Well today I got my wings, so to speak. After the last session with my instructor we started talking about cutting the cord. We discussed a couple things I needed to work on, and I vowed to spend some time preparing on the simulator.

Last night I get a call from my instructor asking if I wanted to try an early morning solo flight. I of course jumped at the chance, and immediately went to my shop to start my batteries charging.

I woke at the crack of dawn, too excited to sleep. I packed the car, and headed to the field. Once my instructor arrived we worked on deadstick landings a bit. Things were going well. My timer was about up, so I brought it in for a landing. It was not my best landing; I bounced pretty high after first contact. As the plane came down the prop hit the ground, shutting down the engine. The plane was in one piece but the prop didn’t fare as well. It was a wooden prop, and although it didn’t shatter it did splinter on the grain.

Of course as this was my only prop, as I haven’t received my most recent Tower order. It looked like my flying for the day was done, but thankfully another pilot showed up who happened to have a couple props in my size. After attaching the new prop, I had some fun when I spun it right off with starter. Making sure you prop nut is tight enough is a lesson everyone needs to learn.

Everything was put back together, and I was ready to take it up again. We buddy boxed one more time just to make sure everything was in working order. It was a short flight. I brought it back down, refueled, and was ready for my first solo flight.

My takeoff left a bit to be desired (took off at an angle to the runway, and drifted a bit once in the air), but I made it up without any serious problems. I did a few lazy circles trying to get the feel of my radio (this was my first flight actually using my radio). Once I was comfortable I did a couple simple maneuvers (loops and rolls) trying to stall the inevitable landing. After a couple minutes of this I decided it was time. I lined up for approach, cut the throttle, and slowly brought her in. Again, I need to work on tightening my landings, but for now they will do. Since I had only used up about half my time I taxied around and lined up for another take off. This time the takeoff was a bit smoother. A couple lazy circles later I brought her in for the second time.

So thanks to an incredible instructor and a borderline obsession with the simulator I was able to successfully complete my first solo flight. Although there are a million things I need to learn and practice, being able to cut that cord was such an amazing feeling that I needed to share.

Anyway, now that I am soloing, anyone know where I can get a good deal on a 40% Gasser.