To date I have a whopping 8 hours in the Arrow. The last 2.9 were by
far the most fun since the two flights involved maneuvers and landings
(lots of landings). The more I get to fly N2104T, the more I like it.
Things are becoming more and more comfortable and familiar. Still have
lots to learn but I'm having fun. Hopefully, I'll be able to get some
solo time soon, maybe in a week or so. Solo will be rather interesting
since I haven't done so since last August, right before my FBO melted down.

Overall impressions to date:
- Float down the runway? Nope, it ain't a C-172. Much harder to float
down the runway in an Arrow. Easier to contact said runway with carrier
landing force though.

- Pull the power back and you can drop like a streamlined manhole cover
if you need to. I'll bet forward slips are fun (have yet to try them).

- Things are busier in the pattern with the addition of gear, more
speeds to remember, CS prop, extra mantras you chant (My personal
favorite is "Pump(s), Red(s), Blue(s), Greens" on short final for the
last check of boost pump on, mixture full rich, prop full forward, and 3
in the green).

- The ground moves by faster now. Not that I'm doing a whole lot of
looking down but it takes less time flying to/from the practice area.

- 200 HP at sea level on a cool evening and lightly loaded is fun.

- I'd almost forgotten how much better I like fuel injection. Have
experienced lots of carb ice situations in the Archer during evening
instrument lessons. One less thing to worry about.

- When working on a Complex endorsement, your CFI has a whole new set of
options for messing with you. "What, no 3-green...what ya gonna do
there Mr. Pilot?".

- Engine out scenarios work way better when you pull the prop back.
Very good object lesson in drag reduction.

- Would rather have airspeed in knots...though, I learned that you can
setup the GNS-430 for MPH...but...why? :-)

- Stalls are rather unimpressive, similar to the Archer.
Buffet...yawn...that's it. A good thing.

- Wing on the bottom vs. wing on the top: Really doesn't matter. I'm
just happy to own something with a wing. :-)

- It's really cool to (honestly) say "Yes it is" when asked "Is that
your Arrow?". The closest I was able to do so in the past was answer
"Yes, it's ours by the hour" when asked about newer model rentals I
happed to be flying in.


--
Jack Allison
PP-ASEL-IA Student
Student Arrow Owner, N2104T

"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the Earth
with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there
you will always long to return"
- Leonardo Da Vinci

(Remove the obvious from address to reply via e-mail)