Completing the Flight and Learning Lessons
At 13:28 in
First Solo Flight! Mountain Flying! I was AFRAID! Here's what I did wrong!
What happens here
The pilot recounts the relief of finally getting his altimeter and heading indicator set correctly and receiving a flight following. Despite the prior errors, he managed to find the beautiful lake (known to him and on the map) and the correct airport (VJI - Abingdon, Virginia). He landed, taxied back up the runway, performed quick checks (this time ensuring all gauges were correct), and took off again for Ashe County, which was in a different direction. After a landing there, he took another deep breath and began the return flight to Air Harbor Airport (W88), which he successfully landed with a "butter" landing. He reflects on the exhausting yet educational experience, acknowledging that every flight offers new lessons.
Goal: Successfully navigate to and from multiple airports, land safely, and reflect on the overall learning experience.
Tools and materials
- Air Traffic Control — Re-establishing flight following for the return journey
- Aircraft — Completing the final legs of the cross-country flight and landing at the home airport
- Altimeter N/A — Ensuring accurate altitude readings after corrections
- Heading Indicator N/A — Ensuring correct directional information after corrections