BlackBird, Fly

After exactly 2 months in the state. I got my first SOLO.

It's a long journey. It took me 27 years to get here. And I surely know the world will be different ever since.

28 Hrs of flying. Immature, but not naive. Safety first, and always learning.

I almost flew everyday if the weather permits. Of course there are sometimes without VMC(Visual Meteorological Conditions) which as a student pilot I have to stay on the ground. There's even one time that the weather lasted for a whole week. 

I've been slowed down. Frustrated by the crosswind, the timing for touchdown transition, and landing on the perfect centerline.

After all, I got it.

In aviation, never too rush. There's a plan for everything. Always the checklist.

Calm down, think before you act, and multi-tasking. What's more, keep practicing. 

"You're ready when you're ready." Said Michael Valencia, my instructor. 

I know my weaknesses and blind spots. Face it, fix it. 

" How do you feel? Can you land the airplane?"

" I think I can."

" No, there's no such thing as think. When you fly, only yes or no." Asked by Michael the other day before my SOLO. 

I didn't get my solo that day. He asked me to go back and rest and think about it.

That's what I did. 

Being a pilot is so much more than the skills only. And also some unique virtues I should respect and strictly follow. Honesty, judgement, and more.

By the way, never say you're ready when you're only 99.99999% prepared. Make 110% ready or even more.

Even a tiny flaw might get someone injured/killed and this will follow you the rest of your life. 

" How do you feel today?"

" I am ready."

" Get your logbook, I'm letting you go now. " Said Michael today morning when we're on the taxiway J.

 There's no surprise. I'm ready when I'm ready.