still feels like early days, but each flight adds another layer of understanding and confidence.
Modular Pilot Kiran 