shirt tail after solo

[smeyer]

Just got my private pilot certificate a few weeks ago and got the shirt tail back that my CFI cut off after my first solo. I have been told by numerous people that this is a common ritual, but no one has been able to tell me the origin and reasoning behind it. Anyone with an answer?

[flaps22]

Dunno the real reasoning behind all of that, but at least it gives you something to celebrate, doesn't it?

In the meantime, enjoy the privileges of your hard-earned flight ticket, and fly safely. Remember, getting your PPL is just a stepping stone to getting whatever ratings you want. Wishing you plenty of good landings, and lots of tailwinds during cruise.

[smeyer]

Thanks. Already started working on my instrument rating. It is quite interesting that no one really knows where this ritual began. I had posed this question to the old guys around our FBO - many of whom have been flying for over 40 years. None had a clue.

[carsoda1]

My CFI said that it had to do with the old open cockpit planes, and after solo, the instructor would cut the back of the shirt off, hand it to the new pilot to wipe the oil residue/bug splats,etc. from the engine off the goggles

[fun2cruiz]

My Instructor (been flying since 1969) said that he was told by his father that back in the old days without head sets, when he was training, his instructor flew behind him and to get the pilot attention he pulled on the back of the shirt.....after the student solo'd, the tail was cut as he would be on his own from then on...... Myth or Truth..... YOU DECIDE !!!

[Denny of Oakland]

I wrote an article in my Newsletter “The Aviator” several months ago about this topic. It comes from the open cockpit. The instructor set in the back and since talking was difficult the instructor would pull on the shirt tail left or right so the student would know which way to go. I will have to find the whole story it is in my files somewhere. Its no myth, but is not a traidtion.

Denny of Oakland