Low Flying Aircraft

Ahhh, its been too long, but I’m here now. Well as in my post from a couple weeks ago, I got to fly my first badass jet.

OK, so it doesn’t even have reversers nor is it even that badass, buts its a jet nonetheless. Actually the small size is one of the reasons I got to climb into the right seat to begin with since Reed, the nice guy who let me take the yoke, is single pilot rated in the CJ1.

OK, so here’s the scene: A fancy new GPS was installed and needed a quick test flight to verify that everything is functioning well. Reed asked if anyone wanted to come, and I simply raised my hand. Just for the record they could have installed new engines on this thing and I would’ve volunteered to be in the cockpit.

After climbing into a stuffy cockpit( God bless Louisiana heat), he started the amazingly simple flow for starting the jet. As he checks temps and electrical loads, he proceeds to give me a crash course on turbines and the Citation in general as I blankly stare at the Flight Directors and multi function displays just attempting to find common ground with the small spam cans I fly. I attempt to calm my nerves by making a lame joke about the small jet headsets…all I got was an awkward blank stare. After the start up process is complete Reed calls up clearance to verify a lap in the pattern. Receiving our clearance, I begin to set up the fancy HSI in front of me attempting to not look too incompetent. At this point I had no intentions of actually getting to fly the plane at that point, but I figured “just in case, right?”

Setting the transponder, Reed eases the throttle forward and jet nudges forward and I realize I dripping sweat. Reed then proceeds to tell me the cockpit has no A/C and asks if it was an issue. An issue with no A/C, really? Every couple days inside of a a rental 172 in Louisiana afternoon heat will acclimate you to the hottest of saunas, this jet was a warm tropical vacation for me.

As we turn off the ramp and on to the taxiway, Reed grumbles and smashed the brakes, yet we continue to roll. Not good. We eventually grind to a halt. He then ask me to give my brakes a tap. Same sluggish response. “Well, can’t stop this jet without brakes, so much for that” NO! Dammit! This was supposed to be it for me. I felt defeated, even though I really didn’t have a right to be upset. After calling ground about our situation, we cut a 360 on the taxiway and head back to the ramp. As I unbuckle as we return to the ramp, Reed shouts “Damn mechanics!” and pops in a circuit breaker and hits the brakes. We slam forward. We have brakes again! “OK, lets try one more time” as we call ground one more time and pull another 360 on the ramp.

As we make the long taxi to the farthest runway, I proceed to get V speeds and power settings from Reed. I figured it was just a kind gesture to make me feel involved. As we wait for our turn as a Baron rolls down the runway, I get more instruction and confidence from Reed. Suddenly this test flight feels like a lesson. We position and hold, per our instructions from tower. “525M, cleared for take off runway 13, right traffic”. With the brakes held tight Reed advances the throttle to 96% thrust. As the engines spool up the brakes released I’m push into the back of my seat. As we roll, I attempt to call out “airspeed alive. V1. Rotate” as we pull off the runway, I raise the gear and we’re off. At 500 feet and climbing Reed calls “your plane”…My plane? Without hesitation I take the controls and finish the climb to our prescribed altitude. I’m flying a friggin jet, how badass!

As I settle down, we set up for the ILS to 13, an approach I frequently fly at BTR. Reed builds my confidence and tells me the CJ1 is easier to fly than the 172, and he was absolutely right. The jet was like driving a Cadillac 5 miles as opposed to riding a bike 5 miles(the 172). Moving along at 180kts, I manuver for final approach. At this point I’m profusely sweating due to no A/C and attempting to keep all movements comfortable and not too jerky. I proceed to get another crash course on a new instrument: The Angle of Attack(AOA) indicator. “Keep the needle at .6, I’ll set your power and take the plane at minimums”. Simple enough. As the throttles are retarded, the plane gets a little heavy. I trim up. Flaps and gear are now introduced, and the plane floats and reacts just like the little bug smashers I fly do. I keep the plane nice and steady through 300 feet. “My plane” and I let go of the yoke. 200 feet. 100 feet. A very gentle touchdown and a yank of the “ground spoiler” level and the nose slams down on the runway. Reed glances at me: “There’s no easy way of lowering the nose…”

We turn off at our taxiway and back to the ramp. As we shut down I get a few pointers and a few compliments. “I have no problem letting you land it next time around, if you’re up for it”. Umm hell yeah? You wouldn’t have to ask me twice!

Well that was it. Nothing amazing, no exotic destination, but definitely an amazing 30 min in my aviation profile.