Two More Flights and a Ground Brief

This week I presented the propeller portion of the systems ground brief. The PTS says:
"To determine that the applicant exhibits instructional knowledge of the elements related to the operation of systems, as applicable to the airplane used for the practical test, by describing the following systems..."

I originally took the approach that just describing the components and controls involved for a particular system were sufficient. My instructor pointed out that I should know what happens when a lever or switch is moved in the cockpit. As an example, when the propeller knob is pulled out, what happens? It's easy enough to say that the propeller blades rotate to a higher pitch (more course position). But what really happens? Here's a more thorough explanation:

Pulling the prop control lever, causes the linkage to release pressure on the speeder spring, which causes the flyweights to extend out. This opens the pilot valve which sends pressurized oil to the propeller hub, which causes the piston in the hub to move, which rotates the propeller blades to a higher pitch setting.

http://www.mccauley.textron.com/pro-sup/prosupframeset.html

The idea of describing systems in a more micro level starts to lay the foundation for piloting more advanced aircraft where knowledge of systems is much more important.

I flew twice this week, the first flight was with my instructor and we worked on refining my commercial maneuvers. I flew a second time solo to work on more of the same.