my first solo today
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Germany
my first solo today
Just back from the airfield and I just need to share it with someone 
Most of my relatives and friends are not into flying and don't care...
This evening, somewhere on a grass strip in germany, I did my three circuits and full stop landings on a Diamond Katana DV 20.
Sunny evening, great visibility and almost no wind.
After some circuits the instructor got out and said "Do Your next ones alone!"...
My first circuit and landing was ok, but on downwind I had the low sun on the horizon against me. But visibility was ok.
At next final some light wind came up and changed direction to cross and slightly behind. Without instructor the Katana was a lot lighter and therefore even more agile as she already is. For a second I also put the flaps up instead of full down
, recognised the mistake and corrected it immediately a few seconds later. So I came in quite high this time and had some wind gusts and thermals also. But managed to get her down within the limits.
At the last circuit the wind had changed direction a little more to the back so the instructor asked at the radio if I wanted the opposite runway to land on but because the wind was very light and because I would have had the low sun on the horizon against me on final I decided to take the first one still. Had to use quite some stick and rudder to get her down on the field within the limits due to light gusts and some thermals.
Relief! Happiness! Joy!
Then on taxi back to the hangar it happened: Suddenly I heard a strange noise from the front wheel and I had to apply more throttle to keep moving forward. I'm cautious at taxi and not too fast, because its a bumpy grass-strip. But...now somehow the front wheel had a flat tyre!
The instructor and other guys from the flying club assured me that my landings and taxi speed were ok and within the limits and that such things just can happen any time...
But it was quite a surprise and I'm still happy it happened at the end and not earlier...
Most of my relatives and friends are not into flying and don't care...
This evening, somewhere on a grass strip in germany, I did my three circuits and full stop landings on a Diamond Katana DV 20.
Sunny evening, great visibility and almost no wind.
After some circuits the instructor got out and said "Do Your next ones alone!"...
My first circuit and landing was ok, but on downwind I had the low sun on the horizon against me. But visibility was ok.
At next final some light wind came up and changed direction to cross and slightly behind. Without instructor the Katana was a lot lighter and therefore even more agile as she already is. For a second I also put the flaps up instead of full down
, recognised the mistake and corrected it immediately a few seconds later. So I came in quite high this time and had some wind gusts and thermals also. But managed to get her down within the limits.At the last circuit the wind had changed direction a little more to the back so the instructor asked at the radio if I wanted the opposite runway to land on but because the wind was very light and because I would have had the low sun on the horizon against me on final I decided to take the first one still. Had to use quite some stick and rudder to get her down on the field within the limits due to light gusts and some thermals.
Relief! Happiness! Joy!
Then on taxi back to the hangar it happened: Suddenly I heard a strange noise from the front wheel and I had to apply more throttle to keep moving forward. I'm cautious at taxi and not too fast, because its a bumpy grass-strip. But...now somehow the front wheel had a flat tyre!
The instructor and other guys from the flying club assured me that my landings and taxi speed were ok and within the limits and that such things just can happen any time...
But it was quite a surprise and I'm still happy it happened at the end and not earlier...
Fleet Manager
Joined: Aug 2006
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
Posts: 7,089
Likes: 2,952
From: Ontario, Canada
Congratulations, now you know that you have what it takes to learn. With the right attitude, you'll never stop learning!
My first first solo was 32 years ago, my second first solo (helicopter) was 2 years ago. I have recent recollection of the feeling! You just can't explain it to someone who has not done it.
I've flown 8 different aircraft type in the last month, and definately learned something valuable on each of those types! I have so much to learn too!
Fly safe...
Pilot DAR
My first first solo was 32 years ago, my second first solo (helicopter) was 2 years ago. I have recent recollection of the feeling! You just can't explain it to someone who has not done it.
I've flown 8 different aircraft type in the last month, and definately learned something valuable on each of those types! I have so much to learn too!
Fly safe...
Pilot DAR
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 647
Likes: 19
From: East side of OZ
G'day Asrian,
Well done mate! It's a great feeling isn't it? And the aeroplane goes so much better without the 90kgs of ballast in the other seat.
Mine was over 35 years ago and like some of the others I can remember it vividly. There will be several other firsts in your aviation adventure but nothing will compare with your first solo.
Congratulations and well done,
BH.
Well done mate! It's a great feeling isn't it? And the aeroplane goes so much better without the 90kgs of ballast in the other seat.
Mine was over 35 years ago and like some of the others I can remember it vividly. There will be several other firsts in your aviation adventure but nothing will compare with your first solo.Congratulations and well done,
BH.
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 2
From: Oxford, UK
Great day! now the follow on...as soon as ever you can, consolidate. This means more flying very soon, this week for sure. Lots of people go solo and think that's all they need to do, and stop! but to become a pilot, this is the first step and the sooner you get on with it the better.
Have fun!
Have fun!
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Cardiff
Hi. well done my friend. You are now well on the path to poverty. I did mine with a 12 Knot crosswind, during the only weekend of the year when there was snow.
It's the only experience we have in aviation that every person only has 1 time and it is said that you never forget it.
well done
jon
It's the only experience we have in aviation that every person only has 1 time and it is said that you never forget it.
well done
jon