Advice/Experience for 1st Solo
Join Date: Jan 2006
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First solo
I was soooo nervous just before I did my first solo. I remember my instructor getting out the aircraft and latching the door down just before my first solo, saying a few prayers and thinking 'oh no ... here I go'. I also clearly remember the fact that my legs were shaking so much that I could hardly push the rudder pedal. I lined up and was cleared for take off and I remember pushing the throttle forward and the aircraft moving and then I pulled back and the aircraft lifted off and I thought 'Well this is it'! I completed my 3 circuits and I was relieved that everything had gone well. I also laugh when I think about a message from the guys in the tower when I was coming in after my final circuit ... "N-230FT there's a man cutting the grass near to the edge of the runway" ... my reply "N-230FT watching the man by the runway" !!!
I was congratulated by having a bucket of water thrown over me, but at least I didnt get chucked in the swimming pool!
I was congratulated by having a bucket of water thrown over me, but at least I didnt get chucked in the swimming pool!
Join Date: Mar 2007
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Don't panic
It was actually my second solo that was a little more interesting. After a few circuits with the instructor on board we decided I could do a few on my own. Out he got, latched the door and I gave it a shove to make sure it was closed.
Climbing out at 300' there was a huge increase in the airflow through the cabin and as I looked out to turn crosswind I saw the top of the door flapping in the wind with about a half inch gap between it and the door frame. Thankfully the bottom latch was holding.
I decided that I had two options. Establish downwind, trim, then try to fix or land and fix on the ground. Thankfully downwind I was able to trim very quickly, made the call, and then leant over and buttoned up the hatch.
An interesting experience so early on in a solo flight to be sure!
Climbing out at 300' there was a huge increase in the airflow through the cabin and as I looked out to turn crosswind I saw the top of the door flapping in the wind with about a half inch gap between it and the door frame. Thankfully the bottom latch was holding.
I decided that I had two options. Establish downwind, trim, then try to fix or land and fix on the ground. Thankfully downwind I was able to trim very quickly, made the call, and then leant over and buttoned up the hatch.
An interesting experience so early on in a solo flight to be sure!
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Middlesex, UK
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Bri1980,
Just as a matter of interest, was that in a PA-28? I had exactly the same thing happen to me whilst on the climb out from Southend on my solo cross country.
Fourtunatly, although my instructor actively discouraged me from using it, the aircraft was fitted with autopilot and my instructor had showed me how to use it ''should I need to fly hands off in the cruise if I had a problem''. I got to my cruise altitude and engaged the autopilot to keep the aircraft level whilst I sorted out the door. I'm still here, so must have done something right!
Just as a matter of interest, was that in a PA-28? I had exactly the same thing happen to me whilst on the climb out from Southend on my solo cross country.
Fourtunatly, although my instructor actively discouraged me from using it, the aircraft was fitted with autopilot and my instructor had showed me how to use it ''should I need to fly hands off in the cruise if I had a problem''. I got to my cruise altitude and engaged the autopilot to keep the aircraft level whilst I sorted out the door. I'm still here, so must have done something right!
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Pilot in the making:
That was a PA-28, yes.
Unfortunately no automatics in this 1974 example, so accurate trim was all I had.
Looked back after closing to see the heading was unchanged and the height was bang on 800 feet (circuit height at home airfield); just very glad I have mastered the art of trim!
Bri
That was a PA-28, yes.
Unfortunately no automatics in this 1974 example, so accurate trim was all I had.
Looked back after closing to see the heading was unchanged and the height was bang on 800 feet (circuit height at home airfield); just very glad I have mastered the art of trim!
Bri
Join Date: Jul 2000
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Yes, the double-latched door on a PA-28 is just waiting for Murphy to get you on a bad day (everyone in flying knows Murphy's law, yes??)
Hint: Before rolling for t/o, give it a final good shove just to make sure it's secured (especially the top latch).
Hint: Before rolling for t/o, give it a final good shove just to make sure it's secured (especially the top latch).
Join Date: Mar 2007
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I remember my instructor climbing out, saying the importal lines "Your first solo is like losing your virginity, although hopefully it will last a little longer !"
Never forgot it, just did one circuit and landing and then got very pi***ed !
LF
Never forgot it, just did one circuit and landing and then got very pi***ed !
LF
Join Date: Jul 2006
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My first solo was a nerve wracking experience I have to say ABZ can be quite busy with airlines and I was really worried I'd get stuck in an orbit and screw up my circuit. No pressure as Heathrow Shuttle sat at the holding point all the way down finals watching my every move. Nice touch was the "congratulations" radio call from the Captain probably recalling "that was once me".
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Climbing out at 300' there was a huge increase in the airflow through the cabin and as I looked out to turn crosswind I saw the top of the door flapping in the wind with about a half inch gap between it and the door frame. Thankfully the bottom latch was holding.
I elected to say soothing hypnotic things to my passenger until established at circuit height with the aircraft trimmed and steady- then I was able to close the door. Although in retrospect, "nice view though eh!?", was probably not one of the best lines to come out with
LG
Join Date: May 2005
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Ah, my first solo. Terrified for weeks beforehand, thinking, no way matey, you cannot be allowed to fly an aircraft on your own, that's just daft!!....and bloody irrisponsible on the part of my instructor. Went up one day for my lesson, I had all of 7hrs of dual in the circuit, cold crisp morning, no wind. Instructor makes me do 6, high speed, low level, short tight circuits, asking me if I had my license with me and medical done. " Yes"I replied, blissfully unaware of my fate, but wondering what the hell was up with these weird low level circuits. Then after 20mins, he tells me to land and full stop, Damn it I thought, drove all this way for a lousy 20mins. So I taxi down the runway, about to turn off and he says......." just stop here, I'll get out, you go do two circuits and land" and with that he gets out. 
I then started to think, will I , won't I, and I really surprised myself. I thought, if you chicken out now matey, the next time will be even harder, so go for it. Taxied back, lined up, applied full power, airborne in a few seconds and thought " well now you're up, just fly it and land, YOU HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE!"......best landing I have EVER done, touch and go, round for another, and landed for a full stop. Very pleased with myself. Next time I went solo was not as good, bit sloppy, did 3 go rounds as I wasn't happy with the approaches, one of them due to a bunny rabbit sitting on the numbers! Just go for it, your instructor is not stupid and knows when you are ready. Once you apply full power, just do as you were trained to do and accept that you can actually fly that plane and land it. May not be perfect but remember to do your drills and be safe, all will go well. ENJOY, and after, give yourself a big pat on the back and a well earned drink.
I then started to think, will I , won't I, and I really surprised myself. I thought, if you chicken out now matey, the next time will be even harder, so go for it. Taxied back, lined up, applied full power, airborne in a few seconds and thought " well now you're up, just fly it and land, YOU HAVE NO OTHER CHOICE!"......best landing I have EVER done, touch and go, round for another, and landed for a full stop. Very pleased with myself. Next time I went solo was not as good, bit sloppy, did 3 go rounds as I wasn't happy with the approaches, one of them due to a bunny rabbit sitting on the numbers! Just go for it, your instructor is not stupid and knows when you are ready. Once you apply full power, just do as you were trained to do and accept that you can actually fly that plane and land it. May not be perfect but remember to do your drills and be safe, all will go well. ENJOY, and after, give yourself a big pat on the back and a well earned drink.
