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Line Up and Wait
This morning I soloed in Cherokee (PA 28-161) at Republic (KFRG) in Farmingdale, NY. I am at 112 hours. 
You probably just made this face, right? 
I look at it as I have gotten lots of practice. Those of you who read and remember my earlier threads may remember that I had to take a SODA due to vision issue in one eye. I didn't think so at first but later realized that it affected my depth perception because I could not make consistent landings for the longest time. Then it seemed to all come together for me a couple of months ago. But my then CFI would not solo me for whatever reason; he didn't think I was ready. I felt ready for a while but it's not up to me. Finally, about 2 weeks ago, I decided to switch instructors. This is #4 for me, as my first two left for the regionals. Bad luck. (I also only flew once a week through most of my training. If I could make a suggestion to students, fly at least 2x per week. I have been doing that for the past month or so, and it does make a difference to have 3-4 days between flights instead of 7)
I had flown with my new CFI once before a few months ago as a sub. He told me then that I did well. After I switched to him full time, it took him 2 flights (last and this week) to sign me off for solo. He told me on Wednesday that I was ready to solo. We planned for today. For the past 3 days, I was so psyched that I had trouble sleeping. Last night, I went to bed at midnight for a 7am wake up, but i was up at 6:30. (and 2:30 and 4:30 before that).
The TAF yesterday showed very light winds, 5k ceiling and P6 visibility. And it turned out perfect today, switching between 4kn and calm winds, clear skies, and unlimited visibility.
My CFI and I went up and did one turn around the pattern, I made a nice landing, and we returned to the ramp. We went inside and he signed my log book and medical. Honestly, I wasn't nervous at all. I was antsy as I was taxiing and in the run-up because I had waited so long thinking I was ready.
My solo was very good except for one thing (which was a learning experience that I'll never repeat). I did 3 touch and goes on RWY 1. The first and third one were some of my best ever. My CFI actually told me the first one was a greaser, I didn't think it was that good. This runway is actually in front of my school, so he could see everything. The second one was a little bit off because as I got within about 75-100 feet off the ground, I drifted a little off center (there was a light 4kn cross-wind, 100 @ 4). I'll blame the wind but it was me forgetting to work the rudder.
The one learning experience was on my first downwind. I was in left traffic and somehow drifted into the final. I usually look back and use my DG to make sure I'm not encroaching on the final but let myself get really off track. I could blame the wind if there was any, but it was me. I got yelled at by ATC and learned a lesson. Probably will never let it happen again.
So that's it. Now, I'm hitting the books, websites, and youtube videos to get a head start on flight planning which we start in 3 days. If you are still awake reading this, thanks.
You probably just made this face, right? I look at it as I have gotten lots of practice. Those of you who read and remember my earlier threads may remember that I had to take a SODA due to vision issue in one eye. I didn't think so at first but later realized that it affected my depth perception because I could not make consistent landings for the longest time. Then it seemed to all come together for me a couple of months ago. But my then CFI would not solo me for whatever reason; he didn't think I was ready. I felt ready for a while but it's not up to me. Finally, about 2 weeks ago, I decided to switch instructors. This is #4 for me, as my first two left for the regionals. Bad luck. (I also only flew once a week through most of my training. If I could make a suggestion to students, fly at least 2x per week. I have been doing that for the past month or so, and it does make a difference to have 3-4 days between flights instead of 7) I had flown with my new CFI once before a few months ago as a sub. He told me then that I did well. After I switched to him full time, it took him 2 flights (last and this week) to sign me off for solo. He told me on Wednesday that I was ready to solo. We planned for today. For the past 3 days, I was so psyched that I had trouble sleeping. Last night, I went to bed at midnight for a 7am wake up, but i was up at 6:30. (and 2:30 and 4:30 before that).
The TAF yesterday showed very light winds, 5k ceiling and P6 visibility. And it turned out perfect today, switching between 4kn and calm winds, clear skies, and unlimited visibility.
My CFI and I went up and did one turn around the pattern, I made a nice landing, and we returned to the ramp. We went inside and he signed my log book and medical. Honestly, I wasn't nervous at all. I was antsy as I was taxiing and in the run-up because I had waited so long thinking I was ready.
My solo was very good except for one thing (which was a learning experience that I'll never repeat). I did 3 touch and goes on RWY 1. The first and third one were some of my best ever. My CFI actually told me the first one was a greaser, I didn't think it was that good. This runway is actually in front of my school, so he could see everything. The second one was a little bit off because as I got within about 75-100 feet off the ground, I drifted a little off center (there was a light 4kn cross-wind, 100 @ 4). I'll blame the wind but it was me forgetting to work the rudder.
The one learning experience was on my first downwind. I was in left traffic and somehow drifted into the final. I usually look back and use my DG to make sure I'm not encroaching on the final but let myself get really off track. I could blame the wind if there was any, but it was me. I got yelled at by ATC and learned a lesson. Probably will never let it happen again.
So that's it. Now, I'm hitting the books, websites, and youtube videos to get a head start on flight planning which we start in 3 days. If you are still awake reading this, thanks.
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