First solo cross country

The weather finally cooperated, and I did my solo x/c to Palm Springs (PSP) today. What a great flight! Got very organized, stayed very calm. Made two minor mistakes right away. First was that I took my hand off the throttle to write down the time off, and didn’t tighten the throttle lock. By the time I noticed it backing off, I was at about 50% power. No wonder the climb rate was so lousy. Next, I forgot to open my flight plan. Filed it, just never opened it. Since the plan was not to crash, no real harm done.

Headed direct to the Pomona VOR, then along the 10 freeway to just past Ontario. A bit south from there to Banning (BNG), and through the pass to PSP. There is a large area of windmills at the east end of the pass, so I thought that would be neat to see. It was, until I realized why they put them there – it’s ALWAYS windy in that area. Got thrown around a bit, but nothing too major. Made a nice landing at PSP and grabbed a bite to eat. The ride out was even more turbulent, as the days heat wore on. Once past BNG, it smoothed right out.

Great trip. Hit every checkpoint, was never lost for a second – even when ATC vectored me around some Ontario traffic. Times were right on (arrival was within 1 minute of plan!) and I felt in control at all times. Can’t wait to do another one. Kent suggested I head to Tehachapi for my next one – a small uncontrolled airport tucked away in some mountains near Mojave.

Getting close to finishing up now. I’ll take the written some time this week or early next week, and am still studying for the oral. As far as flying goes, I have the long x/c to do, 2.3 hours of hood time (including unusual attitude recovery – I’m sure Kent can hardly wait), and 6 more night landings to do. I need to practice soft and short field procedures a bit more, and some other maneuvers (turns around a point and S turns in particular) before I’ll feel ready for the checkride.