Best Life Experience #2

Flying an airplane by myself was hands down the most rewarding experience I'll probably ever have.  However, what's the point of flying an airplane by yourself if you can't leave your home airport or its close vicinity?  Today began the best part, second to my first solo: solo cross-countries.

Everything I learned up to today came into full effect today.  I had to judge the weather, plan my route, and control the airplane, all while being outside of the comfort zone of Cville airport.  I did the same route as my first cross country, flying to Lynchburg, landing, then flying to Farmville, landing, then back to Cville.  Everything en-route, from finding my heading, setting up VOR, and contacting different approaches and towers, all while just trying to fly and land the darn flying machine safely, was up to me.

So, how'd it go?  Pretty darn well!  I only had a couple of minor blips that I was able to correct quickly and all of my communication with the various controllers, which I was most nervous about, went smoothly.  I realized that the various controllers and all the systems aren't actually complex, and they tell you anything and everything you need to do, and as long as I'm prepared for whatever they're telling me, it goes swimmingly.  Winds were all over the place though, which made for a slightly bumpy ride..poo!
When I landed, I found out my instructor had been tracking my flight (if a plane has flight following, it can be tracked at http://flightaware.com/live/ .  When a plane is in the air, you can search by the tail number, type, and origin/destination airport).  Slightly comforting...

I also got the chance to be cleared to solo in the 172s.  For every aircraft type I want to fly I have to be cleared by an instructor to fly it, which means at least 5 solid take offs and landings.  Since I flew the older 172 awhile back and learned to land it, and have flown the newer 172 a few times recently, knocking out the review was easy.  My instructor signed me off to solo in the 172s, so bigger and better solo cross countries can commence.

All in all, amazing experience.  It was both rewarding and liberating, and is one more notch in the confidence levels.  Tuggin on the leash a bit more everyday!