Tony Cox wrote:
"W P Dixon" wrote in message
ups.com...
Hi Gang!,
Sorry I don't get to check in much on the group, I just find going
through google to be a PITA! Did want to let everyone know that though
the training has been going pretty slow(flew the Cub 3 hours in April).
Finally went and put in 4 hours weekend before last and flew again on
Thursday...and got surprised! My first solo!

Congrats!

My first landing was pretty dern ugly to say the least but figured
out the errors and made corrections and the last two were very nice.
Big difference in how the Cub felt with a CFI in the front versus the
lighter load. So I had the first landing ..a close groundloop! HAHA A
nice wheel landing for the second and a nice stall landing for the
third. All in 10-12 k crosswinds.

Isn't there a limitation on winds for first solo? I seem
to remember its 10knots with a crosswind component
5 knots. Or am I just remembering the limitations imposed
by the flying club I used to be a member of?

Anyway, 10-12k crosswind in a taildragger for one's first
solo is quite impressive. I'm sure your feet were dancing.
Well done!


Thanks Guys!,
Tony the place I was flying at in Ohio had a 5 knot rule for first
solo..and it seemed it cheated me a few times from my first solo! I
really am not sure about an official rule on the matter. I did have
alot of 15-20 k time with an instructor and I guess my CFI knew I could
handle it. The confidence he showed in me definitely made me have the
confidence in myself if that makes any sense.
I do agree with Larry to fly as much and as close together as you can
to save money...dreadfully it has not been in the cards. I have over 30
hours now and have covered a good deal. I feel I am getting alot more
than the sport pilot cram courses. But I do hope to get it finished
soon! Goal is to have this completed and Airframes cert done by the end
of the year. Powerplants school will come next! Somewhere in the moves
I have lost some powerplant OJT so it's either start over or go to
school. School will be faster and I can get alittle degree ! Yeah my
thought really is BIG WOOOO! HAHA But the girlfriend really likes the
idea.
Somehow I don't think my Aviation Maint AS meets with her two
engineering degrees! HAHA But your right Larry she seems to really be
supportive of my love of aviation. She even likes to go over all my
aircraft blueprints !!! And is interested!!!!! Must be the engineer in
her, but I do think she just may be a keeper. She actually likes the
idea of me building an airplane and us flying places for the weekend
and such. What more can ya ask for?????
John Smith you will have to send me some pics of the new Champ! I
bet it's an awesome bird with the 100 hp on it. I'm keeping my fingers
crossed for the Cub drawing in North Dakota! HAHAHA If I win it I will
swing by and we'll grab some lunch on my return trip from ND! Still
looking for a Luscombe project as well...keep your eyes peeled for me.
The Volksplane is on hold for awhile but my girl and I have about
decided to build the Freebird tandam seat and register as E-LSA
...figure there is more resale value with it as you don't make any money
off the VP.

Patrick
aircraft structural mech
student SP