First Solo

[TrevSki]

So how did everyone's go? Mine is tentatively scheduled for next Monday pending an endorsement from my instructor tomorrow. Personally, I feel like I'd like another few lessons just staying in pattern but he says I'm doing fine. I think I'm going to be nervous for an entire week.

[Fordolet]

I will never forget my first solo...took a couple weeks to get my CFI to sign me off due to bad weather (late december in new england). I was scared **it!!! I couldnt believe how much different the engine sounded without my instructor there...I remember looking down at the FBO for my instructor to the right at about 100' and thinking "I'm all alone!" somewhere on the upwind leg the engine made a noise that i had not normally heard and I realized that it was all in my head. After the first trip aound the pattern I was much calmer. I realized that my instructor knew I was ready, but I won't lie. I was scared!

[ThrashN]

I'm getting close to mine also. Kinda nervous just thinking about it.

[Zonno]

The first time soloing will probably be the worst time, but after that it'll be enjoyable, because you'll be able to fly anywhere you want to (you can buzz over your house, your workplace, etc.)

Although I've not yet started flight training, you might remember the first time you drove a car after you got your drivers license. I also remember getting my commercial drivers license (to drive a great big dumptruck). I used to have to have someone riding with me that had CDLs while I had my CDL learners permit. When I finally tested and got my license, the first couple of times in that tank was a bit uneasy, but now there's nothing to it. Just don't forget what you've been taught and don't get careless or cocky just because the instructor's not there to scold you and you'll be just fine.

[TrevSki]

So I did it and the day couldn't have been better. Sunny, no coulds, and wind calm. I was still so nervous I think I checked the oil 4 times. We did two touch and goes that were my best landings to date and he hopped out. The first climb out I looked over to see the empty seat and it was pretty scary. The touch down was pretty good but not my best. The second climb was great. As I started turning towards base the sun was setting and it was just a great picture.

Now we're doing 1 lesson together and then a review by myself. Now is when it's really getting fun.

[Dantilla]

Congrats!

I grew up around airplanes, and had lots of practical experience before starting actual lessons.

When my instructor said I was ready to solo, he was going to be unavailable for the following week, and suggested thast I come in anyway, and fly with Stephanie, a very nice looking CFI.

So Stephanie and I get into the C-152, and take off. A bit nervous at flying with such a beauty queen (I was still a young single guy), I mentioned that the airplane climbed noticably better, as she was much lighter than Gary (she liked that).

First landing was the best landing in the history of aviation- One of those extremeny rare, barely-hear-a-chirp-as-the-plane-sets-down-as-if-on-feathers type of landings.

"Let's see you do that again!", She smiled as I add throttle for another take-off.

The next landing was the second best in the history of aviation. How I managed to pull off two perfect landings in a row, I'll never know.

Now Stephanie gets out of the airplane, and I'm on my own for the first time in my life. Wow.

Hey! The plane climbs even better! I do my three hops, and proudly taxi back to the FBO. Congrats all around. The owner of the FBO shakes my hand.

I get my logbook out for the sign-off, and Stephanie's eyes got as big as baseballs: "THAT'S all you've FLOWN??" as she sees a total of 5 (five!) entries.

Yup. I soloed after five lessons. The look on her face was priceless.

With all of my previous experience, my first lessons were simply demonstrating that I've done this before- Just not with a licensed CFI and logbook.

So while the logbook looks impressive, there is no way to know how many actual hours I had before soloing.



I recently topped 700 hours, and have a great partnership in a really nice airplane. Gary has moved on the the airlines. I hope both he and Stephanie are doing well. They both had a very positive impact on my life, and I wish them well.