Preparing to Solo

Windchill · February 13th, 2003, 23:20

Let's just say the past few weeks have been frustrating as I've gotten closer and closer to being ready to solo . . . the weather keeps me grounded to delay the much anticipated event!

Today, I get out to the airport despite the winds being horrendous, and the plane is under going an oil change . . . well I kind of didn't mind because of the wind, but everything was okay since I ended up spending the time taking the pre-solo written exam and going over soloing with my instructer.

Now I'm excited as taking the test and having that signed off just reinforces how close I am to making the trip myself and logging PIC hours. Not to worry, I am also mindful of the responsibilities and dangers ahead, and will not take the event lightful . . . but it feels better to have something that shows progress.

Unfortunately, looking at the forecast, mother nature continues to stay on my bad side with the two good days coming when my CFI is off and I don't fly . . . but hopefully things will change.

Any words of wisdom for that first trip alone?

aloft · February 13th, 2003, 23:27

Relax. Concentrate. Enjoy. Celebrate!

iceman21 · February 13th, 2003, 23:27

Don't think about it too much. You'll work your nerves up too much.

On my first solo, I felt so routine with the airplane that I forgot I was alone. I looked over at the passenger seat and it dawned on me that my instructor was on the ground.

My word of wisdom is have FUN and fly the plane, it is what you are training for.

flyitup · February 13th, 2003, 23:32

Ray,

Congratulations on being ready to solo! Flying the airplane by yourself for the first time is the first true milestone in your aviation career.

As far as advice is concerned, just think back to all the previous flights you and your instructor have done together... Who was flying the plane 99% of the time? You were, and if you have been doing a satisfactory job of that, there's no reason why you can't do just as well by yourself!

You know your ready, and your instructor knows your ready, so I'm sure you'll do just fine!

A word to the wise: Don't wear a shirt that you value on the day of your first solo!

Good luck, be safe, and have fun!

ready2fly · February 14th, 2003, 06:52

Good luck and DEFINITELY drop us a post telling us about your first solo!!

I had an absolute BLAST doing mine.

Like you, I was a tad nervous until my instructor got out and I started the plane... then it was all good.

Have fun!! GOOD LUCK!

R2F

Mahesh · February 14th, 2003, 07:37

Try not to let the delays get to you. If you htink this is bad, wait till you do your solo X-countries. My solo went smoothly but it took me 2 months to do my x-countries. It's part of the game. Use the time to get better at it :-)

Good luck!

Mahesh

A300Capt · February 14th, 2003, 08:16

Use the down time to do some "arm chair" flying (poor man's simulator) and practice your procedures. Visualize your pattern work over and over in your head. Remember, the aircraft will perform better without the "dead" weight (and noise)

gone from the right seat.

If the approach is questionable, don't try to be a hero and don't hesitate to go-around, regroup and try again! The anticipation to that first solo flight is the worst part. Believe it or not, I still remember my first solo and getting my shirt tail cut. Above all...ENJOY the moment!

saluki_63 · February 14th, 2003, 10:24

My instructor was worthless. She wouldn't cut my shirt or do any artwork. I was cheated! I demand a refund from my school (yeah right!)

Enjoy the solo. Once you start the run-up you won't even think about not having the instructor in the airplane telling you...more right rudder, more right rudder!

Have fun and let us know all about it

GO DAWGS

BrettInLJ · February 14th, 2003, 12:01

I was a little bit nervous from when my instructor got out to the point I was cleared for takeoff and started to taxi onto the runway. As soon as I was lined up and opened the throttle all that nervousness went away turned into exhiliration and excitement.

I didn't get my shirt tail cut off, because in the aviation circles my instructor and friends run in, the tradition is getting drenched with a bucket of ice cold water. I have a great picture of that somewhere that I should scan and post.

ready2fly · February 14th, 2003, 12:06

[ QUOTE ]
If the approach is questionable, don't try to be a hero and don't hesitate to go-around, regroup and try again!

[/ QUOTE ]
I second that!! When I did my solo, I landed the first time, was high on the second one and did a go-around.

Landed- was high on the third one and did a go-around.... to which I got a call on the unicom from my instructor saying "I see we're practicing our go-arounds today.."

It's funny now, but just take your time and do it right. If you're high or not lined up with the centerline - do NOT force it - go around! No big deal.

Again - g'luck!!

R2F

avi8tor · February 14th, 2003, 12:27

First of I want to wish you the best of luck on your first solo!You have truely reached a milestone in your training. Just remember that if your instructor didn't feel confident in your abilities he/she wouldn't of signed you off in the first place.

I still remeber my first solo I was very nervous before takeoff, but after I got up in the air I was fine, and confident. After I got back my instructor cut the back of my shirt off.

After you solo let us know how it went-Good Luck!!

Mahesh · February 14th, 2003, 14:34

I think any nervousness you have will go away at the time when your instructor signs your student certificate, jumps out and signals you to lock the door. My instructor walked to the terminal without looking back. I found out later he came out to watch once I was near the runway.
I wasn't the least bit nervous when I soloed. However my legs were a little rubbery when I was posing for the picture afterwards.

Mahesh

davetheflyer · February 14th, 2003, 18:22

You'll be amazed at how much better the airplane handles without your CFI. (Of course, you'd probably notice it more in the summertime heat and high density altitudes).

Solos always remind me of the mama bird kicking the baby out of the nest.

Just relax and have fun.

tonyw · February 14th, 2003, 21:22

Enjoy the ride. You're doing something less than one percent of the population knows how to do!

Enjoy the scenery, enjoy the feeling, and have fun!

Windchill · February 24th, 2003, 18:55

I am tentatively scheduled to solo this Friday. I say that not because he wants to see my progress again, but because of the weather. My CFI says I'm ready and so long as the weather holds out here in the Mid-Atlantic, I'll solo on Friday.

He is going to go up with me to go over emergency procedures one more time, then we will land so I can drop him off and then have at it. I'm taking my girlfriend and one of my roommate's here at school who's interested in flying. Take 'em up when the instructor's with me, then drop them off to watch when I do my thing.

I've got sooo much on my plate this week with school and other things that I don't have a chance to get anxious or nervous.

flyboy03 · February 24th, 2003, 19:02

I was supposed to solo today and i should have done it weeks ago, but like you weather and other things have held me back, today i wasn't able to solo because there was an rg that had to do a gear up landing and the tower wouldnt let us go up while that was going on, so now i should solo thursday, but if you havent learned already shi* happens and it seems to happen to me more than anyone!

BoDEAN · February 24th, 2003, 19:14

[ QUOTE ]
I am tentatively scheduled to solo this Friday. I say that not because he wants to see my progress again, but because of the weather. My CFI says I'm ready and so long as the weather holds out here in the Mid-Atlantic, I'll solo on Friday.

He is going to go up with me to go over emergency procedures one more time, then we will land so I can drop him off and then have at it. I'm taking my girlfriend and one of my roommate's here at school who's interested in flying. Take 'em up when the instructor's with me, then drop them off to watch when I do my thing.

I've got sooo much on my plate this week with school and other things that I don't have a chance to get anxious or nervous.

[/ QUOTE ]

Have fun, and enjoy it! I will never forget my first solo. Ormond Beach, FL. My flight instructor was sitting on the side of the runway, I taxied and took off, singling the theme song to top gun, as I went around the pattern, did 3 touch and goes, and picked him up. Nerves were there the first couple of times solo, but it only makes you a better pilot. Like I told the FAA lady today, who is going to give me my CFI checkride, stress and handling it only makes you better

E_Dawg · February 24th, 2003, 21:09

Have fun!!! Your first solo(s) will be something you'll never forget. I was nervous the ENTIRE time... but hey have some faith in your own abilities and the judgement of your instructor and you'll do great.

ready2fly · February 25th, 2003, 09:14

Knock the bottom out of it!!

flyitup · February 25th, 2003, 23:17

I hope it works out for you Windchill!!

Good luck, and be sure to give us all the details!

kansaspilot · February 26th, 2003, 08:12

Congrats on you going to solo. Just relax and everything will be fine. It is very true that you will never forget your first solo. Have a great flight

Windchill · February 27th, 2003, 20:38

Well tomorrow I was to make my first solo flight, however, that is not going to happen because of the weather.

No biggie right, next day the weather's good I can do it???

NOPE,

I just got called to Active Duty, I'm in the ANG. I'll be away for awhile--I will return to flying, JetCareers, and home once again however!

flyitup · February 27th, 2003, 20:40

Windchill,

Let me be the first to thank you for serving our country...

Flying will still be here when you return. Don't worry about it..

Have fun in the ANG and we'll see you on the flip side...

February 13th, 2003, 23:20	#1
Windchill Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-Atlantic, KMRB Posts: 1,925	Preparing to Solo Let's just say the past few weeks have been frustrating as I've gotten closer and closer to being ready to solo . . . the weather keeps me grounded to delay the much anticipated event! Today, I get out to the airport despite the winds being horrendous, and the plane is under going an oil change . . . well I kind of didn't mind because of the wind, but everything was okay since I ended up spending the time taking the pre-solo written exam and going over soloing with my instructer. Now I'm excited as taking the test and having that signed off just reinforces how close I am to making the trip myself and logging PIC hours. Not to worry, I am also mindful of the responsibilities and dangers ahead, and will not take the event lightful . . . but it feels better to have something that shows progress. Unfortunately, looking at the forecast, mother nature continues to stay on my bad side with the two good days coming when my CFI is off and I don't fly . . . but hopefully things will change. Any words of wisdom for that first trip alone?

February 13th, 2003, 23:27	#2
aloft Old Skool Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Inside your OODA loop Posts: 6,723	Re: Preparing to Solo Relax. Concentrate. Enjoy. Celebrate!

February 13th, 2003, 23:27	#3
iceman21 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 95	Re: Preparing to Solo Don't think about it too much. You'll work your nerves up too much. On my first solo, I felt so routine with the airplane that I forgot I was alone. I looked over at the passenger seat and it dawned on me that my instructor was on the ground. My word of wisdom is have FUN and fly the plane, it is what you are training for.

February 13th, 2003, 23:32	#4
flyitup Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 620	Re: Preparing to Solo Ray, Congratulations on being ready to solo! Flying the airplane by yourself for the first time is the first true milestone in your aviation career. As far as advice is concerned, just think back to all the previous flights you and your instructor have done together... Who was flying the plane 99% of the time? You were, and if you have been doing a satisfactory job of that, there's no reason why you can't do just as well by yourself! You know your ready, and your instructor knows your ready, so I'm sure you'll do just fine! A word to the wise: Don't wear a shirt that you value on the day of your first solo! Good luck, be safe, and have fun!

February 14th, 2003, 06:52	#5
ready2fly Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: DFW Posts: 7,080	Re: Preparing to Solo Good luck and DEFINITELY drop us a post telling us about your first solo!! I had an absolute BLAST doing mine. Like you, I was a tad nervous until my instructor got out and I started the plane... then it was all good. Have fun!! GOOD LUCK! R2F

February 14th, 2003, 07:37	#6
Mahesh Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Northern Hemisphere Posts: 1,311	Re: Preparing to Solo Try not to let the delays get to you. If you htink this is bad, wait till you do your solo X-countries. My solo went smoothly but it took me 2 months to do my x-countries. It's part of the game. Use the time to get better at it :-) Good luck! Mahesh

February 14th, 2003, 08:16	#7
A300Capt Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Louisville, Kentucky Posts: 708	Re: Preparing to Solo Use the down time to do some "arm chair" flying (poor man's simulator) and practice your procedures. Visualize your pattern work over and over in your head. Remember, the aircraft will perform better without the "dead" weight (and noise) gone from the right seat. If the approach is questionable, don't try to be a hero and don't hesitate to go-around, regroup and try again! The anticipation to that first solo flight is the worst part. Believe it or not, I still remember my first solo and getting my shirt tail cut. Above all...ENJOY the moment!

February 14th, 2003, 10:24	#8
saluki_63 Newbie Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 23	Re: Preparing to Solo My instructor was worthless. She wouldn't cut my shirt or do any artwork. I was cheated! I demand a refund from my school (yeah right!) Enjoy the solo. Once you start the run-up you won't even think about not having the instructor in the airplane telling you...more right rudder, more right rudder! Have fun and let us know all about it GO DAWGS

February 14th, 2003, 12:01	#9
BrettInLJ Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Home:SFO Work:MSP Posts: 1,035	Re: Preparing to Solo I was a little bit nervous from when my instructor got out to the point I was cleared for takeoff and started to taxi onto the runway. As soon as I was lined up and opened the throttle all that nervousness went away turned into exhiliration and excitement. I didn't get my shirt tail cut off, because in the aviation circles my instructor and friends run in, the tradition is getting drenched with a bucket of ice cold water. I have a great picture of that somewhere that I should scan and post.

February 14th, 2003, 12:06	#10
ready2fly Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: DFW Posts: 7,080	Re: Preparing to Solo [ QUOTE ] If the approach is questionable, don't try to be a hero and don't hesitate to go-around, regroup and try again! [/ QUOTE ] I second that!! When I did my solo, I landed the first time, was high on the second one and did a go-around. Landed- was high on the third one and did a go-around.... to which I got a call on the unicom from my instructor saying "I see we're practicing our go-arounds today.." It's funny now, but just take your time and do it right. If you're high or not lined up with the centerline - do NOT force it - go around! No big deal. Again - g'luck!! R2F

February 14th, 2003, 12:27	#11
avi8tor Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Chicago, ILL. Posts: 432	Re: Preparing to Solo First of I want to wish you the best of luck on your first solo!You have truely reached a milestone in your training. Just remember that if your instructor didn't feel confident in your abilities he/she wouldn't of signed you off in the first place. I still remeber my first solo I was very nervous before takeoff, but after I got up in the air I was fine, and confident. After I got back my instructor cut the back of my shirt off. After you solo let us know how it went-Good Luck!!

February 14th, 2003, 14:34	#12
Mahesh Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Northern Hemisphere Posts: 1,311	Re: Preparing to Solo I think any nervousness you have will go away at the time when your instructor signs your student certificate, jumps out and signals you to lock the door. My instructor walked to the terminal without looking back. I found out later he came out to watch once I was near the runway. I wasn't the least bit nervous when I soloed. However my legs were a little rubbery when I was posing for the picture afterwards. Mahesh

February 14th, 2003, 18:22	#13
davetheflyer Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: KATL, Georgia, Tennessee Posts: 1,016	Re: Preparing to Solo You'll be amazed at how much better the airplane handles without your CFI. (Of course, you'd probably notice it more in the summertime heat and high density altitudes). Solos always remind me of the mama bird kicking the baby out of the nest. Just relax and have fun.

February 14th, 2003, 21:22	#14
tonyw Old Skool Join Date: May 2002 Location: Maryland Posts: 15,166	Re: Preparing to Solo Enjoy the ride. You're doing something less than one percent of the population knows how to do! Enjoy the scenery, enjoy the feeling, and have fun!

February 24th, 2003, 18:55	#15
Windchill Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-Atlantic, KMRB Posts: 1,925	Re: Preparing to Solo I am tentatively scheduled to solo this Friday. I say that not because he wants to see my progress again, but because of the weather. My CFI says I'm ready and so long as the weather holds out here in the Mid-Atlantic, I'll solo on Friday. He is going to go up with me to go over emergency procedures one more time, then we will land so I can drop him off and then have at it. I'm taking my girlfriend and one of my roommate's here at school who's interested in flying. Take 'em up when the instructor's with me, then drop them off to watch when I do my thing. I've got sooo much on my plate this week with school and other things that I don't have a chance to get anxious or nervous.

February 24th, 2003, 19:02	#16
flyboy03 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 21	Re: Preparing to Solo I was supposed to solo today and i should have done it weeks ago, but like you weather and other things have held me back, today i wasn't able to solo because there was an rg that had to do a gear up landing and the tower wouldnt let us go up while that was going on, so now i should solo thursday, but if you havent learned already shi* happens and it seems to happen to me more than anyone!

February 24th, 2003, 19:14	#17
BoDEAN Junior Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 284	Re: Preparing to Solo [ QUOTE ] I am tentatively scheduled to solo this Friday. I say that not because he wants to see my progress again, but because of the weather. My CFI says I'm ready and so long as the weather holds out here in the Mid-Atlantic, I'll solo on Friday. He is going to go up with me to go over emergency procedures one more time, then we will land so I can drop him off and then have at it. I'm taking my girlfriend and one of my roommate's here at school who's interested in flying. Take 'em up when the instructor's with me, then drop them off to watch when I do my thing. I've got sooo much on my plate this week with school and other things that I don't have a chance to get anxious or nervous. [/ QUOTE ] Have fun, and enjoy it! I will never forget my first solo. Ormond Beach, FL. My flight instructor was sitting on the side of the runway, I taxied and took off, singling the theme song to top gun, as I went around the pattern, did 3 touch and goes, and picked him up. Nerves were there the first couple of times solo, but it only makes you a better pilot. Like I told the FAA lady today, who is going to give me my CFI checkride, stress and handling it only makes you better

February 24th, 2003, 21:09	#18
E_Dawg Moderator Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: chicago Posts: 4,147	Re: Preparing to Solo Have fun!!! Your first solo(s) will be something you'll never forget. I was nervous the ENTIRE time... but hey have some faith in your own abilities and the judgement of your instructor and you'll do great.

February 25th, 2003, 09:14	#19
ready2fly Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: DFW Posts: 7,080	Re: Preparing to Solo Knock the bottom out of it!!

February 25th, 2003, 23:17	#20
flyitup Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 620	Re: Preparing to Solo I hope it works out for you Windchill!! Good luck, and be sure to give us all the details!

February 26th, 2003, 08:12	#21
kansaspilot Newbie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: KSLN Salina,Ks Posts: 27	Re: Preparing to Solo Congrats on you going to solo. Just relax and everything will be fine. It is very true that you will never forget your first solo. Have a great flight

February 27th, 2003, 20:38	#22
Windchill Old Skool Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-Atlantic, KMRB Posts: 1,925	Re: Preparing to Solo (Was Preparing, not gonna happen) Well tomorrow I was to make my first solo flight, however, that is not going to happen because of the weather. No biggie right, next day the weather's good I can do it??? NOPE, I just got called to Active Duty, I'm in the ANG. I'll be away for awhile--I will return to flying, JetCareers, and home once again however!

February 27th, 2003, 20:40	#23
flyitup Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 620	Re: Preparing to Solo (Was Preparing, not gonna happen) Windchill, Let me be the first to thank you for serving our country... Flying will still be here when you return. Don't worry about it.. Have fun in the ANG and we'll see you on the flip side...

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