Long solo cross-country (XC). Oakland --> SAC --> STS --> OAK. - 9/22/2002

Sunday, 9/22
1658F
Hobbs: 2.3
Long Solo XC

OAK->SAC->STS->OAK
10am-1pm.


This was one of the greatest flights to date. Following the Modesto solo XC, this was a 2nd in a row experience
of new things and new places. My routes were all direct, and the leg from SAC to STS would be completely new to me.

Starting off: the morning went really well - fog burning off before 10am, signed off by CFI David at OakFlyers,
preflight for 1658F smooth & careful/slow as always.

Started up 1658F, got ATIS, taxiid to 27L east runup, and everything was good.
Took off for SAC w/flight following, and the winds over the east-bay-hills range seemed way off from
the aloft forecast (ok, I wasn't at 3k/6k yet :). Should have been lined up about 3nm right of CCR, but
instead was 2nm to the left. Corrected my course to get right back on the line. Next came the river,
then abeam Rio Vista Apt (never saw Travis off to my left about 8nm). Already had the Sacramento aquaduct
in-sight, but the panel-GPS was giving me strange nav readings. Looked at the world, the chart, and also
had the (offset from the airport) SAC-VOR telling me that I was right on course. Finally saw SAC and
requested freq change from Sierra Appch.

Did a good full-stop at SAC, and taxiid back to the runup for 20 (long runway). Called tower and said something like:
"looks like I'm number 3" as there were two in front of me. He said quite clearly: "you're the first to call me - taxi and hold",
but I wasn't in a comfortable position to taxi past the other two, so waited for one of them... learning!
I was the second to take off after a shiny metal, twin-rudder plane...

Took off on the 'unknown' leg from SAC to STS. This would take me over a 2000' range, and lake berryessa.
Thru the valley, I flew abeam UC-Davis and it's water towers, and the woodlands/hw-80 interchange (a checkpoint actually),
and finally saw the town of Winters and it's highway checkpoint.

And then... hmmm those ridges look pretty menacing! Looked outside/chart/repeat... and the chart looked like 2000' was the tops, but
it looked higher to me, and you can't make a forced landing on the chart, so I called Travis-Appch and announced my climb to 6500'.
The lake was beautiful - and I was glad to have the extra 2000' - constantly looking for that 'place to land' if you have to. Saw
Angwin airport (looked tough to get in-to) under my right wing, and finally crossed St. Helena.

Now - more about that GPS. I was mixing my checkpoints (last two would mark distance, but not course deviation L/R very well)
and the GPS direct-to data to pick my exact course. When Oakland Center dropped me off for STS, I still didn't have the field in sight.
I was about 10nm from the field, with the GPS saying turn R-6deg, and the field was at my 11 oclock, or about Left-15deg. Thankfully,
I was using the VOR which helped spot the field.

STS was hopping! planes waiting to depart, land, drop parachutes, and going every which way. I finally got in a word
at about 7nm to the NE. (which should have been pure East had I been on course). Was given an instruction to be 'restricted above 2000') and
report crossing the 101. He forgot about me in the chaos, and I was turning North, away from the field when I finally reminded twr of my
position. Then, from 2100' he asked if I could make the field (approx 2-3nm away), and I said yes!

I was reasonably sure I could make the descent from this position, but didn't realize how tough it would be. Probably should have requested a 360 or something!
So there I was, going about 100knots, and slipping from 2100'! Slowed 58F down, put in 10deg of flaps, and still slipping. Was slipping at 70knots
until on short final, and then leveled the wings, greased in a landing (honestly well-beyond any real aiming point), and did the T&G, departing nearly
straight out for OAK.

Oakland Center had me 'in their queue' from STS until abeam Gnoss field! I thought to cancel my request and
call Bay directly, but was later glad I waited. The handoff to Bay got all the info to Bay (very busy at this time) with me simply
announcing my being 'with them'.

Finally back at OAK - good landing, all today were on-centerline, and taxiid to Kaiser Chevron. Hopped out,
and the CFI Khaled met me there (he had the plane at 1pm - now).



All in all - if you can't tell: the Long Solo XC was an awesome experience. I don't think I've been to two airports before on one day/flight - even with Jeff.
Each leg of the trip was something new (at least for that day), and there were some mild decision-making I had to do to be safe and timely.
whooHoo!