LiveATC Discussion Forums
Aviation => Pilot/Controller Forum => Topic started by: rcplanesair5 on September 17, 2009, 06:15:50 PM
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Any tips for a first solo flight?
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Don't get too cocky. ;)
Seriously, though, that is an important factor. I had some relatively proud feeling during my first solo and my performance suffered as a consequence. Safety is the #1 factor in flying. Thoroughly check your aircraft and constantly monitor for traffic.
What I do when I solo is I talk everything I do out loud. This helps me to focus my mind on the multitude of tasks that I'm doing. I talk as if I'm telling my passengers what I am doing or as if I'm telling my copilot what's going to happen next. Of course, I would never bring anyone in the plane with me! ;)
Be polite too. If you are at a towered airport, everything will go smoother if you are polite to the controllers. If they tell you to do something that you don't understand or are uncomfortable with, tell them so and, if possible, give an alternative. We have parallel runways at our airport and I've asked the controllers at least a couple of times if they'd prefer me to swap runways because of traffic I'm uncomfortable with. They are almost always appreciative of this and it makes their day better. Controllers work hard and stress a lot to keep us safe, even when we are, quite bluntly, stupid.
Have fun! Be safe! Your first solo is unforgettable. Oh, and be patient on your landings. You'll feel like you are floating significantly because your instructor isn't there. Flare normally, glide steadily in ground effect, and let it settle itself on the ground, and you'll get those kiss on landings. :)
Regards,
Zach
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- Takeoffs and landings must be equal! :-D
- Fly like you have been taught. Your instructor would not sign you off for solo is they didn't think you were not ready.
- HAVE FUN! This is an event that you will never forget.
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And don't wear a shirt that you're overly fond of. ;)
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Its going to feel like it wants to hop into the sky. One less person equals less weight so it will hop off and float a bit more on landing. Enjoy it best feeling in aviation.
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I can't think of anything else... everyone did a good job mentioning so many things!! What type of aircraft are you flying right now?
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And don't wear a shirt that you're overly fond of. ;)
Amen to that one.... :) lol
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Late to the game on this one, but: the tip that helped me the most on my first solo was "just do everything as if your instructor is still sitting next to you." That includes reading checklists aloud (something I still do).
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Im with galaxy and his post. I found that i would forget to breath calm when I was flying and I had to remind myself to take relaxing breaths. But most of all enjoy what you have.
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Just relax, if you're anything like me youve done MANY circuits before. It will come to you as it normall does, relax and enjoy the moment! I lost my dual virginity when i was just 16, and now almost got my PPL and going on 17
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Just relax, if you're anything like me youve done MANY circuits before. It will come to you as it normall does, relax and enjoy the moment! I lost my dual virginity when i was just 16, and now almost got my PPL and going on 17
Good for you! I soloed at 16, got my PPL at 17 and my Instrument Rating at 18.
That is, now, over 50 years ago.
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Don't worry about your first solo, you will be on your game (unless your instructor is 250lbs+ at which point be ready to fly as soon as you add power because the friggin' thing will behave like an F-15 on afterburners comparatively)... Now the second and third solos are where you will most likely do something incredibly dumb! :-D
And as for the shirt issue, wear a shirt you can show off (not wear) proudly to everyone for the next 30-50 years