I just got back from my first solo!

[barnstorm2]

I just soloed for the first time in a Fixed Wing ( note the off topic section ).

Weather kept me from getting a solo sign off this week from a CFI.

However, FAR 61.31(k)(2)(iii)(B) allows me to fly the aircraft without a solo endorsement since I am a Private Pilot.

I don't want anyone getting the impression I foolishly just hopped in an aircraft I have never flown before and soloed it.

I have about 8-plus hours of time flying it straight and level cross country and another 2 hours of take-offs and landings in the pattern with another pilot. Since the other pilot was not a CFI he could not sign me off.

The first circuit was not as good as I had hoped.

When I leaned over to close the passenger air vent after run-up I had unwittingly pulled the mike plug partially out of the intercom.

As soon as I was in the pattern the other pilots in the pattern were telling me they could not understand my transmissions.

The darn plugs are in back of and in-between the seats.

I spent most of down-wind trying to plug the dang thing back in.

Finally, not wanting to pull a "John Denver" I decided just to go transmissionless and fix it when I got on the ground.

From not paying attention I had climbed a bit more then I wanted to.

Once I turned final I was still a bit high and she "floated" quite a bit more with just one person aboard.

My flair was too aggressive for just one person on board and I landed with a good 'thump'. I did not bend anything but I still hope no one was watching...

I flew the pattern for an hour with my landings improving each time except for once when I learned how easy it was to forget you are pressing on the toe brakes when landing. No big deal, she just pulled the nose down a bit quicker than I expected.

No worries about me giving up rotorcraft. The thermals suck, landing is a very drawn out affair and not nearly as fun as a gyro by a long shot.

It is nice to get to acquire a new skill and I expect I will appreciate the heater in the winter.

.

[Vance]

Congratulations Tim!

I feel that a little more dual would be instructive.

Thank you, Vance

[barnstorm2]

Thanks Vance!

Oh, yes LOTS of dual planned. I hope to get Sport Plilot FW first then the rest of the way to Private at leasure.

.

[GyroRon]

Great to hear. Nothing wrong with flying planes, They may not be as fun as a gyro for local fun flights, but for going places and just relaxing they are hard to beat.

Tip on the thermals, just relax and let the plane move around in them and let it right itself. No need to over work yourself to death trying to maintain perfectly level wings throughout a flight. Also if you climb high enough you can get into calmer air, usually above whatever height the clouds are at is very smooth. Even on a cloudless day, often if you just go above the inversion layer you will find smooth skys.

[barnstorm2]

Thanks Ron!

The thermals are a real wake-up call sometimes. Gyro pilots have it better then they realize.

Vance, I guess I should have also mentioned I have 17 hours of duel time in other fixed wings as well as 5 hours of instrument training.

.

[StanFoster]

Tim: Congratulations! Its fun to learn new things.....and this will make make you a more rounded pilot.

Enjoy your new freedom!


Stan

[PPG Doug]

Great news! Great news! Great News!

Now, where are the pics?

[barnstorm2]

Thanks Stan and Doug!

No picts Doug. Sorry.

.

[helipaddy]

Frightened the daylights out of myself when I took off with the trim Full back at the landing position in a 172 on one of my first solos, Now once Ive done the pre takeoff checks I always check Primer, Tank selected and Trim, PTT before putting in the power

[Gyro_Kai]

Congrats, Tim,

I share your impression: Nothing beats gyros. I am, however, somewhat tempted by the higher speed of going somewhere.
Otoh, we have a tight knit transportation grid here, so it is not really that important.

Kai.

[The Gyro Man]

Congratulations on your solo Barnstorm2 !! May you have many hours and years ahead of you enjoying your new found freedom!

[Resasi]

Great reading what a gyro pilot feels how I feel about going solo in a gyro. Only problem was I'm hooked.

[rsbiser]

Way to go Tim.

Let me know when you are ready to give me a ride.

By the way, I don't think you told us what you soloed in. I know, but a lot of these guys may not.

Might see ya tomorrow.

Scott

[Resasi]

I'm guessing that it's his wife's new toy.