On Saturday I did my first take off and landing in the same run. In Japan I have flown at two different clubs one in Tokyo and own now in a smaller town. Now Imust make this clear in Japan the clubs are more like a bunch of guys who look after a landing strip their are no rules and no real training. When I flew in Tokyo it was pretty hairy as the space is VERYlimited skyscrapers directly behind you and people causaly walking directly behind the landing strip.

Now Iam in a smaller area. I never soloed in Tokyo and it has been 4 years since then. Iflew a total of 6 times with the only instruction been someone taking off and landing for me and telling me that I am very good .In Japan you always say someone is "very good" though. I know I wa sno where near ready to solo yet.

Anyway on Saturday I had an hour of spare time so I got my gear ready and head to the landing strip to try and get in a two flights of practice. The only person there was the leader and he had airplane trouble so was packing up to go home. I asked him if he could land for me so I could practice the takeoff and flying. He said sure. He asked me if I can take off by myself yet I repiled I was hoping to practice thet today. After a lousy start and my plane vering to much too right and into the bushes. I took off very nice.

After doing a few figure eights he said it was really good and I should practice landing. I did a few passes and he said looks great land it. So I did... not too bad I came down on the main gear after the the nose gear touched it went a about 10 meters the the nose went down and the prop hit the ground no damage to the plane but the prop broke. The landing strip grass was starting to get a bit tall not sure if that had anything to do with it...

Well broken prop or not Iam happy. Just wanted to tell someone in English lol. It's tough learning in a different language. (Oh the plane was a Calmato 40)

With every plane Ihave, I practice touch n goes. It makes landings a lot easier when you practice them. Congratulations on your solo, now comes the work of practice, practice, practice. Sometimes Iwill fly an entire tank of fuel just practicing landings. Keep up the good work! Iwas in Tokyo once, Ididn't think that there was anywhere it would be possible to fly, too many buildings!

<div style="text-align: center"><span style="color: #ff0000">Congratulations on your first solo flight!! There isn't a whole lot in life that gives you that same feeling. I dare you to try and wipe that grin off your face! It will be there for a while.</span></div>

Nippon,
Great job on the solo. It's a great feeling to get your plane up and down by yourself, but don't worry about that smile on your face. It goes away in a few weeks!!!

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

Ken</p></font>