Casey Wilson wrote:
I follow the camp that says tension is the culprit. I just recently
did a renter's check ride in a 172 at Camarillo, CA (CMA). The check pilot
(a CFI) had me do 3 T&Gs, in addition to the other stuff. They were okay,
but just okay. My personal gauge said they were not very good landings.
Later on in the day, I absolutely greased four in a row.... with the right
seat empty. I really think it had to do with trying too hard. Forcing the
skill, so to speak.

When training for the PP I usually always greased them when I was solo, no
so much when with an instructor. Even now, (with a commercial and multi-engine
rating) I still think my landings are alot better by myself Vs when I'm with
a safety pilot (or instructor) when I'm practicing instrument approaches.

I think its just a normal psyche-karma-thingy that causes my nerves to
operate at an elevated state when I feel like I'm being observed or "graded".
:^O Its just human nature.