Lesson 11 - Review and Pre-Solo Prep

Flight Time: 2.1 hours
Total Time: 15.2 hours

Ed told me that today was going to be about review of everything we've gone over previously in preparation for my first solo flight.

We took off on the south departure and then turned towards Vashon Island, where we were planning to turn south to go around Sea-Tac and head to Tacoma. The weather report said that we'd have more than enough ceiling, but once we got over the sound, it was clear that ceilings were only at 1500 feet - too low to stay in the pattern at Tacoma. Everything looked clear to the east (near where we flew last time), so Ed had me circle Vashon Island while he radioed Sea-Tac for permission to cross over in Class B airspace. I've posted a few images of the flyover below.

Sea-Tac International Flyover

We stayed up for over two hours - my longest flight to date. We finished the day with a few touch-and-goes at KBFI, and practiced forward slips, something I've practiced plenty of times at higher altitudes, but rarely on final approach.

Overall it was a good flight, and I'm feeling more at ease with everything we've been practicing. After the flight, Ed told me that he thought I was progressing well, and said that he thought I was ready to solo. We made plans for next weekend, and if the weather cooperates, I'll be taking my first solo flight.

Google Earth Track of Today's Flight