Well, after 5 or 6 hours of simulator time, I went to the field and got back on the boddy box.

The first take off was done by the instructor, but I took over once airborne and completed the flight unassisted, includng the landing. Bounced a little, but not too bad.

I flew the second flight completely, from taxi, take off to landing. The instructor was there with the box, but never had to release the trigger the whole flight. The landing this time wasn't as pretty. I came in a bit nose low and the prop hit stoppng the engine, and the nose wheel got knocked off its center axis relative to the rudder. Nothing that can't be very easily fixed, but the pilot could've walked away

So, a little baby step towards the real solo which will be coming very soon I am sure.

bryris,
Congrats on taking a step towards your solo flight. You'll get there, just keep practicing. It may seem weird for those that don't fly, but there is actually a huge difference between standing out there alone (solo flight) and having your instructor standing next to you (even if he never touches the plane). But don't worry, you'll get there. We've all been there when we learned, so I hope you know that everybody here on RCU knows what you're going through and that we're all pulling for you to succeed.

Keep us posted on your progress and let us know when you get that solo flight done.

Ken

Yea what Ken said!

Same for me, I've done loads of take off, circuit, land flights but always on a buddy lead. occasionally when we don't have the right cable/tranny set up I'll fly on my own with my instructor alongside. It's much more stressful even though I know he'll grab the controls if necessary. I'm still months away from a R E A L solo flight. In fact, at our club you have to have passed the BMFA 'A' test (basic proficiency) before you can fly unsupervised, which is a bit of a pain but ultimately a very good safety feature. I've still got months to go before I'm ready...

Andy

Well, after fixing a few boo boos on the airplane from last time, I tried it again this weekend and got two fully unassisted flights in. Not quite a solo because the buddy box will still connected. But, my instructor said, "You go fly, and I won't say or do a thing". So, I tied down the tail, cranked the motor, taxied out, took off, did figure eights, a couple loops, a pretty sad roll, several low flybys and the final landing (which was damn near perfect). I did that whole flight twice.

So, I am a knats hair from soloing. They are ready to sign me off, but I get comfort in having someone standing next to me.

Next weekend, or the following one, I think I'll be ready.