Arch Tour!

Last September I dedicated myself to maintaining my foothold on top of my Everest as best I could within the limits of my budget and lifestyle. That meant flying one time per week for .5 hours in the Cessna 150 (a 2 seat trainer) based at Festus. That plan worked well and usually I practiced landings in the pattern. I figured that was the best way to get the most bang for the buck.  Each time I flew I became more proficient (well, most of the time that is...always setbacks on your Everest) and each time I flew I learned something new...sometimes the hard way, but luckily not too hard...no damage to the plane or injuries to myself!
I achieved my Everest in October of 2011 (that is passing my check ride and becoming a licensed pilot), but an Everest being an Everest, I wasn't sure what to do after reaching the summit.
This summer, I have borrowed my Dad's Piper Warrior (4 seat) and this has given me the opportunity to really get a better toehold on my Everest in a shorter amount of time as well as take some family trips.
2 weeks ago today, we took a family Arch Tour! That is we flew up the Mississippi River from Festus, contacted ATC (St. Louis Approach on 126.5) and for the first time I used Flight Following. I felt like a real pilot hearing calls to Southwest Airliners interspersed with calls to our small Piper. I was a bit nervous to use it, but the controller was very polite and forgiving of my novice radio skills. I just made sure to keep ATC advised  in clear language of what I requesting and what I was doing and it worked great! Also, for the first time ever, I leaned the engine during cruise flight...which saves fuel and improves efficiency. It is just a bit nerve wracking to use at first because that is how we shut down the engine after a flight...by starving the engine of oxygen...so doing it while you are flying (even half way) certainly will get your attention...but I did as my Dad had told me....leaned it slowly until the engine started to run a bit rough, then pushed it slightly forward again to smooth it out.
So a lot of first on this trip and Sue and Teddy really enjoyed themselves....after a smooth landing and a congratulatory handshake from Randy (one of our local instructors with whom I had often spoken about this trip), we put the Piper back in her hangar with all of us eager for new adventures!