Went solo today!

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Mr Noble

Original Poster:

6,535 posts

232 months

Tuesday 15th April 2014
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After 16 months of learning (including a gap from last August until 3 weeks ago), I finally got sent on a solo circuit of Cambridge airfield earlier today in their trusty Cessna 172, G-UFCB smile

Was rather nervous all day and night yesterday, and very nervous after 3 circuits with the instructor when she said, "Right then Greg, would you like to have a go on your own now?" I almost said no!

It all went very well. Landing was better than I thought it might be - all the wheels stayed on! wink




V8LM

5,166 posts

208 months

Tuesday 15th April 2014
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Excellent. Well done.

It's a frightening prospect, happens all too quickly, and never forgotten.

Ginetta G15 Girl

3,220 posts

183 months

Tuesday 15th April 2014
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Congratulations. Well Done!

You never forget your First Solo.

Dr Jekyll

23,820 posts

260 months

Tuesday 15th April 2014
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Well done.

mikef

4,826 posts

250 months

Tuesday 15th April 2014
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Congrats. I bet you were surprised how quickly she goes up without the instructor next to you

LimaDelta

6,507 posts

217 months

Tuesday 15th April 2014
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Congrats! Was a lovely day up there today. thumbup

Siko

1,976 posts

241 months

Tuesday 15th April 2014
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Many congrats, an awesome feeling! I did mine from RAF Newton, a grass airfield. I still remember the queasy feeling in my stomach as I rolled out downwind, on my own for the first time and saw nothing but green fields rather than a comforting strip of Tarmac biggrin

magpie215

4,370 posts

188 months

Tuesday 15th April 2014
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Well done......the first time you feel like a real pilot :-).....notice the performance difference without the talking ballast?

eharding

13,600 posts

283 months

Tuesday 15th April 2014
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Well done! Lunch is on me if you decide to come down to White Waltham on your QXC - if I'm not there, tell Gavin to put it on my tab!

IforB

9,840 posts

228 months

Tuesday 15th April 2014
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Well done! After 15 years of flying, my most memorable flight is still my first solo. It's the biggest event in your flying career really. Time for beer!

montymoo

376 posts

166 months

Tuesday 15th April 2014
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Congratulations !! It really is one of those thing you will remember for a long time.

MarkK

667 posts

278 months

Tuesday 15th April 2014
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Well done! You'll never forget it!

speedtwelve

3,510 posts

272 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
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Well done chap. Your first solo sector recce away from the circuit by yourself will be just as much fun.

Kenzle

153 posts

168 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
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Ah, G-CB!

I did my skills test in that aircraft - they're a great bunch at Cambridge Aero Club... you're in good hands there.

anonymous-user

53 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
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You take off and turn downwind, look around and realise the seat is empty next to you.


anonymous-user

53 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
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It's a great feeling. Apart from when I was doing RT I sang out loud the whole way round the circuit.

I did it in a 152 so you notice the lack of the instructor even more!


CharlieCrocodile

1,186 posts

152 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
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That's great news, I did mine last June....skills test tomorrow!

Chewykneeslider

130 posts

129 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
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Welcome to the club sir! I remember mine like it was yesterday... In fact it was 20th September, 2002, in a PA38.

The really surprising thing was that without the 'talking ballast' the thing didn't want to come down either! It was a beautiful, early evening, with the sun low off 27 at Turweston.

I'm sure that you will have a lot of fun, but there's nothing like the first solo!

willmcc

758 posts

238 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
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Well done, it's been 30 years since mine but as many others have said, never forgotten.

Mr Noble

Original Poster:

6,535 posts

232 months

Wednesday 16th April 2014
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Thanks for all the comments! It was very special indeed.

Can't wait till Saturday now and hopefully three more solo circuits or maybe some advanced turning smile



Good luck with the skills test Charlie croc!