The "S" Word

I've wrapped up my week of flight training; I have flown seven of the last eight days. I now have over 30 landings under my belt in the Zodiac, and they are no longer the mildly terrifying events they were the first few times. Now they are fun, and each one is a challenge to make the best approach and touchdown I can. I've gotten much better at them, and I can usually hold off on touchdown until I make it nice and gentle. The only issue I still have is that I occasionally still "plop" the nosewheel down after touchdown, but I'm getting better.

In the last couple of lessons we've also added radio communications with air traffic control (ATC) and other aircraft into the mix. Previously Eric had handled all the radio calls while I flew. I had spent a lot of time preparing for this, reading books and articles on proper communications requirements and etiquette. I was really nervous about talking on the radio, but after doing it for a couple of flights, I find to my surprise I actually enjoy the radio work. I'm not sure why, but it's kind of fun to talk to people when you're flying and let them know what you're up to.

So now Eric is using the "S" word: SOLO. That means making three circuits around the pattern, including three takeoffs and landings...by myself. This propect is both exciting and mildly terrifying. I'm pretty sure I can get the plane on the ground okay, but if I forget something or something goes wrong, there is nobody there to save my bacon. Once the wheels lift off, the plane will not get back on the ground safely unless I get it there.

The plan seems to be for me to solo during the next lesson where the weather permits and Eric sees me make at least three good landings with him first. Wish me luck!