View Poll Results: After how many hours of training did you go for you first ever solo?
10-12 hours
197
33.91%
13-15 hours
107
18.42%
16-18 hours
62
10.67%
19-21 hours
47
8.09%
22+ hours
53
9.12%
Less than 10
115
19.79%
Voters: 581. This poll is closed
After how many hours did you go for your first solo?
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: UK,Twighlight Zone
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BigendBob,
Sorry I totally disagree with your comments about the time to solo. I went solo very quickly without problems and have flown more than 500 hours since in GA aircraft without a problem.
I think it comes down to attitude followed by apptitude. I was sent solo by a 10,000hr career Instructor and the CFI of my club who deemed I was ready.
I bet if you ask any of the others here who are less than your jusged minimums that that are all competant accident free pilots?
My grandfather went solo on a Tiger Moth in less than 2 hours in 1940 and went on to win the DFC and command 28 Lancaster operations followed by 25 years post war service.
Sorry I totally disagree with your comments about the time to solo. I went solo very quickly without problems and have flown more than 500 hours since in GA aircraft without a problem.
I think it comes down to attitude followed by apptitude. I was sent solo by a 10,000hr career Instructor and the CFI of my club who deemed I was ready.
I bet if you ask any of the others here who are less than your jusged minimums that that are all competant accident free pilots?
My grandfather went solo on a Tiger Moth in less than 2 hours in 1940 and went on to win the DFC and command 28 Lancaster operations followed by 25 years post war service.
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Before you ask, yes I am jelous 
(yes I know solo is meaningless, but regardless what people say it always creates a positive initial reaction if you solo <10 hours).
But how did you fit lessons 5-13 in 3.75hrs? Did you have any prior experience or did your instructor just concentrate on getting you solo and leaving the other airwork till later?
(yes I know solo is meaningless, but regardless what people say it always creates a positive initial reaction if you solo <10 hours).But how did you fit lessons 5-13 in 3.75hrs? Did you have any prior experience or did your instructor just concentrate on getting you solo and leaving the other airwork till later?
Join Date: Nov 2003
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I snapped the surly bonds on my lonesome on Friday the 9th after 21 hours - gained sporadically over a period of 3 years. Bear in mind that I moved interstate during this time with the resultant change in flying schools, instructors, landing techniques and aircraft type etc.
The C150 aerobat climbed like a homesick angel sans instructor.
Probably one of the most exciting thing I have ever done. Couldn't stop smiling for hours afterwards.
The C150 aerobat climbed like a homesick angel sans instructor.
Probably one of the most exciting thing I have ever done. Couldn't stop smiling for hours afterwards.
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Retford, UK
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I have to add myself to the list having just gone solo this afternoon. 9 hrs 55 of lessons, roughly at the rate of an hour a week.
It took me by surprise as we'd just done 5 circuits and I thought we would be heading home. Instructor asked if I "fancied trying one on my own" - does anyone ever turn the chance down?
I must admit everything everyone says is right, it felt great to be out there, my only worry was that the controller didn't reply to my "ready for departure" call for a minute or two and I was wondering if I ought to go anyway! (A/G radio)
Dissatisfied with the landing, which was a bit hard and the worst I'd done that day, but very happy to have got it done given the potential weather delays this time of year.
- Michael
It took me by surprise as we'd just done 5 circuits and I thought we would be heading home. Instructor asked if I "fancied trying one on my own" - does anyone ever turn the chance down?
I must admit everything everyone says is right, it felt great to be out there, my only worry was that the controller didn't reply to my "ready for departure" call for a minute or two and I was wondering if I ought to go anyway! (A/G radio)
Dissatisfied with the landing, which was a bit hard and the worst I'd done that day, but very happy to have got it done given the potential weather delays this time of year.
- Michael
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: NW USA
Age: 60
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10,7 hours. Aircraft was a 1947-vintage Cessna 140A. Field was an uncontrolled grass strip in South Texas. Year was 1984. Day was absolutely perfect.
Had just gotten back from doing more spins and practice forced landings, greased the machine onto the turf, and as I was rolling to a stop (alongside a row of slightly modified Confederate Air Force BT-13's with lovely Imperial Japanese Navy markings!), my instructor demanded my paperwork....
*scribble-scribble-scribble*
"Lemme out here and do another one just like that."
So I did.
Had just gotten back from doing more spins and practice forced landings, greased the machine onto the turf, and as I was rolling to a stop (alongside a row of slightly modified Confederate Air Force BT-13's with lovely Imperial Japanese Navy markings!), my instructor demanded my paperwork....
*scribble-scribble-scribble*
"Lemme out here and do another one just like that."
So I did.
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Manchester
Age: 53
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Yesterday, at Liverpool. WHAT A FEELING. I haven't stopped smilling yet!!!!!!!
I took about 21 hours ( I've not added it up yet), over about 12 months as Liverpool does like its fog!
All that took the shine off it a little was the sarcy comments on return to the club house about the 2 landings it took to get it down ( I added a little too much power to arrest ROD and started climbing again, as the wheels touched.) but all in all a great experience, even better that my first
I took about 21 hours ( I've not added it up yet), over about 12 months as Liverpool does like its fog!
All that took the shine off it a little was the sarcy comments on return to the club house about the 2 landings it took to get it down ( I added a little too much power to arrest ROD and started climbing again, as the wheels touched.) but all in all a great experience, even better that my first
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: the wild blue
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14 hours
.......... without a doubt everyone has a story about why it took more or less than someone else............ As we all become well aware time to 1st solo really counts for nothing.......
Flying is simply the worlds best hobby !
.......... without a doubt everyone has a story about why it took more or less than someone else............ As we all become well aware time to 1st solo really counts for nothing.......
Flying is simply the worlds best hobby !
Join Date: Apr 2003
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GREAT TOPIC !
Anyone have anything extra special happen to them on their first solo ? On mine I saw a Sea Fury, it was parked on the apron, but I guess it makes a good story anyway !
Anyone have anything extra special happen to them on their first solo ? On mine I saw a Sea Fury, it was parked on the apron, but I guess it makes a good story anyway !
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Down South now...
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At the end of the day it doesn't really matter, i know plenty of pilots with similar hours to mine that took longer to solo but that i would consider better pilots than i am.
Took me 1.2 hours in 2 days gliding with the RAF as an air cadet. Was another 6 after that before i soloed on light ac.
It's just a stepping stone to experience, how long it takes to get there is pretty irrelevant.
WBV
Took me 1.2 hours in 2 days gliding with the RAF as an air cadet. Was another 6 after that before i soloed on light ac.
It's just a stepping stone to experience, how long it takes to get there is pretty irrelevant.
WBV
9.5 hours in a Fournier RF-5 at Biggin Hill.
Average one hour per week.
Previous gliding experience, but slightly fazed by the busy Biggin Hill circuit.
About 1975.
Average one hour per week.
Previous gliding experience, but slightly fazed by the busy Biggin Hill circuit.
About 1975.
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Hants
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Anyone have anything extra special happen to them on their first solo ?
RR
God, I wish I could type what I think... I bet the rest of you are glad I can't though.
Join Date: Apr 2003
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soloed on april 23rd 2004 in a cessna 150 (OO-MLB) at 5 h 58 minutes .. no previous flying experience .. flying solo sure was fun but i'm really looking forward to first solo navigation flight ..