how did ya'll do first time alone
#1
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From: Ripley,
MS
Yesterday was the first time at firld after being cut loose to fly by myself. Was sorta hoping for someone to be there but no one was around mainly because of waiting for hurricane dennis. Got to field had a slight cross wind but took my time set up things did range check fueled up and after a few minutes of deep breathing and shaking knees started her up and took off.
It was fantastic was nervous but did a few take offs and landings and after that knew I could do it on my own anybody had other experiences?
It was fantastic was nervous but did a few take offs and landings and after that knew I could do it on my own anybody had other experiences?
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From: Port Washington,
WI
ORIGINAL: knightmagic
... anybody had other experiences?
... anybody had other experiences?
I had been practically flying solo for several weeks prior to actually getting cleared officially. The next day I had the day off and took my Avistar out to enjoy my day off. Perfect weather - nice, easy take off - a little nervous, but manageable. So I flew about 5 min. of some basic circuits and simple aerobatics. Then I thouhgt I'd start working on introducing rudder control into the slow roll. Well, when you roll right and add right rudder instead of left, it introduces a pretty serious spin - and a novice pilit at only 3/4 of a mistake high is a recipe for disaster. However, I can say with complete confidence that I flew it all the way (in)to the ground. THe airframe was a total loss, but the engine and flight gear should be ready to fly in a replacement Avistar this afternoon.
The lesson learned is to FORCE yourself to resist any temptation to take too big of a step too early. And when you do step, make sure you have more than enough altitude.
If there is any truth to the addage about there being 2 type of pilots (those who have crashed and those who will crash), then at least I no longer have to worry about when the transition occurs!
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From: Davis,
OK
My first trip to the field alone was great! I was nervous, but it all worked out perfectly. Second trip was not as successful. At some point right after takeoff on the second flight, I lost the crossbar screw that holds the carburetor on my Evo .46, and I lost throttle control. Engine kept running, but I couldnt throttle down to less than about 75 percent. What I "should" have done, was just fly around until I ran out of gas, and dead sticked it in. Instead, I decided to try for some tall grass across the fence from the airport I fly at. Being only the second time I had flown there, I mis-judged my altitude on approach, and clipped the fence as I crossed it. Destroyed the wing on my LT40, but everything else survived. A new wing and a few minor repairs later, I've been out 7 times since then, and everything is going great thus far (knock on balsa wood).
#5
I do fly alone at times. I don't really prefer it but if no one is out there I make sure I have my cell phone close by just in case something happens.
My first time out was a little scary but got over it quickly once the airplane was in the air. Actually I found it easier to fly under those circumstances because the air was all mine and there was no pressure of anyone watching.
My first time out was a little scary but got over it quickly once the airplane was in the air. Actually I found it easier to fly under those circumstances because the air was all mine and there was no pressure of anyone watching.
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From: Davis,
OK
I fly alone alot, just because it a 37 mile drive to the R/C club field, and a 1.5 mile drive to the local airport where I have permission to fly. It's a very small airport, that gets maybe two planes a week for traffic. I NEVER go out there without my cell phone, first aid kit, and my handheld aircraft radio. It is very relaxing to me to go out there in the evening after work, when the wind is calm, it's quiet, and I'm the only soul around. Flying alone can be just as safe as having someone with you, IF you make yourself follow all safety rules to the letter, and check and double check EVERYTHING!
#8
ORIGINAL: Lowlevlflyer
I fly alone alot, just because it a 37 mile drive to the R/C club field, and a 1.5 mile drive to the local airport where I have permission to fly. It's a very small airport, that gets maybe two planes a week for traffic. I NEVER go out there without my cell phone, first aid kit, and my handheld aircraft radio. It is very relaxing to me to go out there in the evening after work, when the wind is calm, it's quiet, and I'm the only soul around. Flying alone can be just as safe as having someone with you, IF you make yourself follow all safety rules to the letter, and check and double check EVERYTHING!
I fly alone alot, just because it a 37 mile drive to the R/C club field, and a 1.5 mile drive to the local airport where I have permission to fly. It's a very small airport, that gets maybe two planes a week for traffic. I NEVER go out there without my cell phone, first aid kit, and my handheld aircraft radio. It is very relaxing to me to go out there in the evening after work, when the wind is calm, it's quiet, and I'm the only soul around. Flying alone can be just as safe as having someone with you, IF you make yourself follow all safety rules to the letter, and check and double check EVERYTHING!
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From: Akron,
OH
Club rules prohibit me from flying alone. We have a private airport for the full scales that is adjacent to our flying field, and we require a spotter at all times just in case on of the full scale pilots decide to get frisky and violate our airspace.
#10
Since I fly at my own field, I almost always fly alone. It is up to me to be certain before I do anything, that everything is the way it should be. I think of my own personal safety, and fly as if I have spectators to be careful of behind me. I don't fly directly over my head, or behind my runway, never over the pit. I do have an advantage, just behind my pit is a "real" tree that needs to be avoided for collision purposes.
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From: Melbourne Victoria, AUSTRALIA
How did I do? Bad, but i improved and fairly quickly, fortunately. I had a couple of bad crashes, hit trees a couple of times, but am now proficient. It doesn't take long if you apply yourself and constantly assess your own performance as well as listen to the experienced guys who watch you fly.
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From: Kangasala, FINLAND
Hi,
Flown about 5 times alone now. First time was, well, interesting as I´m flying with Seagull ARising Star trainer and wind was up about 7m/s (roughly 20 or so feet/second). Got the plane up allright, but due to the (cross)wind, the landing was a little bit bumpy
. Well, nothing little epoxy didn´t cure...
Now enjoying flying in our club´s small air field and looking next weekend of going to bigger field with a friend.
Flown about 5 times alone now. First time was, well, interesting as I´m flying with Seagull ARising Star trainer and wind was up about 7m/s (roughly 20 or so feet/second). Got the plane up allright, but due to the (cross)wind, the landing was a little bit bumpy
. Well, nothing little epoxy didn´t cure...Now enjoying flying in our club´s small air field and looking next weekend of going to bigger field with a friend.
#13
When I was teaching myself how to fly I always flew alone. I didn't want anyone else around to see how bad I was LOL. Only crashed one plane at that point, My CG Eagle II. Just to get flying again quickly I bought some no-name ARF trainer (Right Flyer 40 MkII). I still have that plane hanging up in my shop waiting until my wife decides she is ready to learn to fly.
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From: Madison, AL
The day i soloed, I also got to go and ride in fullscale as a present. And i went back later that day, lets just say i have learned to takeoff to a T now.




