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Lack of Steel Balls..

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Old 20th Oct 2007, 15:58
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Lack of Steel Balls..

Hey Folk,

Did my second solo today and was very nervous, the ironic thing is that my first solo was brilliant-relaxed as Larry!

Im confused as to why I would be so nervous the second time round.

My instructor is more than happy with my ability.

Has anyone had the same thing?advice would be appreciated.
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Old 20th Oct 2007, 16:23
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Smile

How long had it been since your first solo? How many hours ago flying time?

Your instructor would never send you off without being certain you had it in you to get the wheels back on the runway in a safe manner.

If you dont feel comfortable, dont go up...
Im new on here but thats my basic knowledge...
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Old 20th Oct 2007, 16:30
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About 15hrs for first solo, I feel fine when the instructor is with me. Feel fine pre-solo its just when im airbourne thats when the thought of 'on your own' sinks deep with me.

It was my second solo-just wondered whether anybody else was more nervous second time round??
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Old 20th Oct 2007, 16:41
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Is it possible that you was so keyed up for your first solo that you was to nervous to feel nervous? And now you crossed that barrier you now feel it? Does that make any sense?
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Old 20th Oct 2007, 17:03
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Once you fly more and more you will gain confidence and be fine (as far as nerves are concerned). Just make sure your never too confident.
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Old 20th Oct 2007, 17:31
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No I suppose it does not make any sense!

That is why im asking for advice..
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Old 20th Oct 2007, 17:43
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Are you nervouse before the flight or during it?
I am a low hours PPL and found I was slightly tense before most flights,but usually OK once airborne.
I was a bit tense during my QXC and skills tests but imagine that is quite normal.
As someone else said,the instructor would not let you go if he/she thought it was a risk.
Good luck
Lister
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Old 20th Oct 2007, 17:45
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If your first solo was "brilliant", perhaps you were worried that your second one might be less so.
It's a very common feeling, Badger. Go for it, mate.
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Old 20th Oct 2007, 19:41
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Go for it I will... 3rd time lucky that I will do more than one take-off solo.
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Old 20th Oct 2007, 21:01
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Just out of interest, are you learning at Cambridge?
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Old 20th Oct 2007, 22:00
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No not Cambridge-why?
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Old 20th Oct 2007, 22:05
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Has anyone had the same thing?
Yes, me!

1st solo flight (also after 15 hours as it happens): lots of adrenaline, big 'high', not expected, no time to get nervous. Really enjoyed it, very relaxed.

2nd solo flight: no adrenaline, no 'high', expected, plenty of time to get nervous. So I was!

And in my case .... 4th solo flight I got very very close to another aeroplane in the air, and it was my mistake.

5th solo was quite a challenge ......

But that was 29 years ago, and I had an excellent instructor who helped me quickly move on. Now I subscribe to the theory that a little nervousness is a good thing, it keeps one on one's toes.

Your 2nd solo nerves are certainly not unique, and in my opinion, perfectly natural.

Good luck with the rest of your training, I hope you enjoy it!
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Old 20th Oct 2007, 22:18
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Cheers Slipslider,

Nice to hear that im not a complete contradiction (i.e 2nd time more nervous). Anyway I shall try again tommorow and post the hopefully good news.

P.S I hope not to slip and slide on my 3rd solo-but may consider singing slip sliding away by Paul Simons.
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Old 21st Oct 2007, 00:24
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Grababadger, I've found the same thing. No time to be too nervous on the first solo but with more time to sit back and think the 'what am i doing up here?' thoughts, there is more space opened for anxiety to come in.

Had my second solo x-country today, in which I made a few errors, got momentarily lost, but got back OK in the end. I was less nervous during that flight because things were happening and I was having to concentrate on navigating and flying. In my first XC, it all went completely fine butI had lots of time to start pondering on the wisdom of being up there in the sky alone. I recall Rod Machado writing about this somewhere.

So I very much recognise your situation; I think there are good reasons why it is probably quite common. But I hope that it will become less of a problem as time goes on.
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Old 21st Oct 2007, 01:25
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My second solo

I thought my second solo to be far more difficult compared to my first. Walking to the a/c ALONE, doing the preflight ALONE, instrument check ALONE,... thinking "I'm really doing this, all this responsibility"


The solos that followed where a blast! It is just like everything else, a getting used to.

Stay positive, remain calm...
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Old 21st Oct 2007, 01:58
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Originally Posted by grababadger
Has anyone had the same thing?
I've had this several times in my flying career. I find myself getting nervous about getting nervous. I think the key thing is to realize that it is just a psychological thing to work through, above all else fly the airplane, and relax. Concentrate on the task at hand rather than how you feel. I bet it's more common than you might think. It will likely go away with more time under your belt.

-- IFMU
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Old 21st Oct 2007, 09:18
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Cheers for the advice guys!

Will let you know what happens..
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Old 21st Oct 2007, 20:34
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Balls.

Good revealing thread, this.

Not really nerves, I feel. Just a little apprehension at the prospect one might have forgotten something.

Just got back from a solo trip this afternoon. Funny, felt exactly like that.

It may have something to do with the fact that, throughout my career, apart from the very beginning (single-seaters) and now, I have RARELY FLOWN ON MY OWN !

Been in the airlines (for a long time) and then as an instructor (for a long time).

It's nice to have TWO people thinking about the same problem though, isn't it ?

Just the prospect of missing something when we're on our own though.

So, badger et al, it happens to us all.

Just remember to plan thoroughly and then you KNOW you won't have missed much !

Then you can really enjoy your solo time.

CAVOK every day,
Sleeve Wing.
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Old 21st Oct 2007, 21:11
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Second Solo Nerves

I did my first solo in 1956, at Luton before it had a surfaced runway, so I am well out touch with the structure of the training! May I suggest that your first solo probably consisted of a single t/o,circuit and landing = 5 to 10 minutes? Your subsequent solos may have involved more content, longer flights, getting close being out of sight of the airfield etc? Ie more to be nervous about. Your confidence will grow, just don't let it grow too much! Enjoy your flying!
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Old 21st Oct 2007, 23:45
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No just circuits,which to be honest I find it boring! I like flying but I hate the fact you have to do circuit after circuit!

Maybe im being synical because im not as 'level headed' as I first thought. Im so envious of people that not only have confidence, but also a mindset that allows them to sail through new experiences. I understand that its time/experience etc-but surely an irrational fear is a weakness?

Im sure i'll look back on this and think the words 'silly billy' for being so hard headed over such a normal emotion.

Thanks for the words of wisdom though guys, nice to know im not alone//
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