Second Solo

Whoo hoo, I soloed a glider yesterday! Gene, trusting soul and incredible instructor that he is, entrusted SWS2-33A N5751S to me for solo flight at the Silver Creek Glider Club. I got a tow up to 3,000′ AGL and actually caught a bit of a thermal. That got me up to 3,500′ where I decided to spread my wings and fly around a bit, even if it meant not finding any more lift.

Indeed, I did not find any more significant lift (bits of teasers here and there) but I did enjoy the view on a partly sunny afternoon after a cold front swept through. The approach and landing were good. (That’s pilot speak for: “Both the airplane and the pilot were still in serviceable condition after landing.”)

The thrill felt the same as when I first soloed an airplane, Cessna 152 N5317P at Long Beach Airport in 1986.

Today’s weather is for even better soaring conditions. Gee… I think I’ll have to head back out to the gliderport.