Cessna 150
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 3.0; Flight Crew Total 371; Flight Crew Type 78.4
Situational Awareness
Inflight Event / Encounter CFTT / CFIT
Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Human Factors; Airport
Last week; I finished a currency check with my flight club after 6 months away; and I wanted to enjoy a solo flight.  I performed some pattern work and landings at my home airport; then decided to fly south to the Class D airport adjacent to the city I live near.  This airport is situated in a river valley; and is hemmed in by large hills with several residential neighborhoods.  It is also just underneath the approach path of the Class B airport just 5 miles away.     I performed one full stop landing at this airport.  On the downwind leg and cleared to land; I pulled power back; entered my first 10 degrees of flaps and began my descent.  Turning onto the base leg; I noticed I was descending a little steeper than I was comfortable with; so I added some power.  The tower called me to point out traffic inbound to land on the parallel runway.  I started to fixate between my runway; and the parallel landing traffic and allowed my altitude to deteriorate further.  I suddenly saw trees and a couple houses close below me; but before I could add power; the hill dropped away to the valley floor.  Even after this; I was still above the visual glideslope of my runway; so I calmed myself down enough to land; then taxi back for departure.  The tower never pointed out any problems.  There are a couple flight schools on the field; so maybe this is not an unusual occurrence.Normally; I have no problem flying into this airport.  However; I should have respected that my skills would become rusty after 6 months away.  I fixated far too long on the other traffic as well as my runway and allowed my scan to deteriorate to the point that I did not notice my altitude.  I should have waited a little while longer to turn base where the hill dips lower; or perhaps not began my descent until I was established on the base leg.  Even though the tower did not call me out; and I still ended up above the glideslope; I should have been more careful and perhaps waited until I had regained enough proficiency before returning to this airport.
A C150 pilot reports completing a currency check with his flight club after 6 months away from flying. After the instructor is dropped off; the flight continues with several more touch and goes. The pilot then makes a flight to BFI. During the visual approach the reporter is distracted by traffic for the parallel runway and the aircraft is allowed to get very close to terrain.