My Second Solo X-Country

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