My First Solo
My first solo was in August of 1986. I was 16 years old and I remember it like it was yesterday. That special evening changed my life forever. My Father had a small flight school in the small town of Prestonsburg, Kentucky. He had told me if I ever wanted to take lessons just let him know. I waited to take my first official lesson when I received my drivers license (April 3rd). I needed to be able to drive and be treated like any other student. I didn't have extra time between basketball, tennis, honor choir, band, and of course High School. Unfortunately, I would fly infrequently but I did stay with it and was able to solo with 17 flight hours.
There are mountains surrounding the airport and it is a challenging place to learn to fly. I remember thinking it was harder than I thought it would be. But I loved flying and being alone wth my Father with his full attention. I usually flew in the evenings since he worked and I was in school or practice. One beautiful evening on the 4th of August. No one was around. We were working in the pattern and the wind was calm. My Father told me to stop the airplane and let him out. I wasn't ready to quit so I asked why? He told me that I was ready to solo. My heart skipped a beat and I asked him if he was sure? He told me that I will do great and He signed my logbook and jumped out of the Cessna that He owned. While taxiing alone I was worried and thought of everything that could go wrong. I think in that moment I grew up. I realized that Dad/ Mom were not going to be there at every moment of my life. I would have to tackle some very difficult things on my own. I worked up the nerve to taxi to the end and takeoff. I flew exactly like I was trained. I remember singing to calm my nerves on downwind and that made me smile. The landing made me focus the hardest I could remember focusing at the time of my life. My landing was good and I was still alive. Then I hear my Dad gently speak into his handheld and he told me to fly two more take-off and landings. I flew two more and I was gaining confidence and enjoying every minute of it. It might be the most proud moment of my life. It gave me a confidence that has stayed with me even until this day
I have done some really exciting things in my 41 years of life. But nothing quite compares to that moment. I don't know if everyone feels like their life changed drastically when they flew an airplane by themselves. It is just a machine. You operate it like anyone would operate any specialized equipment. As a flight instructor, I have watched many people solo and wondered if that airplane would change their lives like it did mine.
There are mountains surrounding the airport and it is a challenging place to learn to fly. I remember thinking it was harder than I thought it would be. But I loved flying and being alone wth my Father with his full attention. I usually flew in the evenings since he worked and I was in school or practice. One beautiful evening on the 4th of August. No one was around. We were working in the pattern and the wind was calm. My Father told me to stop the airplane and let him out. I wasn't ready to quit so I asked why? He told me that I was ready to solo. My heart skipped a beat and I asked him if he was sure? He told me that I will do great and He signed my logbook and jumped out of the Cessna that He owned. While taxiing alone I was worried and thought of everything that could go wrong. I think in that moment I grew up. I realized that Dad/ Mom were not going to be there at every moment of my life. I would have to tackle some very difficult things on my own. I worked up the nerve to taxi to the end and takeoff. I flew exactly like I was trained. I remember singing to calm my nerves on downwind and that made me smile. The landing made me focus the hardest I could remember focusing at the time of my life. My landing was good and I was still alive. Then I hear my Dad gently speak into his handheld and he told me to fly two more take-off and landings. I flew two more and I was gaining confidence and enjoying every minute of it. It might be the most proud moment of my life. It gave me a confidence that has stayed with me even until this day
I have done some really exciting things in my 41 years of life. But nothing quite compares to that moment. I don't know if everyone feels like their life changed drastically when they flew an airplane by themselves. It is just a machine. You operate it like anyone would operate any specialized equipment. As a flight instructor, I have watched many people solo and wondered if that airplane would change their lives like it did mine.
Love your post !! I think you were the youngest girl in Ky to get your pilot lic. if I remember correctly ...great job Carolyn !!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great story Carolyn!
ReplyDelete