After being delayed due to weather, I was able to get up in the air for my first solo flight to the practice area, today. The winds were out of the Southwest around 7 kts, which was my limit for solo takeoffs and landings. The crosswind was easy to negotiate.

I was quite nervous this afternoon thinking about this flight. I mean, I would be no where near our airport (yes 15nm feels like no where near) and would have to use everything I learned to make it to the practice area and back, safely. I figured I'd put my nervous energy to use and come up with a flight plan. I was to climb out, head NW and maintain 2750 feet. I'd pass through Taneytown on the way to Emmitsburg, then turn NE to Gettysburg, then SE to Littlestown, then SW to Taneytown, then go back to DMW. I figured what my course and headings should be with wind correction and determined that I'd be flying about 45nm total.

Takeoff was smooth and getting on course was easy. The winds aloft were 200@17 so I had to crab in order to stay on course. I found my checkpoints (towns) easily and successfully navigated the perimeter of the practice area. I used to get lost up there during dual instruction. Now that I know what all the landmarks look like from each corner of the practice area, I'll feel more comfortable the next time I go out by myself. I need to spend the time practicing maneuvers.

The landing was uneventful. Due to the crosswind, I elected to do a no-flap landing by carrying some speed down the runway and it wasn't bad at all. I was surprised to rack up .8 hours on this little trip around the practice area. I'm ready to do some real practice now!

I'm scheduled for: