Huzzah!!!

[Drake_TigerClaw]

I finally got my license today! Almost didnt happen because most of the state has been IMC all day. But I did it anyway! Take that clouds! You wont keep me from my little white piece of paper!

[Mobius]

Congratulations Drake! Now, remember, DON'T CRASH the first time you go flying as a private pilot.

[bartender]

congrats man, yeah it was IMC here too we just waited 4 hrs till it let up! got mine on the 15th of this month!

[TSC.]

Congrats to both Drake & Mr Apoo - I love it when I hear about friends in this forum acheiving their PPL's - fair winds & clear skies to both of you - stay safe & remember the carb heat

Cheers,

TSC.

[beefhole]

Wow, that's three in the last week (myself included).  I even got in my first passenger on Sunday

Congrats!  Remember, a PPL is a license to learn

[Drake_TigerClaw]

Oh yeah, almost forgot. We filed IFR and logged .4 actual on the way back. My first time in the clouds. My instructor is a double I so it was all leagle. It was crazy though.

[beaky]

Very proud of you guys... snif!

Best advice I can offer you fledgelings (not that I've always followed it myself, but):
Keep setting goals for yourself as a pilot. Whether it's getting another rating or just making sure you do at least one exercise per flight, it's a very useful habit to get into, versus just going from A to B or taking people sightseeing. You can do all of that fun stuff and a little "homework" at the same time, usually.
It's funny about the PPL: it's not really proof of any sort of mastery. I personally have been humbled much more since I got mine than when I was a clumsy student. The lessons keep coming.

[Brett_Henderson]

I was given some good advice.. so I'll pass it on.

Try to get one climbing turn, and one descending turn in on each flight. Strive  to hold an EXACT rate of climb/descent; EXACT standard rate of turn; and a CONSTANT airspeed through the whole thing... Perfectly coordinated ,  of course  ;)

When (in a C172) you can descend from 5000msl to 3000msl, with a 90 degree course change (nailed on standard rate) in there somewhere (rolling out +/- 5 degrees), at 700fpm (+/- 50), all at 90kias (+/- 5), without having to think about it... You're really in control of that plane.

Also.. keep foggles and approach plates in your bag so if you ever go up with another pilot; you can get some simulated instrument time logged.

One more thing (practice this first with your instructor)... Get some right-seat landings in. Too few pilots get enough practice at that.