Got a bit too detailed on that reply. Cessna 172SP, June 7, 2007. Took me forever to get the license, March 14, 2008. Instrument rating was June 3, 2010.
On my first solo, first landing approach, a coyote darted across the runway just as I was cutting power. Glad he/she was quick, I had no idea what to do. Undoubtedly an omen. On the second landing approach, I failed to correct for crosswind, and was rapidly drifting left off the runway, sort of looking at the grass and thinking that this was not in The Plan. Hit the throttle, watched the speed, gradually reduced the flaps and climbed out on a very nice missed approach (or go-around, whatever it's properly called). By the time I came around for the second shot at the second landing, the staff people had revived my flight instructor, who appeared sleepily pleased when I managed the third landing without incident. I have the picture he drew on my shirt framed in my office (but I don't know how to post photos here any more).
Sort of the way I've flown ever since, both IRL and here in AH.
- oldman
