7-19-00
Piper Warrior
Instructor: Long Tan

    It was overcast today, and I didn't expect to fly at all. Long and I were scheduled to go over cross-country planning. But he surprised me by saying that although it was cloudy, were were within VFR minimums with calm winds. So I gladly put away the maps and flight computer in favor of flying!

    As we have been doing lately in working up to the solo, we went to Sullivan County International to practice landings. Although I feel very confident on my approaches, the flare and touchdown phase is still giving me some trouble. Twice I bounced a landing, one time hard enough that I just powered up and went around without putting it back down. So I was a little upset with myself after a half dozen landings. But Long said although they weren't perfect, they were still pretty good. "We're just working on the nuances - trying to make them perfect," he said. And I did put down a few nice ones, so I guess he felt I was ready.

    After another landing he asked me if I was ready to solo. Despite the flare problems, I felt pretty good about things and was eager to do it. So Long had me taxi off and he gave me a few last instructions before getting out. I watched him latch the door and looked at the empty right seat. I felt ready, confident, and just a little nauseous.  I knew I could do it, and it was just a matter of getting it done.

    So I taxied out, stopped at the hold short line, and ran through my checklist. I made sure to go slow and methodically. This was not the time to forget to turn on the fuel pump. I even did a magneto check to make myself feel better. Announced my departure, and was glad that nobody was around. I had Sullivan County all to myself.

    I talked to myself a little bit as I took off, mostly reminding myself to just do it like I always did. And that's the way it went. Flew the pattern, began my approach, and made a pretty good landing. I was smiling as I taxied around to talk to Long. He came over to my window to ask me how it went. I said, "Piece o' cake!" So off I went to do a few more landings. They all went about the same. No problems, except for a slight soft bounce on my last one. Then I picked up Long and we went back to Monticello.

   I had wondered how I would feel after my first solo, but as with most other milestones in my life - it just feels... normal. I was ready, and I did it. On to the next thing. Okay, I AM smiling a little bit more than usual.