First solo circuit or first area solo: Which is the bigger buzz?

[JollyWalter]

Had my first training area solo on Saturday and it was the biggest buzz I've ever had in my life.

 

My first solo circuit was right up there but I have to say that picking up the keys and getting in the C152 from scratch, taking off and flying a full circuit of the training area (Jandakot to Mandurah - Pinjarra - Hills then home), entering the circuit and putting it down tidily was without doubt my greatest personal achievement.

 

How about you?

 

Cheers

 

Mick

 

 

[facthunter]

After Ist solo.

 

The circuit is a set-down procedure practiced from start to finish many times. How often have I seen the flaps left extended? The preparation and execution of a trip to the circuit area is much more outside the square, especially as you prepare and park the plane. Next step is to venture across country to far aerodromes. (when you are ready). THEN you will have covered most of it. Nev

 

 

[stanzahero]

Biggest Buzz

 

My biggest Buzz was landing at another airfield after receiving my XC endo, with my brother (shortly to become fist non-pilot passenger) watching, and have him comment that he thought it was a real pilot - not me.:confused:

 

With no instructor present, or within radio contact it hits home the responsibility.

 

:thumb_up:

 

 

[rgmwa]

Congratulations Mick. It's a real buzz. I did the same trip last year. Even better than first solo, which left me with a big grin too. Better still is when they let you fly off by yourself on your first solo nav down to Boddington and Bunbury and back via Boatyard. Not to mention taking up your first victim, err passenger.

 

rgmwa

 

 

[sfGnome]

I reckon cficare's hit the nail on the head. Your question got me thinking, and I came to the conclusion that every new thing has been a real buzz. Solo, Area Solo, Nav Solo, first passenger (my beloved - I've never flown so carefully :) ), different a/c, different field. Hanging out for the overnight nav and then the big trip.

 

 

[Guest Dick Gower]

We try to spring the first solo on you without warning JollyWalter- at least that is how it is supposed to work out.

 

With the first area solo you know in advance so that would be the one.

 

Congratulations on both milestones.

 

 

[Neville75]

First Solo was great, but over so quickly, first area solo was a truely amazing experience. I really enjoyed walking out to untie the plane, keys in hand preflight and taxiing out all on my own. Made me feel just like a proper pilot. Our training area has another aerodrome 15miles away, and did my first circuits at this field recently. Not having all your usual visual prompts and reference points was a little strange, but also did my smoothest landing ever there on the second circuit. A really big buzz.

 

 

[Guest davidh10]

I agree with cficare.

 

As an example, I was quietly chuffed when I realised that I was compensating heading for cross wind without being consciously aware of it. It just suddenly dawned on me one day. Just a little thing, but quite satisfying none the less. :big_grin:

 

 

[Guest fozzie69]

congrats mick, great to hear,@ dick gower i remember my instructor radioing the tower to tell them "student returning for 1st solo" and as the words sank in my brain said "what the F#%&" haha

 

 

[BruceScott]

I think that after the 1st solo and the 1st solo nav the best buzz that I have felt was taking my 83 yr old father on a trip from Tocumwal via Deniliquin-Balranald-Clare Station (90 mile nth balranald)-Hay - Tocumwal to show him the area in which he grew up in years ago from the air.

 

we did 470 nm in 4 hr 55 mins with one landing at Balranald.

 

We were in a Jab 160 and was a good day with a few diversion around a few homesteads where Dad wanted to look at from the air.

 

I had taken my 2 sons up for a few curcuits before but I think when you can take your father it has to be the best feeling ever for those of us who still have the privledge of having a father around.

 

Mother is the next next passenger if I can get her to go.

 

Kylie (better half) will not go as she hates flying and therefore any romantic weekends away at the Flinders Ranges etc are a non event unless we drive.

 

Cheers Bruce

 

 

[Relfy]

First solo, first area solo, first nav, first solo nav, cert attainment, nav endo, first non pilot pax, first non pilot pax x country nav, first big multi stop nav trip away to far away places... I don't think it stops. There are just so many things to do.

 

Heck, that's why we love it so much!