This is more of a note for myself - but PLEASE chime in if you have words of encouragement and wisdom.
Today I left the field deflated and frustrated. I didn't solo. The weather was just right - but I wasn't.
Now don't get me wrong - even though a lot of the disappointment was that I didn't solo, it wasn't all of it.
I know and understand that I am not fully ready to solo. There is still a chance I could screw up a landing - so why is that?
It is good practice to always use power off approach and landing to be practiced in the event of the real thing. This is how we do all my landings. I have only once or twice been shown powered approach and landing.
My Problem is Consistency...
I feel like I have been around the circuit a majillion times, and the problem that remains is my round-out and hold-off. During my first landings - seeing the runway rushing up made me round-out too soon - didn't want to hit the deck of course. Now, I am rounding out consistently at the right height, but sometimes a little too fast. The result is sitting too high for hold-off. Then unless I bring the nose down, the hold-off slows us down causing a waffly, slower than desirable arrival - which could end badly in a low height stall if there is a gust or wind shadow. This is the problem.
I have been taught to use my datum line - that's ok. And the runway perspective - that's where I am iffy. The real problem I have is correctly judging my height - I need to hold-off at 6 inches but this frequently alludes me.
So can someone please tell me if there is a secret to this? What and how do I use for a reference for height and timing?
I haven't been able to learn why I can't do this consistently from my instructor - so maybe someone here might have an insight into the way my brain works?