First IFR Flight: HEF to MRB and back again

Synopsis

The training plan was to use the full ILS approach into MRB for ILS 26. This approach involves passing over the MRB VORTAC. From the north, a flight can follow R-126 off HGR to intercept the localizer. The MRB transition involves a fly-over of MRB, followed by an outbound heading on R-053 to intercept the localizer. At that point, a mandatory hold to get from 4000 down to 3400 for the glide slope interception. This requires a parallel entry into the hold. I chose a tear drop, applying a 110 degree magnetic heading away from the intersection point to loop back into the hold. Since that takes about a minute and half to do that, loosing the 600 ft is trivial. Still, a hold is a hold, not procedure turn. I completed one full hold to insure proper glide slope interception.

Given a clearance for the approach I was informed to contact tower at HEVEN. This requires configuring the second VOR MRB R-353. To intercept the glide slope, the second VOR was set to MRB R-053. Sometime during the hold, this needed to be adjusted.

We did not land, instead using the missing approached as a training tool. Once missed, the tower immediately asks for intentions. Always have the backup plan ready. Since MRB is still in the second VOR (and probably the standby of the primary), no additional frequencies changes were needed. I informed tower I wish to complete the missed approach and then activate the flight plan to return the Manassas.

Once on course for Manassas, I began to get overwhelmed: too much information. I began missing altitude and frequency changes. The concept is easy. I was to get vectored back to Manassas. Without vectors, I would need to intercept V4-92 West of MANNE on the ARML VOR, proceed on the airway till MANNE (11 DME) and then proceed for 1.2 miles and then turn left to heading 163 to pick up the localizer for 16L at Manassas. However, this will never happen I always get vectored into DORGE intersection.

Things I learned:

Always write down the frequency changes and altitude changes. Keep a list to know what the last frequency if needed.

Listen carefully.

If you do not have ATIS when requested (such as the activation of the flight plan back Manassas after the the Missed Approach), then say 'Will Call Back when I have information from ATIS'.

On call back for a clearance delivery, listen for key words like Transition. I never got the MRB transition requested on the HEF to MRB flight plan. I was told to 'expect vectors to Martinsburg after Casanova'.

Listen for the word 'heading' vs. 'radial'. They are not the same.

Phraseology.

Filing Plan: "Requesting 4000, ASRLN2.MRB TRansition

Reverse Plan: "Requesting 5000, Direct to CSN, Direct to HEF"

The Clearance: "Expect Radar Vectors to MRB after CSN, Expect 4000' ten minutes. Frequency 124.65, Squak 4640".