Posts Tagged ‘solo 2’
EARNING MY WINGS (PART 8)
I haven’t written a blog in some time, and that really goes to show I’ve been busily trying to finish up my private pilot. A few weeks ago I was studying fanatically for my written test. Not being one who likes to “have my head in the books” (I learn better by doing), I pushed myself to put in the time to study. It paid off, because I easily passed, which was a huge relief to me. It seemed at the time just before the test that it would be the biggest step in my path to becoming a pilot. (I understand that would not be the case for everyone, but for me, takings tests is nerve-wrecking and makes me entirely anxious.) But now that it’s done, I realize it wasn’t the hardest step.
Now I’m of the opinion that my solo cross country is going to be the big one. But wait a minute! Wasn’t my first solo supposed to be the big one? What I’m getting at here is that I’ve discovered that the path of becoming a pilot has challenges the entire journey – once I got over the hump of my solo, I then had the written test hump. Now that I’ve done the written test, I’ve got the solo cross-country. So, I can now see that once I’ve done the solo-cross country, it will then be the check ride and oral that will likely give me a few sleepless nights. And after that, well, after that I have my license to get out there and REALLY learn how to fly! I just need to relax and enjoy the feeling of achieving my goals.
So in a few weeks, I’m hoping to be ready for my check ride. This is what’s left:
DUAL NIGHT X-COUNTRY
LOCAL SOLO TIME 4 HOURS
SOLO 50 MILE X-COUNTRY
SOLO 2 STOP 150 MILE TOTAL X-COUNTRY
CHECK RIDE PREP 3 HOURS
Am I still anxious about any of this? Yeah, but my past accomplishments help me every day. There really is no better feeling than that of accomplishment. It is a motivator and a confidence builder, and with the highs and lows of learning to fly, it is as satisfying as clear blue skies.
One more noteworthy comment: having a great instructor helps. Kirk has been invaluable in my progress. He has pushed me when I’ve needed to be pushed, been patient when I’ve stumbled on the radio, praised me when I’ve done a great landing, and slapped my hand when I’ve taxied too fast! Thanks Kirk. I promise to slow down for my check ride!
“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the procedure , the process is its own reward. “ Amelia Earhart
