Lesson 14: Gimme a "P"! Gimme an "I"! Gimme a "C"!
06/30/2007 Filed in: Flying
Saturday - 6/30/07
Why in the HELL am I sitting in this airplane by myself? It's like the old joke of the Doctor asking the father to cut the umbilical cord and the father responds: "Isn't there someone more qualified?" I am that father. But, let's start at the beginning...
After my poor showing yesterday, I was pretty sure I'd put off soloing for a good month. With that snake back in the box, I was free to enjoy a few lessons of dual instruction, trying to work back up the non-suckery necessary for solo flight. Either way, works for me.
CFI1 and I start bright and early at about 6:45am. We're going to stay in the pattern today and CFI1's mission is to put me through the paces of "Equipment malfunction". I'm quite sure that's not a reassuring topic description, but whaddya gonna do?
He tells me all the ways in which he's going to screw up the airplane. While I'm flying it, mind you. He's purposefully trying to screw me over, which I find particularly unbecoming. I make a mental note to let the air out of his tires in the parking lot on my way out in retaliation.
CFI1: I won't do anything on the first one.
Me: <looking at him dubiously>
CFI1: I promise!
I actually still don't believe him. I am at DEFCON 2 the entire pattern and still manage a decent landing. True to his word, he stayed quiet as a church mouse and didn't pull any of his wily tricks. We find ourselves up again on upwind...
CFI1: Let's start with runaway aft trim...
Me: Ok.
The stick now needs a minor nudge forward. Then some more. Hrmm... now more, more, more. Holy hell, now it's just plain mean. If I could manage to put my foot up on the stick to jam it forward with my leg, believe me, I'd do it. Stupid tiny cabin.
I reinforce my left hand by placing my elbow against my hip and somehow manage to control the airplane down to final. It begins to actually feel like it's getting easier and the touchdown is pretty darn good, if I do say so.
CFI1: Ok, wanna try full forward trim now?
Me: Hey, you're the instructor...
CFI1: Hehe, ok.
So again on upwind the trim goes berserk, however, I find myself strangely relieved by the fact that I'm now using the opposing muscle group to counteract it. It's sorta like spinning in the opposite direction when you're really dizzy. Sorta.
As it happens, I find this exercise considerably less stressful than the full-aft trim. My landing is mediocre. My left bicep is, apparently, fantastic. <aside - there's an opportunity ripe for your own jokes>
Next time around CFI1 won't tell me what particular brand of mischief he's going to pull. I feel almost as though I'm cheating by knowing that *something* is going to go wrong. I get abeam the numbers, slow down, first notch of flaps... hmm, this seems familiar. I turn and look and the flaps are still up.
CFI1: Ah, you saw me pull the breaker.
Me: Not really. CFI2 did the same thing on me the other day
CFI1: It's hard to not be seen on a right pattern. I once distracted a guy by pointing out a fire on the ground though.
I have to admit, that's pretty clever. I'll be watching this one.
I perform a particularly floaty (yeah, that's a word) landing but eventually we're on the ground after a no-flap landing. Despite the float I now feel pretty comfortable with these.
Me: Ok, what's next... you gonna take away my prop?
CFI1: I wonder if I can get these wings off...
Around we go again. My mind is racing wondering what CFI prank I'm up against next. Abeam the numbers he says, "Your engine is out" and pulls it to idle.
I pitch for best glide and turn in towards the runway a bit and put in the first notch of flaps. I'm really studying the runway wondering when to put in the second notch. Just as I turn final, I reach my hand up and put it on the lever but the more I look, the less sure I am that I'm going to make it to the runway if I do. I pull my hand back.
A few hundred yards later it's looking almost like a normal approach and I put in the landing flaps. As my angle steepens dramatically I wonder if I still have not done it too soon. As it turns out, I flare just a bit before the numbers and land just after them.
Me: Phew, cutting it a little close there wasn't I?
CFI1: Yeah, a little.
We then discuss how in a real engine out I would probably come in higher and slip down. I commented that I focused too much on the approach and not enough on the actual exercise of landing safely if the engine were really out. Having admitted that is the wrong focus, I honestly don't believe I'd do that if the engine were really out. Nevertheless, I recognize that I need to not do it in the sims either so that I do not form bad habits.
We takeoff again and now I'm really curious what's up his sleeve.
CFI1: So you wanna try it by yourself?
Me: What... ? You mean the 'S' word?!
CFI1: <chuckle> Well, yeah, it does have four letters.
Me: Well... I guess I have to sometime.
CFI1: Do you feel you're not ready?
Me: <managing to sound confident> No, I'm ready.
So now I'm pretty excited. We get on downwind, and wouldn't you know it, we have to extend for traffic. Invariably this screws me up because I can't accurately judge a proper descent when my final isn't the proper length. Boo, traffic, boo!!
Sure enough I come in way too high. Oh, and I did I mention way too fast? I start a particularly poor forward slip on base, pull out of it halfway for my turn to final and then continue it on the first part of final. I begin to see pretty quickly that this whole approach is utter crap as I'm still too high and fast.
Me: I'm going around.
CFI1: Yep, good decision.
What's interesting to me about that is that it's really the first time I've called a definitive go-around. Every other time it's been like a question, waiting for the approval or disapproval of the guy in the right seat. For some reason, this time there was no question. However, I get admonished by the tower for not telling him early enough. Sorry tower guy, my bad.
The next pattern and landing are uneventful, thankfully. After we get clearance to taxi, I receive high praise from CFI1:
CFI1: You really made a very good decision on that go-around. I had just told you that you were about to solo so you had a lot of pressure on you to land, but you put safety first. I was very impressed with that decision.
Never being one to take praise well, I managed to squeak out a "thank you". Having thought about it some more, I must admit he's right, despite that it breaks the surly bonds of humility. The fact that I was about to solo, hand to God, never entered my mind on that final approach. Reflecting on it some more, I'd have to say that comment was probably the highlight of this lesson - not the actual solo.
I taxi over to the ramp and CFI1 signs a bunch of stuff and hands over a white T-shirt that says in big, bold, red letters: "CAUTION STUDENT PILOT" along with other hilariously demeaning epithets. He says I must wear this during my solo. Not wanting to thumb my nose at tradition, I happily don the newest member of my wardrobe.
With no arm-twisting, I hop back into the airplane. I don't know why, but the only time a tinge of an emotion you could construe as "nervous" hit me was when I first closed the canopy with only me in the plane. Suddenly it's shades of, "Why in the HELL am I sitting in this airplane by myself?" but it passed almost as quickly as it appeared.
I taxi off, do the runup and taxi out onto the runway. Deep breath and I start the takeoff roll. I am not nervous now. That said, I become keenly aware that for the first time ever, I am about to leave the ground completely of my own doing. The first six inches of that first liftoff were more significant than the rest of the patterns, takeoffs, and landings combined.
For the record, my first landing was a floater. Second was very nice. Third was on the stiff side but not bad.
I taxi back over and shutdown and CFI1 and I do pictures and various glad-handing.
CFI1: So how was it?
Me: Honestly, pretty unremarkable. You know, other than the momentous occasion part.
CFi1: Good, that's how we want it.
Me: Yeah, same here.
Logged: 1.0
PIC: 0.4
Comments
lenkearney
Senior Member
Registered: May 2005
Location: louisville
Posts: 109
outstanding post!
Congratulations PIC-man!!!
Nothing- but Nothing- feels like that first solo!
Way to GO!!!!
Len
__________________
May the wind be straight down the glideslope,
May the runway rise to meet your wheels,
and may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
toxic111
ASEL
Registered: Feb 2003
Location: CYLL - Lloydminster, AB/SK
Posts: 1561
Congrats!! I think everyone of us has had that 'Oh S...!' factor when we look over and see the other seat empty for the first time...
__________________
PPL Holder
Maybe VFR over the top next
Pixelante
Junior Member
Registered: Apr 2007
Location: Tulsa
Posts: 22
Originally posted by toxic111
Congrats!! I think everyone of us has had that 'Oh S...!' factor when we look over and see the other seat empty for the first time...
And if you use a small plane that factor is soon followed by the "oh, elbow room" realization. I thought that was one of the best parts of my solo.
Congrats on the solo sysvr4, and excellent write-up.
Corsair Ace
PP ASEL, HP/Complex
Registered: Jul 2003
Location: KMGE KNGU KRYY
Posts: 8425
Congratulations on your solo!
__________________
"Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;...."
"...And while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space
Put out my hand and touched the face of God."
Flight Officer John G. Magee, Jr.
etekberg
Repaired RV-7A
Registered: Dec 2006
Location:
Posts: 26
Congratulations
Honestly your write-ups are the best I've seen on this board. Have you considered becoming an author?
__________________
Eric
Oklahoma City
newly repaired RV-7A
still working on that private
JJBAKER
Booooh!
Registered: Apr 2007
Location: House
Posts: 325
Re: Congratulations
Originally posted by etekberg
Honestly your write-ups are the best I've seen on this board.
+1
Congrats!
soulie13
Senior Member
Registered: Feb 2006
Location: KHEF
Posts: 306
Huzzah!
I'll agree with the elbow room comment. My first solo, I closed the cockpit and the first two thoughts were 'Man, it's quiet in here' and 'Wow, this really is an amazingly roomy cockpit for such a small plane'.
Enjoy, take a deep breath, and get ready for the cross-countries!
__________________
PP-ASEL
5/22/2007
rjh
Junior Member
Registered: Jun 2007
Location: KC
Posts: 12
Congrat's. Well done.
16L Pilot
Junior Member
Registered: Jun 2007
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 10
Yeah it really is that first foot above the ground, isn't it? Then you realize you're committed and your training takes over. Congrats!
__________________
www.censorium.com
Flight log, videos, airshows and more.
Jeff S KDTW
Patent Pending
Registered: Jan 2003
Location: Flying at Mach 0.30
Posts: 7646
Conga Rat!
__________________
Personal Photo/Aviation Website|FARs|AIM|AC|PCG|FAA Opinions
Willis
Junior Member
Registered: Jun 2007
Location:
Posts: 1
I am just starting my flight training and your write-ups are an amazing tool for me. The way you write shows exactly what im feeling when I go over the same lessons. I havent solo'ed yet but after reading your posts I cant wait. I suppose its just the way you write your articles. In all honesty, after your final write-up is completed this board should place all your posts somewhere for a new pilot to read. Keep the write-ups coming!
gtmule
Junior Member
Registered: Jul 2007
Location: Macon, GA
Posts: 12
First off; congrats!!!
Originally posted by soulie13
Huzzah!
I'll agree with the elbow room comment. My first solo, I closed the cockpit and the first two thoughts were 'Man, it's quiet in here' and 'Wow, this really is an amazingly roomy cockpit for such a small plane'.
Enjoy, take a deep breath, and get ready for the cross-countries!
It's funny, I'm a pretty big guy (6'1" 250) and I flew for the first time today, and I felt like the plane was small when I first got in, but after we got up, it was no big deal. Of course this was in a 4 place (Warrior II)......
I'm sure when I first solo, there will be more room, but I'll wish there wasn't!
Raph
What was that noise...?
Registered: Mar 2004
Location: Brussels
Posts: 3614
Re: Re: Congratulations
Originally posted by JJBAKER
+1
Congrats!
+2
__________________
"You can teach... monkeys to fly better than that."
Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged
Sysvr4
Member
Registered: May 2007
Location: KMQY
Posts: 67
Thanks to everyone for the encouragement. Sorry for the delay, too, the missus left me at home with our two kids this weekend so there's markedly less time for computerin.
I appreciate your author comment, etekberg, but authors require some degree of creativity to sell books and the right half of my brain shutdown when I was about four. Tragic, really.
On another tragic note, I've had one lesson since my solo (keep in mind I try to fly everyday except the weekends) which I will write up shortly. Since then, both planes are down for Mx. It's pretty good timing really with me losing a day for the 4th and then several for my supervisor's excursion, but it did knock out two lessons. I'm actually kind of concerned that I'll forget how to fly after a week off. Ack!
Monday morning we are set for my first XC. Looks like a pretty simple one really... I-24 heads straight for our destination, so if nothing else I can navigate by it. I-Fly-Roads, baby.
Oh, one more thing. Our school's tradition is, apparently, to give the soloist a shirt decorated on the front with funny slogans related to student pilot ineptitude. The one my CFI gave me was pretty funny:
Then they cut out the back of the shirt and the student's job is to decorate the back in their own way and it will be hung on the office wall for some period of time. I decorated mine as follows:
Just thought I'd share
Jeff
Why in the HELL am I sitting in this airplane by myself? It's like the old joke of the Doctor asking the father to cut the umbilical cord and the father responds: "Isn't there someone more qualified?" I am that father. But, let's start at the beginning...
After my poor showing yesterday, I was pretty sure I'd put off soloing for a good month. With that snake back in the box, I was free to enjoy a few lessons of dual instruction, trying to work back up the non-suckery necessary for solo flight. Either way, works for me.
CFI1 and I start bright and early at about 6:45am. We're going to stay in the pattern today and CFI1's mission is to put me through the paces of "Equipment malfunction". I'm quite sure that's not a reassuring topic description, but whaddya gonna do?
He tells me all the ways in which he's going to screw up the airplane. While I'm flying it, mind you. He's purposefully trying to screw me over, which I find particularly unbecoming. I make a mental note to let the air out of his tires in the parking lot on my way out in retaliation.
CFI1: I won't do anything on the first one.
Me: <looking at him dubiously>
CFI1: I promise!
I actually still don't believe him. I am at DEFCON 2 the entire pattern and still manage a decent landing. True to his word, he stayed quiet as a church mouse and didn't pull any of his wily tricks. We find ourselves up again on upwind...
CFI1: Let's start with runaway aft trim...
Me: Ok.
The stick now needs a minor nudge forward. Then some more. Hrmm... now more, more, more. Holy hell, now it's just plain mean. If I could manage to put my foot up on the stick to jam it forward with my leg, believe me, I'd do it. Stupid tiny cabin.
I reinforce my left hand by placing my elbow against my hip and somehow manage to control the airplane down to final. It begins to actually feel like it's getting easier and the touchdown is pretty darn good, if I do say so.
CFI1: Ok, wanna try full forward trim now?
Me: Hey, you're the instructor...
CFI1: Hehe, ok.
So again on upwind the trim goes berserk, however, I find myself strangely relieved by the fact that I'm now using the opposing muscle group to counteract it. It's sorta like spinning in the opposite direction when you're really dizzy. Sorta.
As it happens, I find this exercise considerably less stressful than the full-aft trim. My landing is mediocre. My left bicep is, apparently, fantastic. <aside - there's an opportunity ripe for your own jokes>
Next time around CFI1 won't tell me what particular brand of mischief he's going to pull. I feel almost as though I'm cheating by knowing that *something* is going to go wrong. I get abeam the numbers, slow down, first notch of flaps... hmm, this seems familiar. I turn and look and the flaps are still up.
CFI1: Ah, you saw me pull the breaker.
Me: Not really. CFI2 did the same thing on me the other day
CFI1: It's hard to not be seen on a right pattern. I once distracted a guy by pointing out a fire on the ground though.
I have to admit, that's pretty clever. I'll be watching this one.
I perform a particularly floaty (yeah, that's a word) landing but eventually we're on the ground after a no-flap landing. Despite the float I now feel pretty comfortable with these.
Me: Ok, what's next... you gonna take away my prop?
CFI1: I wonder if I can get these wings off...
Around we go again. My mind is racing wondering what CFI prank I'm up against next. Abeam the numbers he says, "Your engine is out" and pulls it to idle.
I pitch for best glide and turn in towards the runway a bit and put in the first notch of flaps. I'm really studying the runway wondering when to put in the second notch. Just as I turn final, I reach my hand up and put it on the lever but the more I look, the less sure I am that I'm going to make it to the runway if I do. I pull my hand back.
A few hundred yards later it's looking almost like a normal approach and I put in the landing flaps. As my angle steepens dramatically I wonder if I still have not done it too soon. As it turns out, I flare just a bit before the numbers and land just after them.
Me: Phew, cutting it a little close there wasn't I?
CFI1: Yeah, a little.
We then discuss how in a real engine out I would probably come in higher and slip down. I commented that I focused too much on the approach and not enough on the actual exercise of landing safely if the engine were really out. Having admitted that is the wrong focus, I honestly don't believe I'd do that if the engine were really out. Nevertheless, I recognize that I need to not do it in the sims either so that I do not form bad habits.
We takeoff again and now I'm really curious what's up his sleeve.
CFI1: So you wanna try it by yourself?
Me: What... ? You mean the 'S' word?!
CFI1: <chuckle> Well, yeah, it does have four letters.
Me: Well... I guess I have to sometime.
CFI1: Do you feel you're not ready?
Me: <managing to sound confident> No, I'm ready.
So now I'm pretty excited. We get on downwind, and wouldn't you know it, we have to extend for traffic. Invariably this screws me up because I can't accurately judge a proper descent when my final isn't the proper length. Boo, traffic, boo!!
Sure enough I come in way too high. Oh, and I did I mention way too fast? I start a particularly poor forward slip on base, pull out of it halfway for my turn to final and then continue it on the first part of final. I begin to see pretty quickly that this whole approach is utter crap as I'm still too high and fast.
Me: I'm going around.
CFI1: Yep, good decision.
What's interesting to me about that is that it's really the first time I've called a definitive go-around. Every other time it's been like a question, waiting for the approval or disapproval of the guy in the right seat. For some reason, this time there was no question. However, I get admonished by the tower for not telling him early enough. Sorry tower guy, my bad.
The next pattern and landing are uneventful, thankfully. After we get clearance to taxi, I receive high praise from CFI1:
CFI1: You really made a very good decision on that go-around. I had just told you that you were about to solo so you had a lot of pressure on you to land, but you put safety first. I was very impressed with that decision.
Never being one to take praise well, I managed to squeak out a "thank you". Having thought about it some more, I must admit he's right, despite that it breaks the surly bonds of humility. The fact that I was about to solo, hand to God, never entered my mind on that final approach. Reflecting on it some more, I'd have to say that comment was probably the highlight of this lesson - not the actual solo.
I taxi over to the ramp and CFI1 signs a bunch of stuff and hands over a white T-shirt that says in big, bold, red letters: "CAUTION STUDENT PILOT" along with other hilariously demeaning epithets. He says I must wear this during my solo. Not wanting to thumb my nose at tradition, I happily don the newest member of my wardrobe.
With no arm-twisting, I hop back into the airplane. I don't know why, but the only time a tinge of an emotion you could construe as "nervous" hit me was when I first closed the canopy with only me in the plane. Suddenly it's shades of, "Why in the HELL am I sitting in this airplane by myself?" but it passed almost as quickly as it appeared.
I taxi off, do the runup and taxi out onto the runway. Deep breath and I start the takeoff roll. I am not nervous now. That said, I become keenly aware that for the first time ever, I am about to leave the ground completely of my own doing. The first six inches of that first liftoff were more significant than the rest of the patterns, takeoffs, and landings combined.
For the record, my first landing was a floater. Second was very nice. Third was on the stiff side but not bad.
I taxi back over and shutdown and CFI1 and I do pictures and various glad-handing.
CFI1: So how was it?
Me: Honestly, pretty unremarkable. You know, other than the momentous occasion part.
CFi1: Good, that's how we want it.
Me: Yeah, same here.
Logged: 1.0
PIC: 0.4
Comments
lenkearney
Senior Member
Registered: May 2005
Location: louisville
Posts: 109
outstanding post!
Congratulations PIC-man!!!
Nothing- but Nothing- feels like that first solo!
Way to GO!!!!
Len
__________________
May the wind be straight down the glideslope,
May the runway rise to meet your wheels,
and may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
toxic111
ASEL
Registered: Feb 2003
Location: CYLL - Lloydminster, AB/SK
Posts: 1561
Congrats!! I think everyone of us has had that 'Oh S...!' factor when we look over and see the other seat empty for the first time...
__________________
PPL Holder
Maybe VFR over the top next
Pixelante
Junior Member
Registered: Apr 2007
Location: Tulsa
Posts: 22
Originally posted by toxic111
Congrats!! I think everyone of us has had that 'Oh S...!' factor when we look over and see the other seat empty for the first time...
And if you use a small plane that factor is soon followed by the "oh, elbow room" realization. I thought that was one of the best parts of my solo.
Congrats on the solo sysvr4, and excellent write-up.
Corsair Ace
PP ASEL, HP/Complex
Registered: Jul 2003
Location: KMGE KNGU KRYY
Posts: 8425
Congratulations on your solo!
__________________
"Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;...."
"...And while with silent lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space
Put out my hand and touched the face of God."
Flight Officer John G. Magee, Jr.
etekberg
Repaired RV-7A
Registered: Dec 2006
Location:
Posts: 26
Congratulations
Honestly your write-ups are the best I've seen on this board. Have you considered becoming an author?
__________________
Eric
Oklahoma City
newly repaired RV-7A
still working on that private
JJBAKER
Booooh!
Registered: Apr 2007
Location: House
Posts: 325
Re: Congratulations
Originally posted by etekberg
Honestly your write-ups are the best I've seen on this board.
+1
Congrats!
soulie13
Senior Member
Registered: Feb 2006
Location: KHEF
Posts: 306
Huzzah!
I'll agree with the elbow room comment. My first solo, I closed the cockpit and the first two thoughts were 'Man, it's quiet in here' and 'Wow, this really is an amazingly roomy cockpit for such a small plane'.
Enjoy, take a deep breath, and get ready for the cross-countries!
__________________
PP-ASEL
5/22/2007
rjh
Junior Member
Registered: Jun 2007
Location: KC
Posts: 12
Congrat's. Well done.
16L Pilot
Junior Member
Registered: Jun 2007
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 10
Yeah it really is that first foot above the ground, isn't it? Then you realize you're committed and your training takes over. Congrats!
__________________
www.censorium.com
Flight log, videos, airshows and more.
Jeff S KDTW
Patent Pending
Registered: Jan 2003
Location: Flying at Mach 0.30
Posts: 7646
Conga Rat!
__________________
Personal Photo/Aviation Website|FARs|AIM|AC|PCG|FAA Opinions
Willis
Junior Member
Registered: Jun 2007
Location:
Posts: 1
I am just starting my flight training and your write-ups are an amazing tool for me. The way you write shows exactly what im feeling when I go over the same lessons. I havent solo'ed yet but after reading your posts I cant wait. I suppose its just the way you write your articles. In all honesty, after your final write-up is completed this board should place all your posts somewhere for a new pilot to read. Keep the write-ups coming!
gtmule
Junior Member
Registered: Jul 2007
Location: Macon, GA
Posts: 12
First off; congrats!!!
Originally posted by soulie13
Huzzah!
I'll agree with the elbow room comment. My first solo, I closed the cockpit and the first two thoughts were 'Man, it's quiet in here' and 'Wow, this really is an amazingly roomy cockpit for such a small plane'.
Enjoy, take a deep breath, and get ready for the cross-countries!
It's funny, I'm a pretty big guy (6'1" 250) and I flew for the first time today, and I felt like the plane was small when I first got in, but after we got up, it was no big deal. Of course this was in a 4 place (Warrior II)......
I'm sure when I first solo, there will be more room, but I'll wish there wasn't!
Raph
What was that noise...?
Registered: Mar 2004
Location: Brussels
Posts: 3614
Re: Re: Congratulations
Originally posted by JJBAKER
+1
Congrats!
+2
__________________
"You can teach... monkeys to fly better than that."
Report this post to a moderator | IP: Logged
Sysvr4
Member
Registered: May 2007
Location: KMQY
Posts: 67
Thanks to everyone for the encouragement. Sorry for the delay, too, the missus left me at home with our two kids this weekend so there's markedly less time for computerin.
I appreciate your author comment, etekberg, but authors require some degree of creativity to sell books and the right half of my brain shutdown when I was about four. Tragic, really.
On another tragic note, I've had one lesson since my solo (keep in mind I try to fly everyday except the weekends) which I will write up shortly. Since then, both planes are down for Mx. It's pretty good timing really with me losing a day for the 4th and then several for my supervisor's excursion, but it did knock out two lessons. I'm actually kind of concerned that I'll forget how to fly after a week off. Ack!
Monday morning we are set for my first XC. Looks like a pretty simple one really... I-24 heads straight for our destination, so if nothing else I can navigate by it. I-Fly-Roads, baby.
Oh, one more thing. Our school's tradition is, apparently, to give the soloist a shirt decorated on the front with funny slogans related to student pilot ineptitude. The one my CFI gave me was pretty funny:
Then they cut out the back of the shirt and the student's job is to decorate the back in their own way and it will be hung on the office wall for some period of time. I decorated mine as follows:
Just thought I'd share
Jeff