I’ll share a wacky one about me and nerves. As most people do I would get a little apprehensive before checkrides, recurrent, etc. As I’ve said I’m a big fan of being over prepared and the nerves inspired me to study hard. Since I’ve been doing this a while and since I’m a check airman I know my stuff pretty well so obviously the anxiety has pretty much disappeared. Problem is the nerves were part of my process so now I need to get nervous that I’m not nervous to prompt me to study.
Yes, I know I’m a little strange but hey, whatever works.
I think what Adam is getting at, nerves are a good thing! It means you care and you’ll use them to motivate you to study. I agree with what the others have said though.
I was a student athlete in college and part of training was not only the physical preparation but the mental preparation for race day. Day after day when our bodies and minds were tested we were building the foundation for success. Then when it came to race day, my coach would have one brief pre-race line: trust your training.
Thanks for sharing all of your stories, I really appreciate it!
Also update: my solo had to be pushed back a day since the winds were not in my favor. So it was rescheduled for today at 6:30am! I’ll update as soon as I can!
Just did my solo and it was surreal. I did very well and I’m very proud of my self! I will remember today for the rest of my life! Will be doing more of solo TOLs but afterwards is cross country.
Just flew my first dual cross country yesterday and I had a good time, it was also a humbling experience for me since I’m still obviously a student pilot, getting VFR flight following with SoCal TRACON was a whole new world for me. Even when my flight instructor practiced with me on what to say in the simulator, in the moment it was like I didn’t know what to say. I got the hang of it towards to the last quarter of the flight but wow it was busy and I’m glad I got to experience it and now I’m prepared today!
It goes without saying that cockpit management is a whole new under rated skill I need to learn on the fly as well, I only have 1 kneeboard for only my iPad and now I need to buy a second one for actual paper. Other than that it was a blast and I’m so excited for today to show I improved!
I can only imagine what its like to experience SoCal TRACON as a student pilot, I was fortunate to deal with Philadelphia’s controllers who were very accommodating as well. Congrats on getting up solely on your cross-countries! These fights you will remember for a lifetime.
My first flight was out of KCRQ! I have very fond memories there. I’m glad to hear how much you enjoyed and learned from your first cross country. Don’t worry, you’ll get hundreds more hours of practice over the course of your training and time building!
You’re right though, having a blank sheet of paper and quick access to a pen can help a lot in the cockpit. There are a lot of great duo-kneeboard options you can shop for. Or just go the old fashioned way with a clipboard with a velcro strap on one knee and the iPad on the other!
Passed my solo xc eval! Will solo tomorrow morning! I’m so excited to finally leave the airspace as a solo student. A lot of students here say that’s when you actually feel like a pilot. The questions in the oral this time felt pretty easy but I have been hitting the books hard this time and will keep it up!
The solo went great! It was pretty uneventful which is good! There was a convective outlook at my last destination before heading back so there was moderate turbulence on the way but other than that I’m glad I got to experience this, something I’ll never forget. I was only able to experience this because I worked hard to get to this point so far and not slowing down! Also I wanted to take pictures but I thought it was against policy to get pictures? I could be wrong though.
