Flying Lesson 19 ==> 150 Mile + Solo Cross Country

After somewhat of an unwanted break between lessons due to weather. I had another solo cross country flight planned. This one exceeded 150 miles and had full stops planned at two other airports including Bradford county airport (N27) and Penn Valley airport (SEG) in Selinsgrove. The actual nautical mileage plotted out on the map is more like 170 nautical miles. Some turbulent air and variable winds I think made the trip longer than that in reality. I departed at 2:15 PM and would not return until approximately 5:30. The Bradford county airport was crowded with planes landing and departing and I actually had to wait quite some time in line to take off again. I incorporated pilotage and the use of landmarks while on this flight and I also used various VOR's on the legs at times. I like the VOR system probably because it's so simplistic, but I can see down the road the use of GPS will overtake it. Modern technology has a wasy of doing that.

As for staying on course, I had no problem with that. The use of the VOR's made it easy. The air was clear and cool, with some turbulence at times but visibility was forever. The leaves have partially changed color and the lanscape of northern Pennsylvania below is quite a site to behold. As I approched Bradford County airport I actually had to wait for quite a few others to complete their radio calls.This was an obvious sign of multiple aircraft ahead. This makes me a bit nervous but I have to get over it. My radio calls actually seem to require plenty of thought before I get on the radio. I am hoping this will subside as I get more radio practice. It seems like you can tell an experienced pilot by his radio skills.

I landed at Penn Valley as planned after using the Williamsport VOR followed by the Selinsgrove VOR. This leg of the journey went well. After a full stop, I proceeded to return to my home airport using pilotage alone. I had done this leg of the flight before and I had already memorized my landmarks. I enjoyed a slow cruise home taking in all the scenery as I flew along my route. I tied down the plane and headed for home. Another milestone in my flight training was complete and now I wait for my next step.