I'm a low time private pilot, 65 hours. I'm always running through situations in my head of what could go wrong, but there were only two times I felt what I would call fear. Not panic, just fear. One I was doing a blind take off under the hood with my CFI. I knew he was there, but man was that an eye opening (or closed?
) experience. Second my latest cross country to KPDK in our clubs 172. I left KDPK around 9:30, well past sunset. After departing I was mesmerized by how beautiful all the city lights were on climb out. Then it hit me I have no freaking clue where I would put down the airplane if I lost the engine. I had a quick 10 seconds of horrible thoughts running through my head, then realized there is nothing I could do about it. I decided to get to I-85 as quick as I could to have a possible emergency landing spot and stay focused and vigilant. Ended up being one of the most enjoyable flights I've had.