Yesterday was my first Moorabbin solo. It was very exciting and enjoyable despite nothing out-of-the-ordinary happening. All my 'get up to test standard' nav work is done, so the plan was to work on improving my landings, which had started to suffer with the lack of practice (before yesterday I had only made about 6 landings in over 3 months which might be enough to take passengers up but not to impress an ATO). The instructor stamped my logbook before we left to allow me to fly solo in Class D airspaqce. Then, flying dual, we got the required start clearance and taxi clearance and proceeded to Runway 17L, the nominated circuit runway.

Once there, the downside to flying at Moorabbin became noticeable, as we were stuck behind a Warrior, which was in turn waiting for other inbound traffic (including no less than a Cessna Citation). The instructor demonstated the use of the in-flight GPS while we waited, despite the fact that it takes 30 minutes for it to locate satelites. It is obviously a little frustrating sitting with the engine running (at around 75c per 10 seconds), but soon the Warrior was cleared to take-off and so were we (in front of the on-final Citation for IMMEDIATE departure).

On climb we followed the Warrior which was also doing circuits. This was the first time I had ever followed another aircraft in the circuit from the upwind leg. The first landing was OK, all though we landed a little too far down the runway. The second landing was good, but the flare a little too high. Third landing better, and at this point, the instructor was convinced that I could work on the landings myself so we made it a full stop, and I dropped the instructor off at the runup bay.

Back to 17L, immediate take-off and back into the circuit following another Warrior. Great to be solo again for the first time in aroud 4 months. The first solo landing was OK, but the flare was still too high for my liking. On the second landing I was asked by the tower to turn early base making for a shorter final. The Citation was now leaving and was waiting for me to do my touch and go (always feel guilty about making larger and more expensive planes wait).The landing still turned out OK, but still wasn't quite where I wanted it to be. The tower asked me to perform an early crosswind turn to make way for the Citation, so I turned at around 350ft AGL. The last landing of the day was definiately the best, and one that got a pass from me (you're only as good as your last landing), so I am hoping to do some more solo time to get consitency happening.

Circuits at Moorabbin are a whole new ballgame compared to CTAF. Actively watching the traffic you are following, spotting and interacting with the tower is a great mix, guarenteed not to ever let circuits seem repetitive and mundane as each circuit is different (at least for now).