I was “ready” to solo for almost a month before it finally happened…in fact, we had the initial endorsements written out and nearly all of our ducks in order. The first attempt, my student cert hadn’t yet arrived and we couldn’t figure out how to print the temporary off IACRA. The second time, traffic was mysteriously insane for a weekday afternoon (we’re talking multiple 747s, a400s and all types of business jets…no, I’m not kidding). THEN we had some wacky crosswinds, followed by a week or so when I was busy with work, etc. There were a couple cancellations due to IFRness in there as well. When I finally soloed for the first time, it was *almost* a non-event because the build up had been so eternal. I wasn’t nervous at all and it actually felt pretty routine, all things considered. I say almost a non-event because it was still awesome and it still made my entire day after I left the FBO…
@airsideadrian63352 жыл бұрын
Great video, I absolutely agree. I actually soloed one day after this video, on Sunday the 27th of February 2022. We flew from my home airport to the training airport nearby. There, we ran an engine failure enroute and on departure, a target landing excercise, a rejected takeoff and I was instructed to react to traffic cutting me off in the pattern. Then we did a landing and rolled off the runway. My CFI asked me how I felt about soloing, left the cockpit and off I was, taxiing back to the holding point. It really hit me when I advanced the throttle on the runway: "Wow, this is all me!". In the end, I did three patterns with relatively smooth landings. Great day! I am from Berlin, Germany and fly out of EDAZ (Schönhagen, near Berlin) with my flight school's Aquila A210. I soloed at EDBO (Oehna, 19nm south of EDAZ) with 18:49 hours of flight time and 81 landings under my belt. I also felt a little pressured to finally solo and advance with the flight training, but it is more important to fly and land the airplane safely and therefore take a few more hours of instruction. My CFI did a good job, he kept my hopes down during the preflight briefing and absolutely surprised me when he thought I was ready 😊👍
@flywiththeguys2 жыл бұрын
Nice! Thanks for sharing that. I had similar thoughts BTW. =)
@Peacewind1522 жыл бұрын
This video is hilariously timed. My first solo was Thursday in a Cessna 152 Aerobat. I'm learning in Class C airspace in Ontario, Canada. My training airport is a regional hub where we regularly share tarmac with 737s and other large planes. As well, we are within spitting distance of Toronto Pearson. It's not unusual to be in the circuit and see a very large jet on final several 1000s of feet above you. My HOBBS by the time I went on my own was 28.4 and to be honest, any sooner I wouldn't have been ready. I was having major difficulties with rounding out too high probably until 25, then it seemed to click. Talking to yourself during the first solo is enormously helpful. My GoPro died on the downwind, but my audio recorder kept going. I could tell exactly what I was doing without any visual whatsoever. Do I think I'll have my PPL by the TC minimum of 45 hours? Not a chance as I won't feel anywhere close to ready. I still haven't done any cross country of uncontrolled airfields. Not to mention, 45 hours I think is extremely low. I'll be happy if I get it by 80.
@flywiththeguys2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing that. Very valuable information!
@manifestgtr15 күн бұрын
I fly out of Portsmouth NH and it’s a similarly wacky situation. It’s class D but Atlas runs 747s out of there on a near-daily basis. There’s a large military presence with all sorts of refueling jets and military transports. Allegiant runs a320s out of there. There’s even an Antonov AN-124 that visits regularly. It’s a pretty bonkers training situation but the controllers are incredible and it definitely gets you used to operating in busy airspace around large aircraft.
@billrosser48172 жыл бұрын
I already did-in 5 hrs. and 29 minutes of dual instruction.Much, much more to learn.
@flywiththeguys2 жыл бұрын
Just curious, where you doing this?
@BrettMcNary2 жыл бұрын
@@flywiththeguys I always roll my eyes at these comments of "I solo'd in 5 hours!" The only time I buy it is if the individual for instance has been flying with their Dad/Grandpa/etc their entire life, knows how to fly and just needs a CFI to sign them off. For someone who is new to flying, I don't care if your Gods gift to flying, 5 hours isn't enough experience to be proficient at ANYTHING, let alone flying an airplane. It takes 30+ hours in most states just for teenagers to get a driving permit for a car. lol
@jpq2022 жыл бұрын
I did,it also in 5 and a half hours and right in my 18 th birtday
@jpq2022 жыл бұрын
Birthday
@jpq2022 жыл бұрын
Octuber 9 1972 my flight instructor was juan escalante III, and was in brown field , chula vista , california, ksdm
@RottenAce2 жыл бұрын
My instructor has begun to start talking about my first solo flights today and I'm at 7 hours. My last lesson (Saturday) was all traffic patterns and performing touch and go’s for the first time and started to get the hang of it after the 4th attempt. Working at my local airport, a former ramp agent for 2 airlines, and talking to ATC when towing aircraft/brakes riding from the gate to the pad has helped out and is all coming together now. My confidence is high and looking forward, studying, watching videos, and listening to ATC every day is helping everyday.
@flywiththeguys2 жыл бұрын
Awesome man! Go get it!
@boogerwood2 жыл бұрын
Great topic. My son (17) and I (49) have started this journey at the same time. It was important for us to be understand (and buy into) the fact that one of us may solo before the other. That doesn't mean the other is a bad pilot, we're just different! No 2 people are the same. But we ALL need to be safe. Love the channel and the content! Can't wait to see the finished J3. Favorite plane! Can't wait to see what you've done to it. 65 hp "stock" engine just doesn't seem like enough!
@flywiththeguys2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for your kind words on the channel. And yea, the J3 is going to be a monster. Got it back from the welder today actually. Need to get some wheels now.
@anderskev9 ай бұрын
Talking through your actions out loud is great advice and has been such a big help for me. I picked this up from solving problems in job interviews as an engineer. It helps your CFI understand your exact thought process and make corrections or offer advice on better flows.
@flywiththeguys9 ай бұрын
Correct! It really helps SO much. Even calling out our mistakes as you correct for them.
@alexwesley92822 жыл бұрын
Love your videos! I'm currently saving for my first plane and every time you post a video It makes it harder to wait LOL!
@flywiththeguys2 жыл бұрын
I know what you mean. I need a plane right now SO bad.
@lawesosah92142 жыл бұрын
That's Awesome man. Go for it!👍🛩️
@JustPlaneSilly2 жыл бұрын
I came here to see you fly a Grumman! When do we get to see the Traveler????
@MrBulletman19702 жыл бұрын
Just wondering, Does your wallet miss the Grumman yet! LOL
@JustPlaneSilly2 жыл бұрын
@@MrBulletman1970 OMG! I've spent more money on the new plane in the first two months than I did in 2 years on the Grumman. BUT... It's all for improvements that I had known going into it. Still hurts though.
@MrBulletman19702 жыл бұрын
@@JustPlaneSilly I feel you! I purchased a $30k plane that I put 20k into it the first year. But so far it has been worth it! Trying to work out making the Rough River Fly-In. Might be last minute. Hopefully there is a room left!
@flywiththeguys2 жыл бұрын
SOON! You wont regret it! I may....
@mongoose333538182 жыл бұрын
I recently earned my private pilot certificate. I think your comments are spot on. For me, the biggest hurdle was staying ahead of the airplane. It's ok to get lost in the joy and romance of flying, but not at the expense of staying ahead of the airplane. You can do those things--and enjoy it--at the same time. I think your comments about being prepared for the lessons may be the most important aspect. I always wanted to know what was next so I could bone up on it, and be as prepared as I could be. Lessons cost too much to not be prepared and get the most out of them that you can. I suspect all pilots have a low point in their training. Perhaps it comes before soloing, perhaps after (mine came after). Knowing you're going to have a low point means it won't be as shocking when it comes--and where do you head when you hit the low point? Up!
@flywiththeguys2 жыл бұрын
Spot on with the low point. It got to the point where it was I have to go flying instead of I get to go flying. It was a little rough just before the checkride.
@Feh601692 жыл бұрын
Solo’ed at 18h. I definitely felt ready by then. Got PPL cert at 56h. Definitely could have used more training but I did it. Flying is an ongoing learning experience anyways.
@flywiththeguys2 жыл бұрын
You never stop learning. =)
@Feh601692 жыл бұрын
@@flywiththeguys yep. Your channel helped me quite a bit!
@lukefritz4058 Жыл бұрын
It does take time for me, I went through 2 Flight Schools and the 2nd one was probably a better decision for me. I took a break from flying for a year and only had 8 hours. I got back into it and my first instructor would just yell at me (1500 CFI's that disappear). I could not learn from that and thankfully I had the choice of other instructors that helped me accelerate through training. I made my smoothest landing today and it finally clicked to me on landing's. Wasn't on the center line lol. I felt like I wasted 15 hours not making progress from one crappy instructors and breaks. Currently at 27 hours. I think 10 more hours or less I can be ready to solo.
@flywiththeguys Жыл бұрын
Yea, crappy instructors can ruin the fun for sure. Glad you stuck with it though! Thank you for sharing your journey thus far!
@HeyIFoundACamera2 жыл бұрын
The idea of soloing still makes me a bit nervous, even though my instructor tells me often that I'm doing well. I think my instructor will think I'm ready to solo long before I will. He may not expect perfection from me, but I do.
@flywiththeguys2 жыл бұрын
What you should be looking for is safety. If you're flying safely, there's no problems. I'm not a perfect pilot and anyone who says they are possibly has a hazardous attitude. Trust your instructor. They'll know. =)
@dougmccloud37032 жыл бұрын
My first solo was where I trained at, down the road from you, at Falcon. Just went out and practiced maneuvers and came back. First solo landing and a mile out or so and tower had me move to the right side of the runway and go around. Wel that was a first. Seems somebody I front of me was so far off they were flying over the dirt between the parallel runways. Oops. 2nd or 3rd solo I came back toward Falcon and called to ask for touch and goes in a Cherokee and little did I know my radio was a .1 digit off and I was asking Sky Harbor for touch and go's. Hahaa. Oops. They were nice about and had heard me call for Falcon Field instead of Phoenix. Lesson learned. Didnt do that again.
@flywiththeguys2 жыл бұрын
LOL. We've all keyed up the wrong tower at some point. For me I'll forget to switch frequencies after I plug it in.
@kevw172 Жыл бұрын
I just recently had my first solo to the practice area and had this video in my recommended. In fact I never got to talk about my first solo yet. It was around the evening and my instructor signed my logbook, briefed on what to do and hopped out, I literally got stuck behind an Airbus being pushed back and while taxiing. I had to avoid the wake turbulence and did 3 landings each to a full stop. There was actually another student in the pattern following me doing his first solo!! I remember going around on my first landing because the plane was so much lighter I flared too much, the last landing was silky smooth I didn't feel the mains touch. Also it got darker the city lights came on, the blue taxi lights also came on too. I still remember thanking the controller for being a big help because I definitely needed it 😂. Boy it was the experience I had been waiting for months!
@flywiththeguys Жыл бұрын
AWESOME! Thanks for sharing! Stories like this help inspire others. =) I still remember mine. Now I hardly ever fly alone..... Just love sharing aviation.
@kevw172 Жыл бұрын
@@flywiththeguys me personally im trying to enjoy it while I can because the rest of my flying career I am never going to fly alone 😂
@jdub77712 ай бұрын
Just got my solo endorsement yesterday. Can't wait!
@flywiththeguys2 ай бұрын
I'm a little late, but congratulations! Have you flow solo yet?
@jdub77712 ай бұрын
@@flywiththeguys between plane maintenance and horrible weather I have not yet unfortunately. Plane is available next week. Probably will be rusty,so I'm not expecting to. But soon hopefully.
@paratyshow2 жыл бұрын
👍☑️ another good and informative Carl. TKS
@ecossearthur2 жыл бұрын
Boom Boom! 💥
@paratyshow2 жыл бұрын
@@ecossearthur you traveling somewhere without internet? LOL
@ecossearthur2 жыл бұрын
Saturday mornings are full in horse back riding lessons here lol
@paratyshow2 жыл бұрын
@@ecossearthur no Ipad mounts on the saddle horn? LOL
@flywiththeguys2 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it! Wish it was getting more traction. =(
@UrPilotNatt2 жыл бұрын
I really want to do my solo on my 16th birthday. I want to fly 2 instructor flights week so I can get the practice and hours in. I am told I am way ahead and I am not even in my flight training. My pilots on some of my Southwest flights said I had the dedication to get though flight school, the owner of my program says I was very smooth on my second flight, and a PPL pilot told me I know way way more than she knew when she started. She is the top of my program, I hope to take that position. I was always scared when I heard how many flight students drop out, I didn't want to be one of those because I love flying, but hearing that I am not a normal flight student was nice to hear. I hope I can get my solo on my birthday, that's just this October!
@flywiththeguys2 жыл бұрын
I hope you can too! Good luck!
@terryboyer13428 ай бұрын
"How To Know You’re Ready". I found out when I was about to add full power for take off and my instructor said wait a minute. He unplugged his headset, opened his door and got out. He smiled and said you're ready, do three take offs and landings, closed the door and walked away. I didn't feel ready but guess I was.
@flywiththeguys7 ай бұрын
It can be surprising sometimes! Mine was more planned, but your experience is more common than you know!
@LP-gs3xj2 жыл бұрын
The avionics are a blessing but much steeper learning curve
@flywiththeguys2 жыл бұрын
So true. And then to move to a different airplane with different avionics.... Yea.
@dutchygirl2 жыл бұрын
Nailed it!
@paratyshow2 жыл бұрын
👍☑️ Go Cindy Go!
@dutchygirl2 жыл бұрын
@@paratyshow I meant Carl's vid, Charles! 😄 I have a membership to bad weather currently and all my flights postponed so far. Hope to be up next week!
@paratyshow2 жыл бұрын
@@dutchygirl 👍☑️🛫
@flywiththeguys2 жыл бұрын
Thanks! And you should just come here and fly. =) lots of good flying weather.
@dutchygirl2 жыл бұрын
@@flywiththeguys HA! I'd love to, but don't see any opportunities to do so. How is 'your' plane doing? Any sight on flying her at this time?
@survivalhealthandhealingtv56512 жыл бұрын
GREAT JOB! KEEP TEACHING!
@flywiththeguys2 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@TheYellowBelle2 жыл бұрын
I recognize that airplane at 0:37
@flywiththeguys2 жыл бұрын
Me too! Beauty of a plane!
@TheMarketingShowChannel2 жыл бұрын
Had to watch as I’m about 25 hours pre solo!
@flywiththeguys2 жыл бұрын
Hope you get to solo soon!
@lawesosah92142 жыл бұрын
Great video as usual 👍
@flywiththeguys2 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it
@lucidvisionary94292 жыл бұрын
I’m about 7 hours in and have done pattern work twice (2 hours) and I feel like my landings suck! I know im just starting out but it’s really discouraging me. My instructor says im doing good and have been progressing through these 7 hours but I feel like he’s just saying that. Known issues when landing; my vertical speed and airspeed is off. He tells me pitch for airspeed and throttle for altitude. Any tips from anyone? I really don’t want to give up.
@lonestarhog74072 жыл бұрын
KZfaq will never allow honest replies with a link. Look up Rod Machado and one of his eCourses called "The Art of Takeoffs and Landings". Rod has been instructing for fifty years and is a DNA Clone of my instructor of, also, 50+ years ago. (Yes, I am no kid; but a 75-year old Veteran and pilot) It is a video course that you can complete in a weekend. Follow it closely and you will shock your present instructor. Happy Flying! 😁
@ashurale2 жыл бұрын
At 7 hours you should be happy if you are landing unassisted. You will get it the more you practise. Each one is going to different. Feel the airplane. Know what it's doing. Listen to what your instructor is telling you. You will butter it eventually. Best of luck!
@dutchygirl2 жыл бұрын
Well, don't give up! You didn't learn to walk properly in some hours right? Learn to to know what you should see in your window especially at lower speed and be ahead. If your pattern work is good, so will you be on base to final. Accept you will have ups and downs till things match up. We all have our own learning curve :-)
@bobvisotsky7812 жыл бұрын
Don’t beat yourself up at 7 hrs, be consistent , try to keep an eye on airspeed and decent rate so when you get a good one you’ll have more info to do it again. First you’ll have 1 good one out of 10 then 2 or 3 . When you finally get to 7 or 8 good ones out of ten your probably ready to go on your own. It only takes an hour or so to bang out 10 touch and goes. After a handful of times you’ll be squared away, be patient and celebrate small successes along the way.
@rondunlop9852 жыл бұрын
At 7 hours I could still barely taxi without my instructor chiming at me. You'll be fine just don't give up and don't take too long between lessons. Ideally 2-3 times a week if you can actually find an instructor with the time available.
@ihelpsed8em2 жыл бұрын
Nice content. Awesome video
@flywiththeguys2 жыл бұрын
Thanks John!
@tangoromeo-ym5iq2 жыл бұрын
my instructor crush with my own sport aircraft right before my solo so yes now i cant trust my skills and my instructor too
@alanaspurling64692 жыл бұрын
I started flying with a club in an ARSA, now class C, it took a half hour just to fly into and out of the airspace…
@flywiththeguys2 жыл бұрын
Ick. That can really add up!
@alanaspurling64692 жыл бұрын
I was delayed getting my medical then too… When I got it my instructor kept saying you only need a few more hours… then I’d be landing the airplane when he’d grab the controls…. It then became impossible to book time with him and the airplane… while several younger people were soloing…. I felt like I was being played…. Between not having aircraft to rent and the issues with scheduling, I purchased my own airplane, now I can’t find an instructor to fly with me, but it doesn’t matter because I’m still in flux with my medical…. I just don’t know why it’s got to be so hard for me, and I see others just progressing so easily.
@RaceMentally Жыл бұрын
Solo here at 15hrs. Everyone is different.
@flywiththeguys Жыл бұрын
Completely! Thanks for sharing!
@asleyeizmendiz33111 ай бұрын
Question: should your first student solo be a touch and go or full stop with taxi back???
@flywiththeguys11 ай бұрын
Depends on your instructor. We did nothing but touch and gos my whole training. We did 1 full stop taxi back to memory. I’ve heard this debate before though. Some instructors are adamantly against the TG and only allow FSTB on solos. Could also be an insurance thing. I prefer the TG because it teaches control and skill on the runway.
@davidturner65092 жыл бұрын
I may never solo…I’ve been waiting on a special issuance medical since early August….
@flywiththeguys2 жыл бұрын
BOO. Sorry to hear that man. I know it can be frustrating. Hang in there!
@littlejess0669 ай бұрын
I’m the. Guy from Ks😂
@patony_12882 жыл бұрын
Hey so I solo this morning on my MSFS 20 and I almost nailed it if it wasn't for that stupid cat crossing on the runway in front of me.
@flywiththeguys2 жыл бұрын
I cant tell you how many simulated cows there were on the runway during my training.....
@flysport_tedder2 жыл бұрын
1:03 whoa, did you lose a track of audio? (it's better than anything I've done, just surprising)
@flywiththeguys2 жыл бұрын
I think so. Not sure how. I left town though so I could fix it before release. 😕 it literally goes away and fades back in. 🤷🏼♂️
@chrisr48152 жыл бұрын
*you're
@flywiththeguys2 жыл бұрын
You're right, FIXED! Like a few days ago but just circling back to reply to this. Thank you!
@timehealthfit18912 жыл бұрын
You light up the room, want to be youtube friends?