Posted by Earlier this week I had my step 4a oral exam, and today I completed my flight.
The oral was fairly basic, questions about BAI, instrument construction, and how they work. I don't think it lasted longer than thirty minutes, and was fairly straightforward. Due to weather I was unable to complete the flight at that time. This morning I was scheduled for the flight, and have just completed it.
The main things that I was really worried I wouldn't be able to do(specifically: compass turns, partial panel), I was rock solid on. I thought myself through each one of the situations presented, and just did it. In fact I even had it right, but said it wrong. He asked me to track inbound to an NDB, and I did the intercept calculation correctly, and started turning the proper way, but said the opposite. He asked me why I said 'right turn' but turned the correct way of left. I don't know. heh.
In the end, there were only two problems, and they were minimal. He said I fly the plane very well, and that I should do fine in IFR flying.
I'm excited, re-motivated, and have some self confidence back. Next week will be mostly ground lessons with my instructor, and some flight simulator work. Maybe by the end of the week I'll have my first IFR flight!