I've noticed a few threads on here about people being excited about their first landing and how it was an "accident" there instructor didn't tell them. Well yesterday we had another "accident" at my field, but it had nothing to do with landing. I got to the field with my instructor and got everything set up and ready to go but as we pulled out the Radio's "Oops, no trainer cord!" I was all on my own yesterday, talk about nervous. I'm sure my instructor didn't actually do it on purpose but I was a little suprised. He keeps telling me that I'm ready and has complete confidence in me but I had only landed maybe 5 or 6 times in our normal right to left pattern and ONCE in the left to right and I had only taken off maybe twice. Now I see why everyone talks about the goofy grins that they get and don't go away. I can't wait to get out there again without someone attached to me, It was awesome! This work thing really interferes with my flying time. ONLY 3 MORE HOURS TO GO!

It's a great feeling, eh? Congrats!

I was one of those who landed on my own without prior warning. When I learned, buddy boxes were not the norm. When I had proven to my instructor that I could reliably fly down the runway at about 4-6 feet without messing up, he would stand behind me with his hands over mine on the sticks to control the landings. This gave me a feel of what he was doing to land. One time when the plane was something like 2 feet off the runway, his hands just disappeared! I had no time to be nervous, and the plane survived my first landing just fine.

Now get out there and keep practicing the basics, takeoff, landings, figure 8s, loops, touch and goes, etc. Don't worry about work, R/C is way more important!

My instructor (sneaky little devil) did exactly the same thing with me.
CONGRATULATION on your SOLO

I've done takeoffs that way. "Let's taxi a little. Ok, straight down the runway. Faster, a little faster. Pull back a little." The student is flying before they know it.

Dr.1

Orange Poke,
A solo flight is a great accomplishment and that wins you one genuine RCU ATTABOY (Suitable for framing, wrapping fish, or lining trashcans).

Ken

I've always wanted one of those! Thanks[sm=thumbup.gif]

My first landing was like that, I was flying low over the runway, and my instructor keep telling me to do things and before I knew it I was on the ground. I have landed several times since and some where heavy, bent the front landing gear, but I am improving, I have even had several real dead stick landings. I am getting closer to soloing and I have done the complete flight from take off to landing with out any help but still on a buddy box. This is a great hobby the smiles come thick and fast.

Congrats on your accomplishments. There goes all you sick days for the year!

I've been teaching my son (he's 9) for a while now. Last year he asked to taxi out to the runway so I let him. When he got to the end of the runway I asked if he wanted to take off. I expected him to be all over the runway and I'd have to take over, but he smoothly applied power, rotated at the right time, and set a good climb-out attitude. That was all he could talk about for the rest of the day. I can't wait till he's able to land. We've been working on low approaches, so hopefully it's only a matter of time.

Congratulations!

Now don't break it!



Actually, many people are so afraid of their first crash, but personally I think once your plane has gotten banged up a bit a lot of the nervousness goes away.

So here is the "Newbies Prayer":

May your first crash be repairable!

"repairable" is in the eyes of the beholder............LOL

my first crash resulted in a .40 size trainer going in half throttle nose in first. the fuse was brought home in a plastic wal mart bag.......

took around 3 months (i had another trainer) but she went right back in the air!!!

everyone at our field said they would have trashed it..........i just couldn't...

oh yea......she still flies today (when i've got radio gear in it)

You got it bad,don't ya?

I went to the field during my training days, instructor was at a pattern contest. I was alone, my NexSTAR Select, and grass that needed cutting. Well, I said to my self that I would practice taxi-ing around until someone showed up that could buddy-box with me. I did the taxi bit for a tank full, refueled, and went back to the taxi stuff. Well, as you all know, deep down inside, something said that I can do this so I added a little throttle, then a little more, then a little more, then.... airborne!!. (the grass needing cutting bit was neat cuz you could see my taxi trails all over the place..ha)

Ok a__hole.. what are you going to do now!! Ok, so I orbited a few times then setup for a landing.. greaser!! Perfect, centerline, flare and on the ground like it was nothing. I taxi'ed around and setup another take off and went airborne with this enormous .

I didn't realize it, but the club President had driven up and was watching. When I finished messing around with my take-off's and landings, he walked up and grabbed my shirt, was going to tear it off (custom for when someone solo's) but it was a tad bit cool out so he didn't, but yelled to me... 'HEY, I SAW THAT!! YOU CAN'T DENY IT.. YOU SOLO'ED!! CONGRATS!!' .

That was about four years ago. Now.. well, I fly just about anything that I can mount an engine, and a radio on.

Best of luck, and CONGRATULATIONS!!!

DS.

Congrads Orange Poke.......... It is a Great feeling!!!! Coupled with.................



Both is so true..... We have one member that fixes everything, and I mean everything
the plane can be shredded tp pieces so to speak and it'll be back together and flying
in a day or two.. Yet, another member has a smaller type crash/repair and he's selling
or giving it away............

My first landing was an "accident" too. My instructor told me to keep flying even if he took it, so I thought he had it kept on flying and plopped right onto the ground, no problem then I heard "Congratulations you made your first landing" and I couldnt believe it. And my first solo, well, I came within a foot of a tree, had my throttle trim to high and had to force a touch 'n' go under some power lines. THAT could have been a disaster. Had a semi hard landing and broke a wheel. Bought a set of new landing gear for future crashes, was only $16. Superb flying skills or superb luck. I'd like to think it was the first one

Congrats!! my first solo landing,went something like this. My instructor had me practise approachs lower and lower, then when he felt I was lined up properly, he reached across and cut my throttle. I glided half way down the runway and did a 3 point landing. When everyone finished shaking my hand, I almost had to run to wally-world for a 3 pack of Haines.