Alexis,
Thanks for the update. Let us know what you think when you get to fly the airplane this week.
Chris
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Thatās exactly right! It can be a shock day one but check back in with us after week 1 and month 1 and Iām sure youāll tell us how you adapted and got used to it!
Hannah
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Alexis,
We donāt kid when we say itās accelerated. 
Please keep us posted when you get the chance at how things are going. Always look forward to everyoneās experiences.
Brady
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Update:
Officially completed week 1 of ATP! The time went fast actually. So far Iāve been studying everyday and getting up super early for A block flights. I have a spot check tomorrow morning at 6:30am with my lead instructor to see where I am at progress wise. I had a TOLs sim today and I can tell my muscle memory is getting more developed and my flares need a little work (need to pull back more). I feel like I can actually do this! Everyday Iām putting in the work and my instructor compliments on my progress so thatās a big moral boost since the first week is overwhelming.
8.2hrs flight time.
Alexis Galvan
2 Likes
Alexis,
I am glad to hear that it is going well for you. The landings will come, it just takes time. Thank you for the update.
Chris
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Alexis,
Glad to hear youāre starting to find your groove and build some confidence! It sounds like youāre doing all the right things and people are noticing. Keep up the great work! Your solo will be here before you know it. 
Hannah
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Alexis,
Bravo! It seems that everyoneās first week goes by so quickly and itās true, youāre so focused on the process, adapting to the new environment and living the new journey that it does. Iāve been a fan of the early blocks, the air is stable, sometimes cooler in the summer heat, and not as busy out as many are not early birds.
As someone who believes the word āflareā should wait until youāre in a jet aircraft, the āroundout phaseā can be difficult for many as you start learning the landing craft. I would say if youāre feeling the need of pulling back more, too much and will result in a tail strike. I was a big follower in Jason Schappertās video series, utilizing some of his technique, tips, and DPEās advice, transition your eyes to the tree tops and feel the cushion of air below:
Brady
3 Likes
Update!
Just pass my TOL Eval! Now onto the solo prep phase, the eval was also yesterday but the winds increased passed my personal minimums and the lead instructor had to discontinue after 4 go around and 1 landing. However this morning we finished it up and SAT on 3 landings. Probably will start my solo prep training today if the winds are calmer than yesterday but anyways Iām proud of the hard work Iāve done so far and excited to be advancing into the program!
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Alexis,
Way to go! It seems those āflaresā have been working out for you.
Please keep us updated when you get the chance throughout the next phase of trainingā¦ itās exciting times!
Brady
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Brady,
Yes those āflaresā turned out to be my best ones during my eval. Also thanks for that video you suggested there, helped out quite a bit and Iāve been watching that YouTube channel since you suggested that and heās phenomenal!
Alexis
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Alexis,
Nice work. Keep us up to date on the solo.
Chris
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Chris,
I most definitely will!
Alexis
2 Likes
UPDATE!
Just passed my solo eval yesterday! I will now move on to solo TOLās tomorrow! The eval portion it self was not too bad, it was essentially a normal TOL Eval but I was taking 100% of the comms unless the instructor asked for a short approach to do a simulated engine out emergency. I already feel as the check ride is going to sneak up on me quickly and to be honest it has me nervous already. The oral portion of the Eval wasnāt the best, but it puts into perspective that I need more studying to do. Other than that Iām very excited for the future!
Alexis
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Congrats Alexis!
As for nerves, while some is normal, if you study hard you really shouldnāt be nervous. You say the oral was rough. Could you answer every question in the oral guide? If the answer is no or pretty much you should be nervous. I donāt believe in studying, I believe in OVER studying.
Adam
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Alexis,
Congrats on passing the Solo Eval! First Solo pictures are welcomed here, highly encouraged.
I recommend digging deep into the ASA Oral Exam Guide, ACS, and any other resources you can use to practice the oral. I know YouTube has a few mock checkrides, give one a listen/watch if you want - theyāre free resources.
Brady
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Adam,
Iāll definitely hit the books harder and over prepare, this was definitely needed for me to see where I am with actual ground knowledge and Iāll make sure to be ready for the check ride!
Brady,
Iāll definitely check them out and see if they have it at the local pilot shop near my airport and go over it later today! Thanks for the recommendations!
Alexis,
I would recommend buying any applicable for your training. Itās better to have them readily available, then not.
Brady
Alexis,
Nice work. I still get nervous before check rides, it is natural. The nerves will get better the more check rides you take. Knowledge and skill also helps to calm nerves so keep hitting those books.
Chris