First solo and messed it up..
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The first solo is both exhilarating and scary. Looking over and seeing an empty seat instead of the person that has prevented you from killing yourself up until now, is quite a moment. You're now a helicopter pilot!
Keep it up as long as you're having fun. You hopefully will become more comfortable over time. There will be a point where you will say to yourself: why was this once so HARD? Some people on here think they were born with several thousand hours. You are a helicopter pilot and this is where to ask your questions.
Keep it up as long as you're having fun. You hopefully will become more comfortable over time. There will be a point where you will say to yourself: why was this once so HARD? Some people on here think they were born with several thousand hours. You are a helicopter pilot and this is where to ask your questions.
Sixth Gear:
You first solo mission was a success.
Take off, fly, safe landing.
One step at a time.
Crawl
Walk
Jog
Run
Sprint
Hang in there!
You first solo mission was a success.
Take off, fly, safe landing.
One step at a time.
Crawl
Walk
Jog
Run
Sprint
Hang in there!
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I remember my first solo at Barton, my instuctor got out on the north side of the field to leave me to do a circuit. On the climb out air traffic called me and asked "did I know who the person was stood on the north side" my reply was along the lines of " he's my bloody instructor I am going to need him if I get back in one piece". all you need on a first solo.
Chief Bottle Washer
6th Gear,
Fine first post, although I see you've been lurking for a few months and will have picked up a feel for Rotorheads in that time. We're more of a community than a forum, and those who have many hours and years of experience will usually give the genuine enquiry a proper response. In the same way that a 'spotter' will get very short shrift, and deservedly so
Since there is no 'wannabees' forum in PPRuNe for helicopter pilots, it is in our own interests to help those starting out who may well finish up Commercial Pilots, or even those we may come across in our daily tasking. There is an easy way for those who would prefer not to have any but CPL related threads here: don't read those that you don't meet your personal criteria
Fine first post, although I see you've been lurking for a few months and will have picked up a feel for Rotorheads in that time. We're more of a community than a forum, and those who have many hours and years of experience will usually give the genuine enquiry a proper response. In the same way that a 'spotter' will get very short shrift, and deservedly so
Since there is no 'wannabees' forum in PPRuNe for helicopter pilots, it is in our own interests to help those starting out who may well finish up Commercial Pilots, or even those we may come across in our daily tasking. There is an easy way for those who would prefer not to have any but CPL related threads here: don't read those that you don't meet your personal criteria
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A separate forum for Wannabes?
.
As some of you will know, I was the Moderator of this forum from 2000 -2007. During that time, there were occasionally (not often) suggestions that Rotorheads should be divided into two with a separate forum for 'Wannabes'. If there had been sufficient support for that, I would have arranged it. There never was.
As TC says, the blurb at the front of PPRuNe describes this forum as 'A haven for professional helicopter pilots to discuss the things that affect them.' It is primarily a forum for professional pilots, and most of the regular contributors are professionals - but PPLs and student-pilots have always been welcome.
The forum has a well-established ethos: It's a friendly 'crew-room' where we discuss everything from helicopter ops to highly technical topics, enjoy a laugh, have the occasional row and willingly help each other - which includes people with enormous experience and expertise helping PPLs and student pilots who wish to learn.
The formula worked and Rotorheads grew into one of the busiest forums on PPRuNe, one of the two biggest helicopter forums on the internet, and the biggest international forum with members working in a wide variety of ops all over the world.
Those who’ve joined in recent years might find it hard to believe but, in 2000 it was good going if the number of posts on a thread reached double figures. The number of views of a thread didn't reach three figures very often and the number of people on the forum at any one time never exceeded very low double figures. (There are 227 as I write this.)
These two threads from 2000 illustrate the point:
Drying Paint
Dead Forum
Over the years, there were entirely justified complaints from professionals about beginners constantly asking questions that had already been asked and answered endless times. We reduced that problem significantly by having the 'So you want to be a Helicopter Pilot' sticky at the top of the forum but, even if it was in flashing lights, some newbies would still post without reading it.
R22 questions and discussions have, for some time, been kept in one place as far as practicably possible: 'The R22 Corner'. There's bound to be some delay before threads are merged – all PRuNe Mods are volunteers who do the job in their spare time.
Things do get a little heated between the Pros and the PPLs from time to time; they always have. I no longer monitor the forum closely but, when I did, more often than not it wasn't the fault of the Pros – unless they should be criticised (not by me) for occasionally becoming totally exasperated by the sort of PPLs who think they know as much as the professionals and argue instead of reading and learning.
It's no longer my decision but, if it was, I'd keep it as it is: A professional pilots forum where PPLs and student pilots are welcome to ask questions and learn.
Peter-RB and B47
TC does get chippy at times - I don't think he'd deny it - and I disagree with his stance in this thread, but he's also one of the stalwarts who helped to make this forum the success it is.
H.
As some of you will know, I was the Moderator of this forum from 2000 -2007. During that time, there were occasionally (not often) suggestions that Rotorheads should be divided into two with a separate forum for 'Wannabes'. If there had been sufficient support for that, I would have arranged it. There never was.
As TC says, the blurb at the front of PPRuNe describes this forum as 'A haven for professional helicopter pilots to discuss the things that affect them.' It is primarily a forum for professional pilots, and most of the regular contributors are professionals - but PPLs and student-pilots have always been welcome.
The forum has a well-established ethos: It's a friendly 'crew-room' where we discuss everything from helicopter ops to highly technical topics, enjoy a laugh, have the occasional row and willingly help each other - which includes people with enormous experience and expertise helping PPLs and student pilots who wish to learn.
The formula worked and Rotorheads grew into one of the busiest forums on PPRuNe, one of the two biggest helicopter forums on the internet, and the biggest international forum with members working in a wide variety of ops all over the world.
Those who’ve joined in recent years might find it hard to believe but, in 2000 it was good going if the number of posts on a thread reached double figures. The number of views of a thread didn't reach three figures very often and the number of people on the forum at any one time never exceeded very low double figures. (There are 227 as I write this.)
These two threads from 2000 illustrate the point:
Drying Paint
Dead Forum
Over the years, there were entirely justified complaints from professionals about beginners constantly asking questions that had already been asked and answered endless times. We reduced that problem significantly by having the 'So you want to be a Helicopter Pilot' sticky at the top of the forum but, even if it was in flashing lights, some newbies would still post without reading it.
R22 questions and discussions have, for some time, been kept in one place as far as practicably possible: 'The R22 Corner'. There's bound to be some delay before threads are merged – all PRuNe Mods are volunteers who do the job in their spare time.
Things do get a little heated between the Pros and the PPLs from time to time; they always have. I no longer monitor the forum closely but, when I did, more often than not it wasn't the fault of the Pros – unless they should be criticised (not by me) for occasionally becoming totally exasperated by the sort of PPLs who think they know as much as the professionals and argue instead of reading and learning.
It's no longer my decision but, if it was, I'd keep it as it is: A professional pilots forum where PPLs and student pilots are welcome to ask questions and learn.
Peter-RB and B47
TC does get chippy at times - I don't think he'd deny it - and I disagree with his stance in this thread, but he's also one of the stalwarts who helped to make this forum the success it is.
H.
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Heliport,
Good morning, How nice to read your totally calm and reasond comment once more,
I think we all enjoyed the times past when you were the " Boss" in that I do believe twas you who encouraged PPL(H) like myself to join in and ask questions of the obvious talented professionals who take their time to give correct answers to the likes of the amatuer ranks.
A great many of the PPL(H) pilots take great score in what is written in answers to questions concerning flying the Helicopter that we have access to, and we enjoy the improved flying that information allows, dont segregate but continue to allow the greenhorns to ask, that way we all learn something.
Many regards
Peter R-B
VfrpilotPB
Good morning, How nice to read your totally calm and reasond comment once more,
I think we all enjoyed the times past when you were the " Boss" in that I do believe twas you who encouraged PPL(H) like myself to join in and ask questions of the obvious talented professionals who take their time to give correct answers to the likes of the amatuer ranks.
A great many of the PPL(H) pilots take great score in what is written in answers to questions concerning flying the Helicopter that we have access to, and we enjoy the improved flying that information allows, dont segregate but continue to allow the greenhorns to ask, that way we all learn something.
Many regards
Peter R-B
VfrpilotPB
Those who’ve joined in recent years might find it hard to believe but, in 2000 it was good going if the number of posts on a thread reached double figures
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6th Gear, congratulations on your first solo! Please don't under-state the achievement 
. Personally I still get more pride thinking back to what that first solo flight involved than I do looking back at any other (incl Instrument Rating test & first line check).
For me, that's because I found that flight one of the hardest. Everything still felt very new: just being in an aircraft, the flying itself, the radio, the airborne environment, the thought of an emergency etc etc and then the fact that you're on your own compounding it all. For me it has been like Camp Freddie describes in his first point about familiarity and repetition.
I have found that as I have gained experience new things have become easier to learn as there is more spare capacity for it. My confidence has developed incrementally, unlike many I know who seem to have been born with it (lucky them!). All I'm really trying to say is i hope you do stick with it because for some of us that 1st hurdle is the hardest and it does get easier and more fun from there.
The poster who suggested taking a series of lessons on successive days and then having a dual lesson immediately before the solo sounds really sensible. It's what worked for me (and a good instructor of course).
Best of luck and hope soon to be hearing how much you are enjoying it all. BM
. Personally I still get more pride thinking back to what that first solo flight involved than I do looking back at any other (incl Instrument Rating test & first line check).For me, that's because I found that flight one of the hardest. Everything still felt very new: just being in an aircraft, the flying itself, the radio, the airborne environment, the thought of an emergency etc etc and then the fact that you're on your own compounding it all. For me it has been like Camp Freddie describes in his first point about familiarity and repetition.
I have found that as I have gained experience new things have become easier to learn as there is more spare capacity for it. My confidence has developed incrementally, unlike many I know who seem to have been born with it (lucky them!). All I'm really trying to say is i hope you do stick with it because for some of us that 1st hurdle is the hardest and it does get easier and more fun from there
.The poster who suggested taking a series of lessons on successive days and then having a dual lesson immediately before the solo sounds really sensible. It's what worked for me (and a good instructor of course).
Best of luck and hope soon to be hearing how much you are enjoying it all. BM
Thread Starter
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Once again I'd just like to thank all of you who have taken the time to offer advice, some of whom I recognise on here as being extremely well respected.
Totally appreciate this is a forum for professionals, I did think twice before posting and perhaps should have made that clearer in the original post.
That said, I hoped I'd get a bit of positive feedback from you guys and confess to being quite humbled by the number of kind and helpful replies.
Thanks again
Totally appreciate this is a forum for professionals, I did think twice before posting and perhaps should have made that clearer in the original post.
That said, I hoped I'd get a bit of positive feedback from you guys and confess to being quite humbled by the number of kind and helpful replies.
Thanks again
Oh dear, when Heliport and Peter RB come out of the woodwork to comment - something is most definitely wrong
6th Gear - I apologise most profusely for my abrupt manner. I now accept that the line between newbies and pro's is grey and not black and white.
I shall endeavour to mellow as I get older...not mope!
Welcome to Rotorheads
6th Gear - I apologise most profusely for my abrupt manner. I now accept that the line between newbies and pro's is grey and not black and white.
I shall endeavour to mellow as I get older...not mope!
Welcome to Rotorheads
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6th Gear.
Welcome to the Rotary Club. I can remember my fiirst solo (R22) like it was yesterday (it was actually 26 years ago). Not only did the aircraft feel incredibly light without the instructor but I also remember the noises it made seemed even more pronounced when I was on my own. You should be incredibly proud of yourself for taking off, flying a circuit and landing without any assistance.
Welcome to the Rotary Club. I can remember my fiirst solo (R22) like it was yesterday (it was actually 26 years ago). Not only did the aircraft feel incredibly light without the instructor but I also remember the noises it made seemed even more pronounced when I was on my own. You should be incredibly proud of yourself for taking off, flying a circuit and landing without any assistance.
6th....if it will make you feel any better.....on a Solo flight as I was at about a whopping total of 15-20 hours total time in a 269....I began to over control shortly after takeoff. It was plain to everyone including myself that all was not looking good as the oscillations were getting larger rapidly. I finally talked myself out of the problem and made it around the circuit in one piece.
I retired almost forty years later having flown helicopters in most of the world....did most anything you can do with a helicopter....and got to the point it was pure enjoyment most days....and some nights.
Don't let it put you off....we all have our good days....and our not so good days. Do just as you tell your Missus....relax and enjoy it!
As to some of the less than supportive posts....ignore them.
True Professionals have an obligation to mentor less experienced folks in the trade and to fail to do so only indicts their lack of Professionalism. Unfortunatley, there are Wannabe's amongst us with thousands of hours that insist on proving that to the rest of us periodically. Be we amateur or doing it for a living.....we share a common bond...that being a love of flying and should treat each other with respect.
I retired almost forty years later having flown helicopters in most of the world....did most anything you can do with a helicopter....and got to the point it was pure enjoyment most days....and some nights.
Don't let it put you off....we all have our good days....and our not so good days. Do just as you tell your Missus....relax and enjoy it!
As to some of the less than supportive posts....ignore them.
True Professionals have an obligation to mentor less experienced folks in the trade and to fail to do so only indicts their lack of Professionalism. Unfortunatley, there are Wannabe's amongst us with thousands of hours that insist on proving that to the rest of us periodically. Be we amateur or doing it for a living.....we share a common bond...that being a love of flying and should treat each other with respect.
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IMHO
Hey new guy. I am a full time helicopter pilot and have been for over 2 decades. I have flown Hughes 300 as a student through to S92 instructing. Your interaction on this forum is welcome for my two cent's worth and you should be able to enjoy the fellowship here without reservation. Negative vibes would be better confined to jetblast.
It behoves experienced professionals to sponsor new guys and their questions
Having said that - I am terrified so regularly I cccan't offfer aaany advice.
Hey new guy. I am a full time helicopter pilot and have been for over 2 decades. I have flown Hughes 300 as a student through to S92 instructing. Your interaction on this forum is welcome for my two cent's worth and you should be able to enjoy the fellowship here without reservation. Negative vibes would be better confined to jetblast.
It behoves experienced professionals to sponsor new guys and their questions
Having said that - I am terrified so regularly I cccan't offfer aaany advice.
Still scares me thinking of mine. R22, lift...like a spring, hover.....shakey, circuit....wobbly, flare to hover.....nearly fell over backwards, landings the hard part so will just hover a while to get it together, sweat causes right eye to shut....gotta land before left eye also shuts and cant see at all, or gas runs out Flop out of hover and hit the deck semi gracefully just as left eye closes. Instructor opens door, "thats good do another one'.....hes dragged in, parks the bird.....we have beer. Great stuff!!
Good luck, and keep it up!
. R22, lift...like a spring, hover.....shakey, circuit....wobbly, flare to hover.....nearly fell over backwards, landings the hard part so will just hover a while to get it together, sweat causes right eye to shut....gotta land before left eye also shuts and cant see at all, or gas runs out Flop out of hover and hit the deck semi gracefully just as left eye closes. Instructor opens door, "thats good do another one'.....hes dragged in, parks the bird.....we have beer. Great stuff!! Good luck, and keep it up!
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TC
It takes a big man to say what you did on your last post.
I haven't always agreed with your comments on Rotorheads, but that's what makes it such an interesting forum. I would just like to add that 6th Gear and other PPLs remind me of the reasons why I enjoy (still) this helicopter lark!
Long may we have a good mix of experience on here.
It takes a big man to say what you did on your last post.
I haven't always agreed with your comments on Rotorheads, but that's what makes it such an interesting forum. I would just like to add that 6th Gear and other PPLs remind me of the reasons why I enjoy (still) this helicopter lark!
Long may we have a good mix of experience on here.
Last edited by whoateallthepies; 7th Jul 2011 at 08:00. Reason: Pie added
TC's Response.
Whoateallthepies you are correct.
I read TC's reponse yesterday and thought the same, that takes a set of big ones to respond and take foot from mouth. Well done TC.
We all make mistakes the differnce between us all is some learn from them while others are doomed to repeat them (possible only once)
Thought for the day: "Their are only two types of helicopter pilot. Old ones and the rest.
Their are your choices.
Choose Now
I read TC's reponse yesterday and thought the same, that takes a set of big ones to respond and take foot from mouth. Well done TC.
We all make mistakes the differnce between us all is some learn from them while others are doomed to repeat them (possible only once)
Thought for the day: "Their are only two types of helicopter pilot. Old ones and the rest.
Their are your choices.
Choose Now
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Okay so this is an old thread but I really would love to hear what eventually happened and if you got over your fear............and if you stuck with it and did you get your dream Jet Ranger?
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I think he did
Just bought a Bell 206 B3 - dream come true.. - PistonHeads
But it didn't seem to last long
Selling the Jet Ranger.. - PistonHeads
Just bought a Bell 206 B3 - dream come true.. - PistonHeads
But it didn't seem to last long
Selling the Jet Ranger.. - PistonHeads
Last edited by FLY 7; 6th Aug 2013 at 20:03.
6th Gear
I am glad this is an an ominous ; I have a couple of tricks/comments for when you get an attack of fear. Firstly I think it happens to a lot of pilots low(more) or high time(less), and usually when there is no great reason for it, and it happens at odd times. They won't admit it though. Only a problem if its all the time. The human condition is such that when we really should be fearful, when something really goes bad, we actually don't get scared (maybe after yes), otherwise we would never have evolved,( hunting bears with spears etc). I actually don't like it flying around at 6,000 feet, or with only 200 ft of room between clouds above and fog below, or when a wind gust is so hard on one side its like god slapping me in the air. NOW the weird bit; So at that point if fear really sets in then I think hey it just killed me, I'm dead, but I died flying a helicopter how cool is that, the whole world gets to die in real sh*tty ways but I've just been flying. Ok so I'm dead, it can't hurt me now. So I can't be hurt may as well keep flying now. Weird I know but works for me, I don't do this often maybe once or twice but might be a help.