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2 Answers

Long Solo XC Nerves

Asked by: 2564 views Student Pilot

Hello - I'm a student pilot embarking on my long solo XCs this weekend.  I have to admit that starting recently, I'm getting really nervous about it.  I've done the circuit as dual multiple times - my CFI puts his seat all the way back, and only makes slight corrections (i.e. when I forget to lean for taxi for example) which seem to be minor.  But I'm questioning my abilities and I've developed a fear of flying solo in busy airspace (NJ for me) given the amount of radio calls I've missed.  I've read a bunch of Rod Machado's pieces on Pilot Demons - but I'm curious.  What did you do to combat your jitters?  

 

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2 Answers



  1. Mark Kolber on Sep 28, 2016

    I’ve been flying for more than 25 years and I still get the anticipatory jitters before flights into unknown situations. I think those concerns, if not carried to extremes, are not only natural, but a sign of thoughtfulness and competence.

    My answer, even when a student pilot embarking on a cross country was, to borrow a phrase, to “feel the fear and do it anyway.”

    Prepare as best you can, accept you are not perfect, and trust that in the solo cross country situation, your CFI is acting as a reality check backup.

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  2. CJ on Sep 28, 2016

    Thanks. I think that I annoy my CFI because I get really specific in my questions and he\’s more like “Dude don\’t overanalyze. You can fly the plane.”

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