Full report...
Arrived at the airfield having checked out the wind forecast. Expected to be 7kt from the N or NW so blowing across 27. Not really expecting anything really and not sure if we would do circuits or break off for a bit of nav. After last week, I checked the wind at height and it was blowing strong - circa 35kt at 3000 so I was expecting a bumpy ride once we were up whatever.
On arrival, the wind sock was barely moving, sky a glorious blue with the odd vapour trail.
CAA still not pulled their thumb out so couldn't take exams. Instructor advised that as the weather was so great and we'll possibly wait a long time to get the same again, if I was OK after a few circuits, he would hop out. Stress level through the roof, but if he's got faith in me, I guess I should too.
Flew 4 circuits - all reasonably OK. Wind very calm on the surface but a decent wind at 1000 so had to compensate in the circuit. Radio OK. Heights OK. Bit steep on the turn onto crosswind. Approach a bit high and overflew the centreline a couple of times but the landings all OK. So after 4, he calls the tower and I drop him off.
A nice little pep talk on what to remember, then off I go on my own.
I was incredibly nervous at this point. Nearly thought about bailing out if I'm honest. Mind went blank for a few seconds and I nearly just started to taxi without asking permission. But then, the training kicked in and I gave myself a virtual slap.
First radio call pre-fixed with 'student' - it felt good and natural and was the realisation that I needed that this was really happening and I had to get my act together. Nice taxi to A2. Even remembered to wiggle a bit (the aircraft, not me) to check the DI and turn indicator which I almost always have to be picked up on.
Vital checks, cleared to take-off and off we go. It did go up much better without the instructor as was promised and others have mentioned. Was at circuit height pretty much as I finished the turn onto crosswind so had a bit more time to get settled.
Onto downwind - I was the only one in the circuit so nice and quiet and I got my call in nice and early. Bit of BUMFILCH. Was plenty chilly so I left the carb heat out for a good length of time and had a nice look about.
Before I knew it, carb heat was out again (I've been forgetting that a few times so was pleased I remembered it) the turn onto base was upon me so round I went, then dumped all the power to be sure I got down OK. It seemed to hang for ages with only me in it.
Onto final, radio call done and now time to focus. 2 whites, 2 reds - first time in ages that was correct at this point so a good omen. I'd overshot the centreline so had to get back on track but it was all OK by the time I crossed the road. 3 reds so a bit of extra power needed, then down we go. Pulled it level, ballooned a bit but we got down safe and sound.
Rolled along the runway waiting for the controller to give me some instruction but he was busy on other calls. Continued to taxi and exited at C1 then stopped over the line and asked for permission to taxi. Apparently, that was the right thing to do as the controller had not acknowledged my landing or location.
Had a complete brain fart reading back the taxi instruction but got it OK on the second time.
So, taxi back to the flying school with another wiggle (me this time, not the aircraft), shutdown checks, handshakes and it all seemed a bit surreal. I've flown an aeroplane on my own and survived.
Very grateful to my instructor for getting me so well prepared. Once underway, it felt natural. Not polished by any stretch of the imagination, but achievable with some confidence and I owe a lot to him for that. Thanks also to all those on this forum who have contributed with tips and encouragement - it really is appreciated.
I was really pleased that I did my solo in G-BIMT as this was the aircraft that I did my trial lesson in on 20-7-2021 so it felt 'right' that I should do my first solo in this one too.
So, I now have a 'self' entry in my logbook with the singular Ex14 and a P1 entry.
Exactly 15 hours before I went solo. 14 lessons. 15h15m total now. Cheeks (facial) are hurting quite a lot now as I can't stop grinning like a gormless idiot