8-5-00
Piper Warrior
Solo Cross Country

    Strictly speaking, today's trip wasn't really a cross country because it was only about 34 miles. But I loved it all the same! Today I experienced for the first time the freedom I've heard other pilots talk about. When you do pattern work and landings you're always so busy you barely have time to look out the window for non-business purposes. But today as I flew from Monticello to Orange County Airport, I had a few minutes to do nothing but watch for traffic and look around. I was far enough ahead of the airplane that I could take the time to think, "Wow, here I am all alone a mile above the earth!" Great feeling, but I didn't allow myself much time for that luxury. When you get complacent, that's when you get killed.

    As for the flight itself, it was pretty good. The mistakes I made will be corrected with practice and experience. But it was mostly uneventful. I tracked the VOR with no trouble and had the airport in sight for a long time before I got there. I had a little trouble once I descended to pattern altitude for my entry. Once I got down to where I was supposed to be I lost sight of the runway behind a hill. Next time I'll take note of a landmark on the proper heading before I cut myself off like that. But it was no big deal and I entered the pattern and landed with no trouble. There was a moderate amount of traffic this morning. Just enough to keep it interesting, but not enough to make me nervous. I also got an advisory that there were some geese around the runway. So I watched for the geese, and fortunately for me they behaved themselves.

    I taxied around and took off again and made my way back to Monticello. Really enjoyed the return trip until I had trouble finding my airport! I still can't figure it out. I was right where I was supposed to be, with landmarks in sight, and I just couldn't find it! Had to climb a little and circle before I got it. Felt pretty silly to be able to find a relatively unfamiliar airport with no problem, and then have difficulty finding my own backyard!

    So I landed at home and then did a touch and go for one more landing. Very nice flight, but I'm going to have to really clamp down on myself about the navigation. If that happens at an unfamiliar airport I could be in some trouble.