Just A Tradition......but why?

[wyldbill100]

O.K......so...... you SOLO the first time around the pattern then someone wants to rip your shirt tail off and hang it on the wall!!!!.......how'd this tradition get started???? (....just wanna have some fun in the hanger with this one, and see what ya'll come up with).....bill

[alger]

In aviation lore, the traditional removal of a new pilot's shirt tail is a sign of the instructor's new confidence in his student. In the days of tandem trainers, the instructor would tug at the students shirt tail whenever he was getting himself into trouble. After the first solo, the new pilot is competent in the air does not need such a safety device.

[Flyboy1]

I have heard alot about this traidition and it really just depends on the instructor. When i did my first solo I was greeted by a wave of champagne.