Flight Lesson 7/25/08 FIRST SOLO

I DID IT!!!!! The day I have been waiting for for 3 years. My solo was today. I got to the airport at 6:30 and used the POH to finish up my pre-solo test. I preflighted the aircraft and taxied out. My instructor finished up the demonstrated stalls and we went back and entered the pattern. After six touch and go's he told me to do one more full-stop and taxied to the hanger. He signed my logbook and asked if I was nervous. I said just excited and he got out and shut the door. I taxied back to the active and held short for landing traffic. The traffic landed and I made my first solo takeoff. I was alarmed at first because I have never seen the Cherokee climb this fast! I hit some nasty winds on crosswind but then got it under control. I flew the pattern and then turned final. I was on the glidepath making an excellent approach. Flew over the threshold and made a perfect landing, although slightly to the right of the centerline. Full power and on the go again for two more landings, which were perfect. After the third I taxied to the fuel pump to meet my instructor. He asked how I did and I said great! I told him I got a little worried with the gusts of wind on crosswind and he laughed and said they were better there than on final! I concurred and we fueled the plane. He told me to taxi it to the hanger while he walked over. I secured the plane and signed my logbook with my first pilot in command time. I cannot wipe the smile off my face! This is truly the best day of my life!