First XC Solo!
Posted Feb 8, 2019, 4:11 AM UTC
12418
I got lost on my first cross country solo
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Rip
I'm planning my cross country now, I've got a GPS equiped tablet to take with me because I already know I'm super prone to getting lost. If we were still using maps and compass I'd be screwed
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I have to say, the tablet with a stratux/stratus is awesome! After my checkride on the way home there was light rain around the area, was able to use the radar images on the tablet to fly around the little areas of rain and stay well out of their way. I probably wouldn't have flow home if I didn't have it and I was ready to turn back if I needed to. There were plenty of airstrips on the way home so in case I needed to land fast to avoid bad weather that was easy too.
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I heard a story from my dad about a student who got lost, flying out of Winnipeg. So he just kept flying hoping he’d see a highway or something. Eventually he had to land in a field due to low fuel, turns out he had flown south into the US. He had to spend many hours being questioned by border security.
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last time I took a picture during a solo my instructor saw it on instagram and yelled at me "HANDS AT 10 & 4" so I'll remind you to keep one hand on the yoke and the other on the throttle. anyway, great pic!
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you keep your hand on the throttle in cruise for 50+ nm?
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Yeah, nah. Once you are high enough and flying in a straight line for a hour and you are POSITIVE no traffic is around, no harm in a quick pic. Just dont spend the whole time on your phone lol, flying comes 1st
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Freedom!
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Congratulations! I got my PP and am working on my IR in Florida, but I go out to LaVerne often to train with my CFI out there. Flying solo XC out there is no joke! If you’re ever in the area, stop at Bracket (KPOC)! It’s an amazing airport. If you ever need training there, ask for Patrick at Global Aviators! He’s the best CFI there ever was or will be! CONGRATS!
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You have to have your wits about ya! Thanks for the rec! I haven't been on that side of the Angeles Forest yet. Did a dual-XC up to Zamperini field following the coastline, but am a little nervous to get involved with the airspace further inland!! It's on my to-do list, including transitioning that class B airspace.
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same here, Go for Patrick!
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No love for the lake Matthews practice area there in the distance?
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I’m thinking that was Diamond Valley Lake since I flew over lake Matthews! Definitely played some dodgeball over the practice area though :)
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You know what that is diamond valley, my bad
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Nice. Looks awesome. My next flight is my Solo XC. Looking forward to it once the weather cooperates here in DC
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Completed my first XC solo today from Carlsbad to Chino! There were a ton of people flying/training today since it’s been cloudy and rainy for a few weeks, which resulted in lots of climb, descend, turn right, turn left, traffic at you 11,12,1,2...I guess LA traffic is the same on the ground and in the air!
First landing was with a tail wind and bounced it, second landing had a huge gust push me up right before touch down. Back is a bit sore but my spirits are soaring! Also snagged this great picture capturing the snowy San Bernardino mountains in the background.
Beautiful! I flew the coast route from FUL -> CRQ at dusk in December and it was one of the most beautiful flights I've yet had. So Cal flying is awesome!
Agreed!!