11 replies to this topic

[OldBuzzard]

I posted sometime back that I had started flying Sailplanes.

Well....today I did my first solo flight.

Was a decent day, but despite what it looked like, there wasn't any lift to be found, so I had a 25 minute 'sled ride'.

Here's some pics of me getting ready to go. The guy in the golf cart is my instructor, who was probably more stressed than I was

Of course, there are vids as well

Take off:


On tow, crossing over the field. Tow plane is a Piper Pawnee:


Landing. It starts with me on the down wind leg., and then rolling out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93ZM3mfmCOw&feature=channel&list=UL

Getting out after the flight. Normally I'm a bit more graceful getting out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTjjZuQr09s&feature=channel&list=UL

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Edited by OldBuzzard, May 27, 2012 - 03:53 PM.

[grand]

Thanks for sharing such a great experience. Awesome video and great pics.

[Texas Deere and Horse]

Wonderful to see making your first solo, sorry you couldn't find any good lift to stay up awhile. Thanks for sharing..

[dogsoldier]

looks like a really good time. i always wanted to do the and also skydive

[Newpaws493]

That's great! thanks for sharing. i'm trying to imagine going from hearing the sound of the tow plane, then the moment of release and then no motor....? to you

[TUDOR]

Congrats!!

There is nothing like the first solo! Scared spitless and it comes off so well. I still remember mine in '64 in a Cessna 150.

"High Flight", great poem!

Well done!

[HowardsMF155]

Congratulations. I think a little Pink Floyd might be in order:

[JDBrian]

Thanks for sharing your first solo with us. That's a great accomplishment and hopefully just the first of many flights to follow.

[caseguy]

Congrats on your first solo! That's a pretty cool hobby to have when you're not playing with the GT's! Thanks for sharing it with us!

[OldBuzzard]

Congrats!!

There is nothing like the first solo! Scared spitless and it comes off so well. I still remember mine in '64 in a Cessna 150.

"High Flight", great poem!

Well done!

Indeed.

Actually this isn't REALLY my 1st solo flight.

Back in 79-80 I started taking lessons towards a SEL ticket, and my REAL 1st solo was in a J-3 Cub. I also started flying sailplanes at the same field, and soloed in a Schweitzer 2-33. Meanwhile, I also bought a 1946 Cessna 140, and added that to the 'list'.

Since I now had my own plane, and the only flying I was doing really didn't need a rating, my buddy and I (he had a Commercial ticket) flew the heck out of that 140 for two years.

Then, #1 son came along, and it was just to much $$ to fly then, so I had to sell the Cessna.

Now, 30+ years later, I decided to actually GET a rating, as a PPG rating is the cheapest you can do, not to mention, as far as I am concerned the most FUN.

Anyway, THIS time I wasn't scared spitless, BUT I was still a bit on the nervous side. I knew that flying the airplane wasn't a problem...I just didn't want to do something stoopid, and disappoint my instructor.

As for "High Flight" I know that most people like it, but only an aviator really "feels" the impact of that poem. I remember that it was used as a sign off for a number of TV stations back in the 50s-60's and I always enjoyed it then. But the true meaning/feeling didn't really sink in until I started flying. Especially when you know the story of the author. I will occasionally 'look it up' on Youtube, and I'm not ashamed to admit that I will get a bit "Misty eyed" watching it. Remembering some of the flight's I've had, and the short life of the author.

For you "Young Folks" that have never seen it, this is the one that I'm referring to:

[HDWildBill]

Congrats on the Solo. It is great to full fill a dream especially when you have had it for a long time. Reminds me and my Motorcycles started when I was young and had to put them on hold when Kid came along and finally later in life had the opportunity to get back to them. Thanks for Sharring

[Cvans]

I guess we can't cut your shirt tail off so congratulations. Beautiful take off and landing.
I love flying and it is going to be a sad day when I can no more do it.