Solo again

Yesterday I flew solo again for the second time.

After a couple of circuits that included demonstrating a go around my instructor jumped out and told me to do two touch and goes, then a full stop landing. I was surprised how comfortable I felt waiting at the holding point prior to take off, which I had plenty of time to ponder over because I was third in line out of 5, and there was heaps of traffic coming in! Once I got airbourne though everyone flew off and I had the runway to myself. I couldn't stifle the big grin on my face on downwind.

I have to get used to how differently the aircraft handles with only one person in it. Because it climbs so well, I keep getting 100 feet to high on the downwind leg - not a significant error, but ideally I'd like to be within 50 feet of where I'm supposed to be. Flying straight and level with less weight requires a lower nose attitude than I am used to. When I was making adjustments yesterday I kept pointing the nose lower and lower all the while thinking I was going to start descending. On the third lap around I managed to hold it ok.

All up not too bad of a performance. Once I get used to the quicker handling while solo I should be under control.