When does the nervousness stop? When does the heart stop? Basically, same question.

No, seriously - it really never does. I've been flying these things for decades (since 1955) and there are still days that my first flight brings the nerves out - - and that's on a plane I've been flying since 1974, a plane that has NO surprises for me anymore. As time goes on and your experience grows those days will become fewer and farther between. If you fly enough (several times a week) it might even simply vanish for awhile. But let a winter go by with no flying and that first spring flight will bring them right back again, for at least a flight.

I came to the conclusion that it's a tiny little gremlin in the back of my head. I know my plane's OK, I know that I'm OK - he knows that there's a lotta $$$$$$ up there - and that's the whole thing. Not to worry, my friend. When ALL the nerves go away is when you start worrying that you're not paying enough attention.

BTW, welcome to what I've always considered the greatest sport on Earth!!!!

Dave

(pic - my 1974-built/flown Goldberg Sr. Falcon)