Thanks for the feedback. Having read all the replies, I need to clarify a
couple of points.

I mentioned that "there were clouds everywhere!" This was not one humongous
cloud but several scattered/broken. I could see land to my left and right
and also past the clouds. My dilemma was whether or not I could go below
the clouds and maintain minimums and also remain safe (would rather not fly
into any power lines, towers, etc.) I also mentioned that "the MEF for this
quadrant is 2200 feet" and "the clouds were about 2300 feet". BTW, I did
check with ASOS/AWOS throughout the flight. The forecast was indeed
different from what I experienced on my return flight to 3A1. My CFI would
not have let me fly if he didn't feel I was prepared and could handle the
situation. I also mentioned that I talked with Huntsville Center and
informed them of my intentions as a safety precaution (I did file a flight
plan prior to departing 3A1). Flying VFR over the top, in my opinion, was
the best solution at the time as opposed to getting below 2200 feet and
crashing into something. I'm sure there will be some disagreements to that
statement.

Again, thanks for all the advice, comments, and constructive criticism. All
are welcomed and appreciated.


--
CareBear


"CareBear" wrote in message
...
Well, I did my second solo xc today. I went from 3A1 (Cullman, AL) to RMG
(Rome, GA), then to CHA (Chattanooga, TN), and back to 3A1.

I was supposed to depart at 8:00am CDT but had to wait until the ceilings
changed for the better. So I did not leave until 11:30am CDT. I had
asked my CFI if he thought I should fly another time and he replied with
something along the lines of how do YOU feel about it? Since I was anxious
to fly, I told him I felt good about it and I was heading out. (Looks
like he smiled but I can't be really sure).

The trip to RMG went rather smooth. There were no issues except I kinda
botched the landing a little since the winds were high. BTW, my school
still wants the logbook signed. (I guess they want to make sure the
students actually land).

Going to CHA was an "interesting" flight. The winds on this flight had me
really going bump, bump, bump. I was getting thrown around like there was
no tomorrow . After landing at CHA and getting my logbook signed, I
headed back to 3A1. This was a 94nm flight. About 40 nm from 3A1, I
really had an experience. There were clouds everywhere! The MEF for this
quadrant is 2200 feet. So now I got to make a decision since the clouds
were about 2300 feet. I decided to go above the clouds. I talked to
Huntsville Center and informed them of my intentions. They had no problem
with my decision but cautioned me to get below the clouds when I see land
again. I was above the clouds about 10 minutes although it seemed like
forever! I got below the clouds about 25 miles from 3A1. Boy was I
relieved. After landing and tying down the plane, I went and completed my
paperwork and logbook.

Thinking back over the day, I really feel good about this xc, even with
the difficulties that existed. I think these type of events will make me
a better pilot

--
CareBear