Well went to training tonite. It was raining but the area to the west looked clear so I decided to go to the field. I always have fun there weather I fly or not.

We sat around shooting the bull and talking about the upcoming airshow at our field when I got my plane all ready with a fuel up and radio check. Some of the instructors took some planes up when the light rain dropped to a slight drizzle.

Pete Siefret, took me up for the first flight of the day and I jsut had a fun fly. Did some loops and barrel rolls and low high-speed passes. Ended the flight with a forced deadstick. I ran onto the field and retrived my plane. When I got back to the pits the lead instructor, Bob Rowe, said, "Fuel it up, you're doing your solo flight."

"Huh?" Oh boy, wasn't expecting this. "Well, OK"

Did the taxi and takeoff and did a figure 8 pattern, oval pattern, center up the runway different altitudes, loop, power-on stall and the deadstick. I should of turned left to make my approach against the wind, but my thumbs screwed me and I made a right turn. Now I would be landing a deadstick with the wind. The wind was very light and not a big factor, but I did come in hot. It was an OK landing but on the slight bounce the front wheel came off!!! Thanks Goodness I was going so slow for the nose dug alittle into the soft earth and did not even flip. I ran out to get the plane and no damage.

Bob says, "Fill her up, we'll try that one again." I got a new wheel collar and tightened it hard. I fueled up and got to altitude when Bob reached over and deadsticked it again. This time no problem turn left and lined up in the landing pattern against the wind this time and came in for a slight bounce smooth landing. I ran out to get the plane and knew the flying part of the solo test was done. I knew I wasn't done yet. The ole oral test was next. One of the instructors asks you a bunch of question on safety and club rules. Questions on proper procedure and ettiqute. I passed that and my solo was complete.

I soloed on my 66th flight on my Superstar. That poor plane took my abuse for over a year and she never let me down. She is one hellva trooper and always kept me out of trouble. So, with my solo comes and end to this thread. I seems like I was writing it for my own piece of mind but that is good enough for me. Thanks to all who have read these posting and gave me encouragment along the way. I hoped you enjoyed reading the thoughts of "Another Newbie".

Clear skies

First photo is my Superstar after my solo flight (66th). It was rainy and the grass was just mowed.

Second is of RC pilot Bob Rowe's plane.

Third is of Pete Sieffret adjusting the engine of Bob's plane. Bob's transmitter has a transmitter condom on it. A showercap with holes!!