August 1, 200718 yr Author Ok, early in my training I'm cleared by my instructor for solo flight to any airport within 50 miles of my local FBO...he lives 30 miles away. He calls and says come down in the morning and we'll set up for your short solo CC.The approach is for 23 and I need a bit of right rudder to correct for the crosswind so...stable approach, hold right rudder, touchdown and the aircraft does immediate 90 deg. right turn off the runway and through the dirt toward the construction guys pouring the new fuel pad. Panic, step full left rudder, the plane does 90 deg. left turn and I notice the short snow fence and rocks beyond and in a split second apply full throttle and pull up at about 55-60 indicated and barely clip the fence with the main gear as I clear it. Fortunately I still had not retracted the flaps 20 and had presence of mind to retract them in steps as I climbed straight out to 3000 and flew circles until I stopped shaking:-)Back to the airport, normal landing, talk to my intructor and it turns out the boots I had on had helped me get up on the right toe brake when I touched down...now my personal "gump" check is heels on the floor, toes away from toe brakes:-) Hope this helps.
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