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Fresh tarmac

The runway at Harvey Field is in the process of being resurfaced. So far they've removed all of the old asphalt, graded the dirt surface, and hopefully laid down the first layer of the new asphalt. I received an email the other day stating that they were scheduled to lay the first layer yesterday, and lay the second layer today. However, that would depend on the weather and it's been raining today.

Once the second layer is in place, they have to wait at least three days to paint the runway markings. There are also a couple other things that need to be done. In all, the completion date is likely to be no earlier than October 10.

I went flying the weekend before last. The grass runway was open, and folks were taking off to the north, so I joined them. I was a bit too aggressive on the takeoff when it came to my soft-field technique, as the stall horn sounded as I lifted off. I think next time I take off from the grass, I'll leave the flaps all the way up, instead of down one notch. The POH doesn't really address soft-field takeoffs except for the one performance chart that you use to determine take-off roll distance for the current conditions. My earlier takeoffs from the grass were done that way and went well.

I'm looking forward to the new runway. Once it's done, I think it'll be time to get some instructor time at night. Technically I'm allowed to fly at night right now, as long as I perform three takeoffs and landings to a full stop before taking any passengers. However, I haven't flown at night since my training and I want some refresher training before I go solo.

Comments

  1. GaryOctober 9, 2021 at 3:22 AM

    I haven't been night current since 11/2013. My Sundowner didn't have great lights but the commander is really bright when all the lights are on. I hope to finally get current again.

    ReplyDelete

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