So, first let me preface, I was wrong.  Did you read my previous blog posting?  I have been reading more of my Private Pilot textbook and apparently all aircraft fuel is NOT blue.  Aircraft fuel is different colors depending on the type of fuel.  The Cessna 172 fuel I have been using is in fact blue, however.

Now, my lesson today.  It's VERY cloudy outside as it has been for two weeks.  I conducted my pre-flight, still unsure as to where everything is that I am supposed to check.  Once that was completed, and I had accidently dumped some fuel and oil on to my hands, we were a-go for "launch."  Now, because of the cloud cover, we were not going to exceed 1,500 feet-ish.

Keep hand on throttle...keep hand on throttle...keep hand on throttle...steer with feet.  I taxied...not quite as well as on my introductory flight.  I am blaming the headache from which I was suffering.  Once we were in the air, I feel more at ease.  It DID start raining...which was kind of a "cool" experience.  I feel somewhat confident in my turns, banks and keeping the plane straight and level.  However, I keep forgetting to trottle up  or down when climbing or descending. 

It's also a unique experience to go through clouds.  One has to worry about carburetor ice and adjust the mixture accordingly. 

After flirting with the Arkansas border, we then followed the Red River (oxbow), making 90-degree twists and turns back to the airport.  My instructor offered the statement "Most people get sick doing this."  Phew, I felt fine.  As we paralled the airport, however, my headache got the better of me and I began to feel a bit nauseaous.  Finally, we landed...and this time I actually got to help land the plane!  Trilling, yet scary...