From Zero to Forty Five - my PPL Diary
Thread Starter
Spicy Meatball
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,115
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From: Liverpool UK
Guys/gals thanks loads for the responses - it makes it all worth while 
Milt - great story, thanks - very inspirational indeed. Wouldn't like to have been that airship pilot over the rails though
BRL - ahh yes my friend I remember you saying you would come up for a beer on my solo. Any time you want mate, any time - and that goes for anyone else too!
I sang Simply the Best by Tina Turner on final approach - dont ask me why the hell I done that, I dont even like the song at all, in fact I have no idea why I started mumbling that to myself - bit stupid innit, felt such a pr*ck looking back
I just cant wait now for more solo flying - I am not sure what is round the corner, I cant remember the syllabus off the top of my head, but I presume there will be an hour or 2 of solo circuits, perhaps at Hawarden or Sleap, then will they let me out the zone??
That would be truly superb, I reckon I will feel the true freedom of flying, when I can fly over where I live and go where I want, and practice anything!
Thanks again -
Lee
Milt - great story, thanks - very inspirational indeed. Wouldn't like to have been that airship pilot over the rails though
BRL - ahh yes my friend I remember you saying you would come up for a beer on my solo. Any time you want mate, any time - and that goes for anyone else too!
I sang Simply the Best by Tina Turner on final approach - dont ask me why the hell I done that, I dont even like the song at all, in fact I have no idea why I started mumbling that to myself - bit stupid innit, felt such a pr*ck looking back
I just cant wait now for more solo flying - I am not sure what is round the corner, I cant remember the syllabus off the top of my head, but I presume there will be an hour or 2 of solo circuits, perhaps at Hawarden or Sleap, then will they let me out the zone??
That would be truly superb, I reckon I will feel the true freedom of flying, when I can fly over where I live and go where I want, and practice anything! Thanks again -
Lee
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Leeds, UK
Hi Lee!!!
Very well done. I remember the feeling well. I went solo about 8 hours ago (8 flying hours) and it was, like you, the best day of my life so far. You'll land after the next solo flight with the same telltale grin - I actually found my subsequent solo flying more exciting and enjoyable than my first solo - probably due to a little more confidence and spending a good 40 or 50 minutes at a time by myself.
I dunno if your syllabus is the same as mine, but I assume it will be similar. I did 3 hours of solo circuit flying (great fun but a pricey business!) and then did PFL's and precautionary landings before getting to where I am now, which is just starting navigation. I think those 3 hours collectively are the best 3 hours I've spent doing anything
No dirty replies please LOL.
RC
Very well done. I remember the feeling well. I went solo about 8 hours ago (8 flying hours) and it was, like you, the best day of my life so far. You'll land after the next solo flight with the same telltale grin - I actually found my subsequent solo flying more exciting and enjoyable than my first solo - probably due to a little more confidence and spending a good 40 or 50 minutes at a time by myself.
I dunno if your syllabus is the same as mine, but I assume it will be similar. I did 3 hours of solo circuit flying (great fun but a pricey business!) and then did PFL's and precautionary landings before getting to where I am now, which is just starting navigation. I think those 3 hours collectively are the best 3 hours I've spent doing anything
No dirty replies please LOL.RC
Thread Starter
Spicy Meatball
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,115
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From: Liverpool UK
Most people, it seems, just recite their checks out loud ...
Making sure left hand is on the controls and right hand is on the throttle.
Keeping centre line.
Keeping 70 knots and no lower.
Keeping the aircraft balanced (ball in the middle).
I would again check the brakes, mixture and carb.
If I am going wrong from what I have been taught or have missed anything out then please do educate me
Thanks again for the nice replies people
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 164
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From: 2nm due S EGLK
Mazzy,
Depends on what/where you're taught.
For example, in a PA28, my finals checks would be: last stage of flap, and carb heat off (having flown the base leg with 2 stages and carb heat on), and that's it (other than the physical handling).
Rgds,
TPK
Depends on what/where you're taught.
For example, in a PA28, my finals checks would be: last stage of flap, and carb heat off (having flown the base leg with 2 stages and carb heat on), and that's it (other than the physical handling).
Rgds,
TPK
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 498
Likes: 0
From: Smurph Castle
Congratulations Mazzy! Your write-up brought it all back. 
Don't be embarrassed about the song business; I burst spontaneously and without premeditation into 'Fly me to the moon' after I finished my downwind checks on my first solo. I really didn't plan to do it at all - don't know what came over me!
(Having said that, I fly at a well-known north London aerodrome with a circuit that takes in most of Hertforshire, so I probably had more time than some)...
At least your song was released within the last quarter of a century...
PS - my final checks STILL go 'and relax, and relax...'
Don't be embarrassed about the song business; I burst spontaneously and without premeditation into 'Fly me to the moon' after I finished my downwind checks on my first solo. I really didn't plan to do it at all - don't know what came over me!
(Having said that, I fly at a well-known north London aerodrome with a circuit that takes in most of Hertforshire, so I probably had more time than some)...At least your song was released within the last quarter of a century...
PS - my final checks STILL go 'and relax, and relax...'
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,082
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From: SX in SX in UK
Congratulations Mazzy,
You'll never forget your first solo - no matter how many flights you make afterwards.
On my first solo I remember climbing up from the runway, taking a deep breath and saying 'Well, its up to you to get this thing back down again!' On my downwind leg, I was told to orbit. Thinking about it much later, it ocurred to me that the controller was hedging his bets, by getting the inbound aircraft down before me in case I spread myself across the runway!
Hope that you enjoy the rest of your training and I look forward to reading about it - this thread is bringing back some pleasant memorys.
You'll never forget your first solo - no matter how many flights you make afterwards.
On my first solo I remember climbing up from the runway, taking a deep breath and saying 'Well, its up to you to get this thing back down again!' On my downwind leg, I was told to orbit. Thinking about it much later, it ocurred to me that the controller was hedging his bets, by getting the inbound aircraft down before me in case I spread myself across the runway!
Hope that you enjoy the rest of your training and I look forward to reading about it - this thread is bringing back some pleasant memorys.
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 144
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From: UK East
Hullo! Don't know if you remember me mazzy (page 12) but I've been following your story since you started. Well done with the first solo man, its a great feeling. Thing is, I have trouble remembering things of great importance..my mind goes in a blur. So while I know mine was the greatest, I couldn't tell you a thing about it! Keep up the progress man, it's well worth it in the end.
Speaking of the end, I passed my skills on sunday! Paper work done, and in the pipeline (under severe supervision). There is no feeling like it, waking up and knowing you can go flying because you're a full fledged pilot. Excellent.
Wrt penguina's post (hello btw, havnt chattd2u in a while) I still hum loony tune songs, or tom&jery ditties on final. Whatever floats your boat I say!
Keep em coming
FFW
Speaking of the end, I passed my skills on sunday! Paper work done, and in the pipeline (under severe supervision). There is no feeling like it, waking up and knowing you can go flying because you're a full fledged pilot. Excellent
.Wrt penguina's post (hello btw, havnt chattd2u in a while) I still hum loony tune songs, or tom&jery ditties on final. Whatever floats your boat I say!
Keep em coming
FFW
The Original Whirly
Joined: Feb 1999
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
Posts: 4,327
Likes: 2
From: Belper, Derbyshire, UK
Memory is a funny thing....
All I remember of my first solo (f/w) is looking at the empty seat next to me and finding it odd that no-one was there. I don't remember feeling good, or bad, or even indifferent. I just can't remember.
My first helicopter solo I remember thoroughly enjoying, and also an intense feeling of relief, as it has been postponed several times for all sorts of reasons.
My first night helicopter solo I enjoyed so very much that on the last circuit (I had to do five) I considered making downwind from Gloucester extend all the way to Worcester so that I didn't have to stop. It was a lovely night and I didn't want to land.
I remember my first flexwing microlight solo in great detail - bounce, go-around, realising the sun was going down fast, wanting to be on the ground, landing badly and wrenching my shoulder, thinking the congratulations were a complete farce.
Why can't I remember the good things?
Anyway, well done Mazzy.
All I remember of my first solo (f/w) is looking at the empty seat next to me and finding it odd that no-one was there. I don't remember feeling good, or bad, or even indifferent. I just can't remember.
My first helicopter solo I remember thoroughly enjoying, and also an intense feeling of relief, as it has been postponed several times for all sorts of reasons.
My first night helicopter solo I enjoyed so very much that on the last circuit (I had to do five) I considered making downwind from Gloucester extend all the way to Worcester so that I didn't have to stop. It was a lovely night and I didn't want to land.
I remember my first flexwing microlight solo in great detail - bounce, go-around, realising the sun was going down fast, wanting to be on the ground, landing badly and wrenching my shoulder, thinking the congratulations were a complete farce.
Why can't I remember the good things?
Anyway, well done Mazzy.
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,300
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From: Canberra Australia
Mazzy
You ask about additional checks worth making on final approaches for landings.
Most of your approaches will be with power down a standard 3 degree slope. Most pilots get to recognise this angle very acurately and strive to stabilise their approaches as early as possible as they line up on the runway. When you start to recognise that 3 degree slope you begin to feel uncomfortable when you are not on it and deliberately fly to intercept it as early as possible. The rest of the final then tends to become standard and repeatable with precision leading to accurate arrivals at the flare and smooth touch downs.
So I would recommend you add another check to your list to be actioned as you initially line up on final.
"Am I on the right slope?"
If not make the correction EARLY.
Discuss this with your instructor.
You ask about additional checks worth making on final approaches for landings.
Most of your approaches will be with power down a standard 3 degree slope. Most pilots get to recognise this angle very acurately and strive to stabilise their approaches as early as possible as they line up on the runway. When you start to recognise that 3 degree slope you begin to feel uncomfortable when you are not on it and deliberately fly to intercept it as early as possible. The rest of the final then tends to become standard and repeatable with precision leading to accurate arrivals at the flare and smooth touch downs.
So I would recommend you add another check to your list to be actioned as you initially line up on final.
"Am I on the right slope?"
If not make the correction EARLY.
Discuss this with your instructor.
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,557
Likes: 95
From: moon
Went out today on my first Nav Solo. Did all my flight planning and had it checked by an instructor. Given a nice newly painted and freshly cleaned Warrior to fly with the instruction not to get it dirty and to see if it flew any faster with new paint.
Then "Seeya" and everybody else goes about their business and I'm left standing there thinking. I'm standing here with an aircraft. I'm not under any time pressure or pressure to perform manouevres or pass tests or anything. Just get in the aircraft when you are ready and take it to the Latrobe valley, land, eat sandwich, then takeoff and fly back via the scenic route. Don't break anything. Don't end up in controlled airspace and don't feature in the newspapers.
A slightly daunting feeling. No one to hold your hand and if you screw something up, then you had better fix it yourself because no one else can.
So much for the introspection and confidence thing. Anyway I had a good time. For once the air was smooth as velvet. Landmarks arrived at the appropriate time and from the right direction. The landing was OK.
Had a sandwich at Latrobe and watched an Airvan under test demonstrate how well it and its pilot handled when its engine decided to play up at 200 feet on takeoff - it didn't lose all power and it made a very neat and very tight circuit back to the gravel rather than the extra few seconds to the bitumen.
Then back via the scenic route. All in all two and a half hours of flying.
A very pleasant and satisfying morning.
Then "Seeya" and everybody else goes about their business and I'm left standing there thinking. I'm standing here with an aircraft. I'm not under any time pressure or pressure to perform manouevres or pass tests or anything. Just get in the aircraft when you are ready and take it to the Latrobe valley, land, eat sandwich, then takeoff and fly back via the scenic route. Don't break anything. Don't end up in controlled airspace and don't feature in the newspapers.
A slightly daunting feeling. No one to hold your hand and if you screw something up, then you had better fix it yourself because no one else can.
So much for the introspection and confidence thing. Anyway I had a good time. For once the air was smooth as velvet. Landmarks arrived at the appropriate time and from the right direction. The landing was OK.
Had a sandwich at Latrobe and watched an Airvan under test demonstrate how well it and its pilot handled when its engine decided to play up at 200 feet on takeoff - it didn't lose all power and it made a very neat and very tight circuit back to the gravel rather than the extra few seconds to the bitumen.
Then back via the scenic route. All in all two and a half hours of flying.
A very pleasant and satisfying morning.
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 516
Likes: 0
From: Wide Brown Land
Nice work Lee... keep it coming!
Sunfish... you've now overtaken me... b#gger it! Can't wait for my first nav solo... still waiting for the aircraft to come back from a trip around the country though...
adam
Sunfish... you've now overtaken me... b#gger it! Can't wait for my first nav solo... still waiting for the aircraft to come back from a trip around the country though...
adam
Thread Starter
Spicy Meatball
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,115
Likes: 0
From: Liverpool UK
THANKS GUYS !
FFW - yes I remember you, hey I always thought first solo must be the best feeling but I cant imagine how good it is when you finally get your license and, like you said, can go flying whenever you want and be fully fledged - a truly amazing achievement I say and well done on passing, hope you have safe flying
Whirly - welcome back, nice to see you posting in here again! The closest thing I can relate to from your post was the feeling of looking at the emtpy seat, when he opened the door, climbed out and shut it behind him this was the point that it hit me that it was all down to me!
You will always learn from the bad ones
Milt - on my first ever lesson my instructor might have said something like "a little too high" or "your a bit low" on the approach and I would think, "how the hell can you tell from such an acute angle?"
As I fly more now, I am starting to build up a picture of what the runway should look like on approach, i.e. what it's like to have the correct angle. I still might think I am on the right angle yet will be high or low etc - this will only come with years of experience I am sure. I think this is a subconscious check that we do whilst flying the approach (I am guessing there is no way to calculate the correct angle without the use of instruments (for an instrument approach)) and must therefore rely on this subconscious check?
That's gotta be another great feeling for the "lifes greatest moments logbook" eh 
Hopefully I will be doing that tomorrow if the weather is ok, (only in the circuit of course).
Obs - thanks mate, hope you are doing well with your IMC, I have missed a couple of your posts which I am about to catch up on now!
Safe flying all
Lee
Whirly - welcome back, nice to see you posting in here again!
The closest thing I can relate to from your post was the feeling of looking at the emtpy seat, when he opened the door, climbed out and shut it behind him this was the point that it hit me that it was all down to me!
Why can't I remember the good things?
Milt - on my first ever lesson my instructor might have said something like "a little too high" or "your a bit low" on the approach and I would think, "how the hell can you tell from such an acute angle?"
As I fly more now, I am starting to build up a picture of what the runway should look like on approach, i.e. what it's like to have the correct angle. I still might think I am on the right angle yet will be high or low etc - this will only come with years of experience I am sure. I think this is a subconscious check that we do whilst flying the approach (I am guessing there is no way to calculate the correct angle without the use of instruments (for an instrument approach)) and must therefore rely on this subconscious check?
Then "Seeya" and everybody else goes about their business and I'm left standing there thinking. I'm standing here with an aircraft.
Hopefully I will be doing that tomorrow if the weather is ok, (only in the circuit of course). Obs - thanks mate, hope you are doing well with your IMC, I have missed a couple of your posts which I am about to catch up on now!
Safe flying all
Lee
Joined: May 2003
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 900
Likes: 0
From: Surrey
Just to hijack the thread again, today I went solo!!!
instructor popped the question out the blue, "so you fancy one by your self?"
hmm, let me think
So off I went. After that had half an hour break then a quick dual check, then I was off on my own again. Did 5 solo circuits today, so am well chuffed!!!!
instructor popped the question out the blue, "so you fancy one by your self?"
hmm, let me think
So off I went. After that had half an hour break then a quick dual check, then I was off on my own again. Did 5 solo circuits today, so am well chuffed!!!!