Yesterday I did my first solo flight, man what an awesome feeling! I was on cloud nine the whole day long.
I've had my solo endorsements for a while now but had yet to get out there and get it done. The weather here in Arizona was the biggest factor, then scheduling.
My instructor and I met at 5:30 AM and we did our preflight. Now for a little twist, the control tower doesn't open until 6:00 AM, so until then, the field is uncontrolled. Here in AZ during the summer months, most people try to get their training done real early in the morning as to avoid the summer heat. So by this time the field is abuzz with traffic. With a little coaching from my instructor, we did our first lap in the pattern with a full stop just so my instructor knows I'm up for my solo. We taxi back to the FBO and he hops out and off I go. Thankfully, by this time the Tower is open again and that is one less thing to worry about.
At first, it was a surreal feeling, almost a bit frightening. After a few seconds of regaining my focus, everything I did seemed to happen naturally. I taxied to the run up area to double check my mags and got in line for take off. There was a bit of delay before my takeoff due to two other planes on final. I'm instructed to taxi into position and hold onto runway 4R as the second plane clears the runway.
The clearance for takeoff is given and I apply full throttle. The mighty 172 that I'm flying accellerates nicely down the runway with just minute rudder adjustments to keep her down the centerline. I rotate at just over 55 kias and climbed out to 2200 ft TPA. I enter left traffic and transition over to 4L. There are 3 other planes in the pattern with me so I keep a watchful eye out for them.
As I turn final from base I realize that the picture I am seeing is completely different from what I am used to seeing because I have only landed in this direction one other time, all other times I have been using 22L/R. I focus on keeping my airspeed correct and aim for the numbers. My first landing I'll rate as good. Just a little float in ground effect and a nice touchdown. The second of my landings was the best one. Almost a greaser, little to no float and soft touchdown.
The third landing was different though. By this time the wind was picking up and I definitely notice it on final. The nose is pointed to the right of centerline, so a little rudder imput is needed. Touchdown was good but then the right main came up off the ground. I apply right aileron and that does the trick and off I go again this time for a full stop. My final landing to full stop was good. I taxied back toward the FBO and I'm met with a line of departures about six deep. So I sit there waiting for my turn to taxi past the departure end of the runway and I soak in all that has taken place. It has been a good flight and the one I'll never forget.
Al
