First Solo
Thread Starter
First Solo
Today I sent an 83 year old man on his first solo. He began learning to fly at 82. I am sure he is not the oldest first solo student but he must be close. Anyone done anyone older?
Congratulations Ted, been fun learning with you ...
Congratulations Ted, been fun learning with you ...
Man Bilong Balus long PNG
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Looking forward to returning to Japan soon but in the meantime continuing the never ending search for a bad bottle of Red!
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Well done that Man! Another item off the 'to do' list.
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: in the classroom of life
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Onya Bob 
Must be a satisfying day indeed. I hope that ratbag ATC dude was his ever helpful self!
I hope you are teaching him the right theory
For a minute there I thought you had finally taken your first solo. Be sure to let us know when that great day is will ya
Must be a satisfying day indeed. I hope that ratbag ATC dude was his ever helpful self!I hope you are teaching him the right theory
For a minute there I thought you had finally taken your first solo. Be sure to let us know when that great day is will ya
Man Bilong Balus long PNG
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Looking forward to returning to Japan soon but in the meantime continuing the never ending search for a bad bottle of Red!
Age: 69
Posts: 2,969
Received 94 Likes
on
55 Posts
Awesome! He might make command at qantas by 100...
Hmmm. And there was an article in the Weekend Australian where a Medico of some description (didn't pay much attention to the article unfortunately.
) stated that it is quite possible that within a few short years there will be a breakthrough in the treatment for ageing, and that lifespans of 150 years plus may then be quite possible!
Now I 'aint sayin' it's so but....
Many a true word has been spoken in jest!
Thread Starter
For a minute there I thought you had finally taken your first solo. Be sure to let us know when that great day is will ya
Nice job Aussie Bob. Out of interest, how many hours dual before his first solo?
I shared this around the office today.
Something truly inspiring Aussie Bob. Kregster you said it better than anyone, the desire never dies.
Something truly inspiring Aussie Bob. Kregster you said it better than anyone, the desire never dies.
Well done to the old bloke, beats sitting around at the old folks home!
Now Ozzie Bob before you sent him solo you made sure that he was wearing his hi vis vest, ASIC card, read the airport safety manual etc!
Now Ozzie Bob before you sent him solo you made sure that he was wearing his hi vis vest, ASIC card, read the airport safety manual etc!
Join Date: Jan 2014
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Well done to the both of you. He's not the only bloke his age to be doing that, I know another old guy (early 80s rings a bell) who's wife used to drive him down once a week for his flying lesson.
His wife mentioned that it was the only thing he'd remember week to week. Sadly the instructor has moved on now and he's no longer having his lessons.
His wife mentioned that it was the only thing he'd remember week to week. Sadly the instructor has moved on now and he's no longer having his lessons.
Man Bilong Balus long PNG
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Looking forward to returning to Japan soon but in the meantime continuing the never ending search for a bad bottle of Red!
Age: 69
Posts: 2,969
Received 94 Likes
on
55 Posts
Sadly the instructor has moved on now and he's no longer having his lessons.
And yes, it does!
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He's not the only bloke his age to be doing that, I know another old guy (early 80s rings a bell) who's wife used to drive him down once a week for his flying lesson.
His wife mentioned that it was the only thing he'd remember week to week. Sadly the instructor has moved on now and he's no longer having his lessons.
His wife mentioned that it was the only thing he'd remember week to week. Sadly the instructor has moved on now and he's no longer having his lessons.
Great to see seniors not rotting away but still wanting to learn and experience life. I once had an 87yr old man as a one way pax, he got out with a tandem master at 10,000'. Unfortunately for him his ankle got twisted on landing and req'd an ambulance ride back to town. He was stoked with the jump and kept saying he could have twisted his ankle on a step, at least he did it from 10,000 feet.
Well Done Aussie Bob (and to your student)! I still think of my first solo as my favorite accomplishment (after nearly 16000 hours).
That would be the fast track route given some 20 Year 767 Captains are doing FO training 
Homesick-Angel Awesome! He might make command at qantas by 100...