Solo Practice 7/26/08

Flying is way too much fun! Today I went out for my second solo flight. I departed Bountiful and proceeded northbound to the practice area. I practiced my slow flight, power off and power on stalls, and ground reference maneuvers. After that I headed towards Weber Canyon to fly up on the majestic east side of the mountains. I got clearance and headed through Hill AFB's airspace up the canyon. There was a lot of turbulence! But I got up the canyon just fine and practiced a little more around the Morgan area. I then climbed to an altitude to pass over the mountain were I then headed back to the airport. To my surprise the traffic pattern was empty. So I set up for a 45 and did 8 landings, practicing short field procedures on some. They were all really good! I was happy! I then had to go see my house in Salt Lake from the air so I flew over the hill to go find it. I found the house and took in the area from a whole different perspective. I then went back to Bountiful where I heard my instructor on the radio with another student. We greeted each other and I set up for the 45. By this time the wind got stronger and had turned to a bit of a crosswind. I have had very little crosswind training so this was a new experience for me! But the landing was...fine (airplane still flyable), and I taxied over to the fuel pumps. After filling up I went and put the bird to rest in the hanger! I am so glad I am a pilot!