First Solo

[cptn2016]

Wasn't sure if I should start a new thread but didn't really want to hijack other people's solo threads either.

So yeah, first solo today, YBW in C172 C-GKMH. It went great, no problems, greased the landing dead centre

Thanks to everyone at CFC, especially (of course) the instructors I've flown with thus far!

Also thanks to everyone here on avcanada. You're all an invaluable source of information, wisdom, passion and debate.

Now shower me with adulation and remenisces of your own solos.

[ant_321]

I did my first solo in a diamond. The cockpit of a diamond gets SUPER hot in the summer. After the long taxi back on one of the hottest days of the summer it was probably close to 40 degrees inside the plane. My friends were nice enough to put ice in the water for me and I am pretty sure i went into shock. Thats my story.

[Living 5500ASL]

My friends were nice enough to put ice in the water for me and I am pretty sure i went into shock. Thats my story.

I was also lucky enough to get ice. Of course I wonder if it mattered any considering it was -17C on the METAR.

Congrats on your first solo.

[System Message]

I'm not going to shower with you.

[boogs82]

Congrats. My first solo was a couple of weeks ago in Ottawa. Greatest thing in the world. It was pretty warm so the shower was nice after.

[gaamin]

Edit

[Banger]

Nice work! Things only get bigger, better, and faster from here! Oh and I'll take you up on that offer!

Jesus, my first solo was back in 2000. Did a couple of laps around the pattern at CYAM, then kicked my instructor out on the ramp and did 2 more before calling it a day. It was right at sunset; smooth air, no birds, and no one else in the pattern. I still remember how great it felt! I miss that little Zlin, those days were fun. I feel like a kid again just thinking about it...

Of course you really only have ONE first solo, but others can be memorable as well. My first solo in the Harvard II was cool, especially because you finally got to wear the Harvard II patch on your flight suit, distinguishing you as not being a new guy anymore. We weren't allowed to leave the pattern though, so it was about an hour of circuits. Either way, that Friday I had a few more drinks than usual at the mess! On the Hawk I remember showing up at Initial with the speedbrake out! I must have been over-excited with the fact that there was no prop up front, and that I was using the 'Dragon' callsign to notice that full throttle wasn't giving me full throttle speed...I'm sure anybody on the ground watching was just shaking their head. Finally, with the Hornet all I cared about was going as fast as possible. I tell you, it takes a lot of gas to reach the point where thrust = drag. Of course there's smart ways to do it (Rutowsky profile), and dumb ways to do it (Banger's method).

Enjoy your flying from here on out, and don't forget to look out the window and enjoy the scenery and what you do!

[cgzro]

A solo is something you remember for life. Congrats.

Mine was on a grass strip in France in a Jodel tail dragger at age 15 .. a loooong time ago.
My instructor was a retired French Mirage test pilot .. who had learned his English in Texas .. so imagine a French guy with a texas accent and drawl

Good times...

[bverwegen]

Just like banger my first was also at CYAM in the zlin this year. It was a wednesday morning and I managed to scam my solo before heading back to class, felt pretty good to be the first ab-initio to go solo while in a Mr. Portas class later that day

[TWS]

Congrats on your first solo!

I am not there myself yet, I just started flying but I can (or I think I can ) image what an accomlishment it feels like.

[radiotom]

Congratulations! You will always remember your first solo. Mine was in a AG Tiger at a tiny airport in Indiana. I didn't see it coming, my instructor just got out and told me to do three times around. I remember thinking as I left the ground that I was past the point of no return, I HAD to land it now. It was kinda scary. Bounced the first time, Ok after that. One of those life milestones.

[Old Dog Flying]

Congratulations from a Crusty old Grump who had his "first" 8 July 1952 in a Fleet Canuck...and I'll never forget the moment when Jim sent me out on my own...WOW!

[SuperchargedRS]

Congrats!!!

[robertsailor1]

Good on Ya!