Triple F - you've had quite a year with many achievements - many congratulations.
Aerbabe - considering you've no income as a student, that's a marvellous achievement. Very well done.
My list is;
1) passed three ground exams between Jan and March (plus two others at the end of the previous year)
2) went to Florida on 13 April 02 to start lessons
3) first solo after 12 hrs - about a week later
4) passed QXC and remaining ground exams a week later
5) managed to cope with engine failure on last practice before final check ride prior to GFT (coaxed the 152 down onto first available runway at Winter Haven)
6) did ok (but not great) on check ride late that same afternoon
7) passed skills test 7th May 2002, despite making a complete hash of my initial heading (wrote down the WRONG bl**dy number on the flight log in planning..... doh!).
8) got PPL ticket through the post and had a few extra 'lessons'/check ride with local club to get used to (very) short field grass landings.
9) have mainly poodled around the area since (a couple of scenic flights over Derbyshire with Mrs Big and my boss).
10) did my first UK land-away at Norwich on 12th October (picked up mother to bring her back to Derbyshire for the weekend).
Haven't flown since. Four cancellations due to wx (aaarrrggh!) and one (yesterday) due to Bronchitis, but the weather would have meant cancelling again anyway....
Plans for next year mainly consist of:
a) hours consolidation and getting back into practice.
b) would like to try out a PA28 or C172 (have only flown two-seaters so far).
c) hope to fly down to Blackbushe to see a friend who is also learning to fly (Hi Des, if you're reading this.....)
Had hoped to plan a weekend flying trip to the Channel Isles with aforementioned flying buddy but I guess this depends on whether (sorry - WHEN) - he passes and whether I feel confident enough to tackle this in six months time....
A bit early I know, but warm Christmas wishes to all PPruners, especially those who frequent the Private Flying forum...