solo - done!
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 45
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From: south wales
solo - done!
it was over two hours ago and I still have a massive grin on my face 
the 'big day' had been postponed, mainly due to marginal weather, for the last three weeks. today wasn't looking much better with a bit of nerves on my part and a wind gusting up to 16kts (approx 8 kts x wind).
I'd reasoned that it simply wasn't going to happen today. so I just relaxed and got on with flying. so I was surprised when my instructor took control after landing for the 4th time.
instructor: "fancy having a go on your own?"
me: "oh, go on then...!"
I knew that if I thought about it too much I'd tie my brain up in knots. so I just got on with it.
shock #1: the climb performance without a second bum is pretty impressive. I'd been warned to expect this, but I'd almost hit 400 ft before even clearing the end of the runway after takeoff.
shock #2: a cessna 152 joined the pattern on the downwind leg just as I'm reaching circuit height on crosswind - very close. I'd heard him on the radio stating his joining intentions, but it was still a surprise. so I reported him in sight, extended the x-wind leg slightly, and flew a slower downwind leg to make a gap. I think the lookout is totally ingrained in me after this.
it was only prior to turning base that I became truly aware I was on my todd - no one obscuring my view out the starboard window
the landing wasn't the best I've ever done. I balooned it a bit during the flare when a gust picked up. should have used 1 stage flaps.
but here I am posting on a forum about it, so it's all good
the 'big day' had been postponed, mainly due to marginal weather, for the last three weeks. today wasn't looking much better with a bit of nerves on my part and a wind gusting up to 16kts (approx 8 kts x wind).
I'd reasoned that it simply wasn't going to happen today. so I just relaxed and got on with flying. so I was surprised when my instructor took control after landing for the 4th time.
instructor: "fancy having a go on your own?"
me: "oh, go on then...!"
I knew that if I thought about it too much I'd tie my brain up in knots. so I just got on with it.
shock #1: the climb performance without a second bum is pretty impressive. I'd been warned to expect this, but I'd almost hit 400 ft before even clearing the end of the runway after takeoff.
shock #2: a cessna 152 joined the pattern on the downwind leg just as I'm reaching circuit height on crosswind - very close. I'd heard him on the radio stating his joining intentions, but it was still a surprise. so I reported him in sight, extended the x-wind leg slightly, and flew a slower downwind leg to make a gap. I think the lookout is totally ingrained in me after this.
it was only prior to turning base that I became truly aware I was on my todd - no one obscuring my view out the starboard window
the landing wasn't the best I've ever done. I balooned it a bit during the flare when a gust picked up. should have used 1 stage flaps.
but here I am posting on a forum about it, so it's all good
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,585
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From: Surrey, Uk
cjm 2010.
Congratulations. Well done on your first solo.
Your post takes me back to my first solo on 18/9/71. G-ARJC, Piper Colt. I felt the same as you.
You do realise though that from now on you will be forever broke !!! But it's worth it.
Clint.
Congratulations. Well done on your first solo.
Your post takes me back to my first solo on 18/9/71. G-ARJC, Piper Colt. I felt the same as you.
You do realise though that from now on you will be forever broke !!! But it's worth it.
Clint.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: south wales
Congratulations. Well done on your first solo.
Your post takes me back to my first solo on 18/9/71. G-ARJC, Piper Colt. I felt the same as you.
Your post takes me back to my first solo on 18/9/71. G-ARJC, Piper Colt. I felt the same as you.
Well done. Do you realise that your life has just changed ?
to quote the controller: "well done, you can breathe now!"
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 805
Likes: 0
From: U.K.
First - Congratulations!
Second - They all say that you will never experience the feeling that you get after completing your first solo again. I say that, from personal experince, "they" are wrong! I got the same feeling after witnessing the successful landing of the first student that I, as a newly qualified full instructor, SENT on his first solo!
P.P.
Second - They all say that you will never experience the feeling that you get after completing your first solo again. I say that, from personal experince, "they" are wrong! I got the same feeling after witnessing the successful landing of the first student that I, as a newly qualified full instructor, SENT on his first solo!
P.P.
