DON'T DO THIS On Your First Solo Flight!

If you're learning to fly, thinking about your first solo can sometimes bring some apprehension. In this video we provide some advice on your first solo by telling you what NOT to do.

Blue skies!

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[tom]

The thing I most remember on my first solo was when I lifted off, it struck me that if that plane was going to get back on the ground in one piece, I had to do it. After that, it went very weil. And, it got it back on the ground in a reasonable number of pieces.

[Sean-vhpm]

Had my first solo today. My instructor just surprised me as we landed the last of a few circuit patterns and then immediately called Tower on the runway to ask if there is traffic space for a first solo. Oh my, a totally WTF moment! Absolutely worth it, as it was beautiful red sky evening and buttery smooth landing. Totally nailed it! I wish I had my GoPro to record it, but anyway it will live with me forever.

[darbwa]

MY first solo, The tower told me to extend my down wind and he would call my base then forgot about me until I asked if I could turn my base. I was over 15 miles from the airport. He asked where I was and when I told him he said he was sorry and that i was cleared for a real long final and cleared to land. My instructor watched me fly out of sight and thought I crashed. He told me that I was not to leave the pattern on my first solo. I should have told the tower that I was a student on my first solo.

[areza]

Lesson after lesson I would ask my instructor “when will I solo?” “You’ll solo when you’re ready.” was his consistent answer. Then one day during a monotonous T&Gs lesson, he had me stop, he got out leaving me to do the next 3 solo. That’s the way it should be done. No advance notice.

[danielgregory]

Most vivid memory of my first solo is how much faster the plane climbed...like getting a new computer!!😋

[TheFlightLevel]

Very good video! I always remember aviate, navigate and communicate in this priority sequence also.

[silverfoxidm]

Thank u, everyone should want to fly the whole pilot mindset is a good discipline for everyday living; of course, not everyone should be permitted to fly just like 75% of drivers shouldn’t be on the road w/ their frenetic, capricious, insane, ill - prepared, & out of whack disposition ;yet, the miracle of it all is life goes on!

[marcelorsc]

Perfect. The video I just needed! :-) In just 2 days I'm scheduled to do my first solo flight after 30 years not flying (and after a whole year training and re-learning to fly, of course), and after all this time the expectation is just the same I had doing my first solo in 1988. Different than a PPL student I was not released to just do a pattern circuit, but to fly around our Terminal area, but this first solo flight, as you suggested, will be something simple and that I already did, a 40 minutes fly by a nearby airport (no TGL).

[curtisgoldin]

Don't be pressured by anyone - 4:04
Don't try anything new - 5:32

[michaelpercival]

I remember my first solo like it was yesterday. Back in 1977. Quarter tank fuel. a perfect day C-172 just south of Buffalo. It jumped into the Sky. Less weight. Did a touch and go. Felt good.

[DanUT]

I love checklists. Means I dont have to memorize anything!

[Amanda_B_Reckyndwyth]

This is a really nice introduction to your channel for me. The aviation knowledge you discuss in this one isn't rocket science, but first solo has to be done, as you say, by the book. Very well done, genuine, and very solid presentation skills. My first solo was decades ago, but you bring back happy memories. Again, well done!

[pdubs]

Checklists are great. I actually created my own for prior to the cockpit check. Last time... with instructor... we both forgot to check the Journey log. Its just not on a checklist. We'll it's on my own now!

[TakeFlight.]

First solo flight tomorrow morning, was a little nervous but watching this vid and reading some comments has got me pretty excited now!

[robonthecob]

My solo flight has been postponed 6 weeks but finally in a couple minutes I am ready! Thanks for the video!

[vasend]

You know you are ready to solo when the urge to throw your instructor out the window exceed your fear of flying alone.

[CAPEjkg]

My first solo I was so excited and loving it that on the 3rd landing which was supposed to be full stop I called touch and go again. Wasn't intentional, really focused on the flying and lost track of the landing count. The tshirt after landing reflected this in hilarious fashion.

[jordana]

Getting ready to leave to head to the airport for my solo now! I’m ready but definitely still worried about my landings—most student pilots are though! Thanks so much for the quick review video before the big day

[Shannonbarnesdr]

yes to the checklists : i started from day 1, and its part of my routine, that i stick on my knee-board and clip the check list, on it i keep it with me during the whole flight until after taxiing in, and shut down,

[maverick]

Thank u for your good advice . I’m going solo on Saturday . I’m nervous but feeling good