Naw a 172.

Congrats man! That's definitely one of the best feelings you will ever have.

I got my private about 7 years ago at KCLW there in Clearwater about 30 minutes from you. There is definitely a lot of great flying around there so take advantage of it while you can.

If you can, try and take one of your cross-countries up to Cedar Key (KCDK). It's about 75mi north of Clearwater right on the west coast. It's a small island town with an airstrip on it with absolutely nothing around the island for miles. After you land or prior to landing request a ride into town over the radio and an old checker cab will pick you up and take you in to town where you can get some lunch. Keep in mind it's only an airstrip with no FBO/gas/etc.

By the way what career route are you hoping to take and are you still in high school(If so which one? I graduated from CCC in Clearwater)? I started flying back in my sophomore year in high school and I took the military route. If you have any questions about how to become a military aviator please feel free to ask. Good luck!

I thought I was subscribed to my own thread by default. So, i missed some questions. Thanks for the kind words.

I solo'd in a brand new Evektor Light Sport. A fun plane to fly around in. It has a glass cockpit, but is not instrument approved. As a matter of fact there is no NAV radios in it.

No one cut off my shirt. I even wore a shirt that I didn't mind getting cut. My solo was met with a "whoopie" from the receptionsits and line guy that were behind the counter when I came back.

I am 39 and haven't figured out if I want a career in flying. I would like to. But, I have a little too mch debt to income ratio right now. I am an Internet Developer making some good money, but bored stiff.

My love for flying has always been with me.. just didn't have the time to do anything about it... and the money was always spent on something else. I spent 12 years in the AF as a special weapons team chief.

I went up a few days ago by myself for the first to the practice area just north of VDF. I spent almost 2 hours just flying around making turn after turn. I fell in love with flying all over again.

I have my first XC planned with my instructor this weekend. We are flying to KLEE. I picked it because it is a straight shot with no airpspace in between. I will have plenty of time to fly airspace later. I plan on getting my instrument next.

Thanks again for all the posts.
Rob

I kept wanting to turn over and say something. But, I could see him standing on the taxiway 1000' down. He told me afterwards how bad he had to pee standing out there waiting for me. I slowed my downwind down to a crawl just to prolong the moment. Poor guy.