More Solo Work

Well, I was really beginning to think that I wasn't going to any solo work today. The winds have been strong over the last few days and I really expected it to continue. It seems to work out like this: To fly solo, I have to have 3,000 ceilings and 7 miles of visibility. I am allowed 15 knots of wind...so if it's not windy, the ceilings are low. If the ceilings are high, so are the winds. So anyway, as it worked out, ceilings were good and winds were about 10G14 and 15 on occasion. So, I got airborne and took the plane to the practice area...this was a first solo. I have to admit that I was enjoying the flying more than anything and didn't practice too many maneuvers. Some turns around a point and some s-turns which were not looking real good. I could hear my instructor squawking in my ear "more bank!!! NO too MUCH!!! Dammit...NO!!! MORE....NO LESS!!!!" but oddly enough he wasn't there. So after some of that, I cruised back to the pattern to join 3 other planes (which then was 4 other planes...that is the busiest I have seen it yet at my primary field). I did 5 touch and goes that were "not too bad" and then a full stop when the winds started kicking pretty good. All in all, a fun time and quite enjoyable.

My next flight is going to be at the towered field down the road. I have flown there a couple times, but I guess it is time to get in the three take offs and landings at a controlled field that are required for the checkride. Also, looking at the syllabus, I will start the cross-countries real quick. As scheduled, I have Thursdays flight, then a night flight then the two cross country with my instructor. After that (if I haven't sucked royally) I have 3 solo cross countries and then start my checkride prep. That should be 3 or 4 rides....again, as scheduled. I am getting pretty excited as the end seems to be coming in sight. Perhaps having my PPL in hand by 31 July is not an unrealistic goal!!! Of course, this is BEFORE I try to get my CFI to schedule the night flights!!!

OK, time fora quick nap before my venture across town for school. Man, I am beat!!!