a very happy chappy!
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2001
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 1,709
Likes: 35
From: UK
a very happy chappy!
There I was doing circuits this morning minding my own business when my FI decided it was time to give EGPFlyer a heart attack... The words 'I have control' came as a bit of a surprise as I raised the flaps preparing for the next takeoff. 'tower, GZO, can you take a student first solo just now?' ...Ah !!!!... Instantly all the moisture in my mouth lept to the palm of my hands and i think my heart missed a few beats..
After dumping the FI at the tower (so he can go and have a good look at me messing this up, I thought), off to Romeo1 I trundled...I dont think i've ever taken so long to do the pre takeoff checks in my life! After holding for, what seemed like ages for a 737 to land, off I went. What they say about as soon as you hit 60 and pull back the 1st thing to go through your mind is 'oh crap..i've gotta land this thing' is true!
Off i went round the circuit with no probs, all the while, humming something that I think was written by Beethoven!'. I turned final a little high but losing a bit of power sorted that..called final and then surprisingly (for me anyway!) I had a nice flare and touch down. The first thing that came to mind was relief as I vacated first right followed by a 'well done' from the nice chap in the tower. Off i went to pick up my FI, a firm handshake and then a 10 min taxi to the club ( its a very big airport!). Post flight checks and then it was over
After paying 164 quid (for the first time not really caring how much it cost), I was given a certificate for the solo... I hope my mum doesnt mind me me swapping this for the picture over the mantle piece
Anyways, I have rabbled on a bit now but I just wanted to share this experience with those who have still to do it...Dont give up.... This day, when it comes will make it worth it, and make you more determined to continue towards your goal. Cheers AS, and everyone else who helped me get this far...only 37 hours to go
Im off to the pub
After dumping the FI at the tower (so he can go and have a good look at me messing this up, I thought), off to Romeo1 I trundled...I dont think i've ever taken so long to do the pre takeoff checks in my life! After holding for, what seemed like ages for a 737 to land, off I went. What they say about as soon as you hit 60 and pull back the 1st thing to go through your mind is 'oh crap..i've gotta land this thing' is true!
Off i went round the circuit with no probs, all the while, humming something that I think was written by Beethoven!'. I turned final a little high but losing a bit of power sorted that..called final and then surprisingly (for me anyway!) I had a nice flare and touch down. The first thing that came to mind was relief as I vacated first right followed by a 'well done' from the nice chap in the tower. Off i went to pick up my FI, a firm handshake and then a 10 min taxi to the club ( its a very big airport!). Post flight checks and then it was over
After paying 164 quid (for the first time not really caring how much it cost), I was given a certificate for the solo... I hope my mum doesnt mind me me swapping this for the picture over the mantle piece
Anyways, I have rabbled on a bit now but I just wanted to share this experience with those who have still to do it...Dont give up.... This day, when it comes will make it worth it, and make you more determined to continue towards your goal. Cheers AS, and everyone else who helped me get this far...only 37 hours to go
Im off to the pub
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: All around the World
Well done, EGPFlyer. Congratulations, and keep at it with the same healthy respect and enthusiasm you appear to be showing.
I still remember my first solo too, and even now (3 or 4 years later) still get a buzz just running it through in my mind again.
A lifetime experience. Treasure it, and good luck with the rest of your flying.
I still remember my first solo too, and even now (3 or 4 years later) still get a buzz just running it through in my mind again.
A lifetime experience. Treasure it, and good luck with the rest of your flying.
PPRuNe Bashaholic
Moderator
Joined: Jun 1997
Posts: 1,446
Likes: 2
From: The Peoples Alcoholic Republic of Jockistan
Well done EGPFlyer,
hope you didn't leave too big a dent in the runway, although if you did I'll use that as the excuse for MY next bumpy landing there
Congrats mate, the beers are on you at EDI !!
hope you didn't leave too big a dent in the runway, although if you did I'll use that as the excuse for MY next bumpy landing there
Congrats mate, the beers are on you at EDI !!
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,695
Likes: 1
From: Egcc
Ah-ha. Copycat! Bet you want to do it again now don't you?
Well done, don't, however, whatever you do, get the bug to go commercial, you know it will all end in ...................a buzz of Lightyear proportions!
I'll get you that beer back next time round!
PP
Well done, don't, however, whatever you do, get the bug to go commercial, you know it will all end in ...................a buzz of Lightyear proportions!
I'll get you that beer back next time round!
PP
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2001
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 1,709
Likes: 35
From: UK
Thanks guys/gals!!!!
I guess I should post more often if im going to be offered drink
The certificate was free..the 164 quid was 1 hour flying and 7 landings at 8 quid a time... expensive but being in the circuit with 757s and 737s can only help to make you a better pilot. The way I see it, its better to learn at a large airport and then fly into GA airfields than vice versa.
I'm off to the pub again..plenty more drink to consume!
I guess I should post more often if im going to be offered drink
The certificate was free..the 164 quid was 1 hour flying and 7 landings at 8 quid a time... expensive but being in the circuit with 757s and 737s can only help to make you a better pilot. The way I see it, its better to learn at a large airport and then fly into GA airfields than vice versa.
I'm off to the pub again..plenty more drink to consume!