Today was one of the big milestones. I finally flew my Long X-country. Started at Gulfport, MS; to downtown Moblie, AL; then on to Gulf Shores, and back to Gulfport. It involved a lot of Radio operations (Gulfport, Mobile and Pensacola approach/departure, as well as towered and non towered operations. Tracked using Pilotage, VOR radials and VOR triangulation for some waypoints. Altitudes of 5500, 3500 and 4500. 175 Statute miles total. It went pretty well considering how BUSY I was in the cockpit what with the flight plan, calculations and radios. I was a bit frazzled, so my landings were a bit less than I have been doing recently, but nonetheless, I DID IT!! It'll will take a lot more flying for it to become real second nature, but I AM glad to see it all pull together. 2.6 hours on the hobbs (NASTY HEADWIND on the way back) I made it back home and promptly CRASHED and BURNED on the couch!!! Its all review and polishing from here on. I'll be glad to get the PPL under my belt and get back to some NORMAL life again!! (it DOES become NORMAL doesn't it????)
-- Glenn Martin KR2 N1333A EAA479 Biloxi MS
