As the tail comes up, I'm suddenly riding higher, and I can finally see straight ahead. After a few more tail-up taxis down the length of the runway, we're ready to make a serious commitment. Back at the approach end, we do a run-up, and now I know we're really going to do this. Compared to the Piper Archer I've been flying, there's less to check here, but the real important things are still present. They all seem to be operating, telling us good things.
Control surfaces are free and correct, the pattern is clear.
John reviews pattern altitude, traffic flow and local procedures with me. We review the hand signals he'll be using during flight. Communication will be relatively simple, since there is no electrical system and no headsets. No radio for that matter. The compass will tell you you're flying any heading within a 60 degree arc, depending on where the control stick is placed, because of magnetic deviation.