Well, I did my first solo flight today!

I have flown now a few times with my Dad on the buddy box and things have been going very smooth. For the first three flights today (in virtually no wind) I took-off, did a few patterns, did some basic maneuvers like cube - 8, Immalman, loops and a lot of flat figure eight patterns to learn both left and right turns. Each flight I needed no assistance and every flight I was able to land very smoothly with the engine running after each landing, and taxied back to the flight box.

We decided to fly another flight and he looked at me and said I didn't need him, and I agreed. I felt very comfortable. I have read some other posts about soloing and you will both know when you are ready.

I have to admit, I was more nervous knowing he wasn't hooked in, but the take off was fine, and once I was up and in the first downwind leg, I got comfortable again. I flew for around 8 minutes, again did my flat figure eight pattern, did a couple of simple maneuvers, then did a few practice set-ups for landings. The landing was very similar to the other three today, greased it in with the engine still running and taxied back to the box!

It's hard to describe spending 50 hours building a kit plane, flying probably 200 times on the flight sim during the winter, training with your Dad to fly, then flying solo for the first time with him standing next to me, both knowing I could do it!

Now I just can't wait to go out again!!!!!