Happy Landings

We had some wind today. About 10-15 knots. The good news was that it was pretty much headed down Runway Two-Eight and there was only a slight crosswind. My instructor said it was a challenging day. All the more reason for me to be happy with some of my landings and approaches. We were able to use Runway Two-Eight so that meant a left hand traffic pattern. For the amount of time we were airborne I felt like we had accomplished a whole bunch. I was able to perform crosswind takeoffs, forward slips, low approaches, S-Turns on final for spacing, flying the traffic pattern, and of course, crosswind landings. I even got some praise for my ability to use the pitch, power, and flaps settings to control my approaches. The one thing that was bugging me was my constant habit of turning too early from base leg to final approach. I think it is a hesitation to bank the aircraft into a 30 degree turn so close to the ground. And if there is one thing I've learned it's that the trim wheel is your friend. It makes everything so much easier if you trim the aircraft controls for "hands off" flight. There some windy "burbles" as we got to the end of our flight time. The air had also gotten choppy. But I got through it all pretty well and was proud of myself. My landings are improving and I am closer to solo. I just have to get the FAA to issue me my medical certificate. I hope that will happen soon.