I soloed today

Took one run around the pattern with my instructor, Allen. We did a failed engine drill and I was able to put the plane on the ground safely. Allen asked me to taxi on Alpha and drop him off. It was time to solo.

I killed the engine and let him out then started my pre-start checklist. Checklist complete and on to my run-up checklist. I pulled up to the hold short line at 32 and called the tower. "Smyrna tower, N989MA holding short 32 ready for takeoff".

I was holding short for Runway 32 and it was like everyone decided to come home. I waited as he assesed the situation and queued them up. Unexpectedly, I got the call to go with 5 planes on final! "N989MA clear for takeoff, no delay".

It was getting close to sunset and I swear I could see the lights of all 5 planes on final! I taxied out and took off climbing at 66. Oddly, I wasn't nervous (thanks for preparing me Allen). Climbed to 400 AGL and raised flaps, increased speed to 73. Reported the downwind/requested option and he said I was 5th in line after a Katana South of Nissan. Can you say, extend the downwind? I followed the last Katana down and landed very comfortably. I did one more go around without the traffic and headed in. Tower gave me a congratulations. It was very cool.