RobynD39 Posted February 4, 2012 Posted February 4, 2012 OMG! I did my first solo today in the drifter at Bradfield - just west of Atkinsons Dam in QLD! What an awesome feeling to be fully in charge of such a beast. I was so excited while I was up there on my own I was "yahooing" by the time I turned crosswind. Had to contend with some thermals on downwind that were definitely more violent with only my weight in the plane but managed to keep it together. And managed to touchdown ok after a light bounce. Now only a couple more hours to hone my skills in the drifter and then i can continue my training in our RV9A. A big thanks to Jimbo my instructor for his patience. I'm sure we'll be able to concentrate now on moving forward. 10
ave8rr Posted February 4, 2012 Posted February 4, 2012 Congratulations Robyn. You will enjoy the RV9A I am sure. They are a great aircraft. Cheers
HeadInTheClouds Posted February 4, 2012 Posted February 4, 2012 Well done! You will never forget that flight!
facthunter Posted February 4, 2012 Posted February 4, 2012 I wouldn't call it a "beast" but it is a significant achievement to solo in a drifter. It's a real plane and don't let anybody tell you it is less than that. All the ones I flew were SB's . ( supposed to be a bit cruder, and need a bit more power.) Congratulations. Keep having fun. Nev
G-OMER Posted February 4, 2012 Posted February 4, 2012 cool, init a great feeling, and prob the best landing you have ever done
Neil_S Posted February 5, 2012 Posted February 5, 2012 Hi Robyn, Well done! - just the start! Cheers Neil
Piet Fil Posted February 5, 2012 Posted February 5, 2012 Congrats Robyn, Its something that will never leave you and no-one can ever take it away ..... just like that smile on your face. Excellent Phil
Guernsey Posted February 5, 2012 Posted February 5, 2012 Well done and congratulations Robyn I would have loved to hear your down wind radio call.......Yahoo Bradfield this is Yahoo Drifter 1234 Turning down wind Yahoo for runway 21 Yahoo on my first solo Yahoo Bradfield and anyone else who is listening YAHOO! Alan. 2
Flying Librarian Posted February 5, 2012 Posted February 5, 2012 Well done Robyn. Hope the are more "yahoo's" to come. Fellow librarian 1
Owi Posted February 5, 2012 Posted February 5, 2012 Good stuff! Well done on achieving this milestone.
RetiredRacer Posted February 5, 2012 Posted February 5, 2012 Congratulations sweetheart , you make a husband proud. And you deserve the fun you are having . 5
Guest davidh10 Posted February 5, 2012 Posted February 5, 2012 Great stuff. That smile is going to last a long time :-) The drifter is a really nice aircraft.
JimG Posted February 6, 2012 Posted February 6, 2012 Congrats Robyn, awesome feeling I know, I remember my first solo like it was yesterday...! And good on you for choosing the Drifter to start you flying experience in, its my opinion that the Drifter is one of the best Aircraft to develop stick and rudder skills that will stay with you for flying life. Keep up the good work...! JimG 1
bones Posted February 9, 2012 Posted February 9, 2012 Good Job, Robyn, and you know well for me it is anyway, very hard on the instructors nerves while your up there on your own, even though i know i have done everything i can i am like the non stop chimney, i give chain smoking a whole new meaning on the first solo of every one :) and damn i had 2 last week so i went 2 days with out a smoke after that 2
Guest aussie carl Posted February 10, 2012 Posted February 10, 2012 FANTASTIC !!!! Well done Robyn and thanks for sharing
Admin Posted February 10, 2012 Posted February 10, 2012 A day you will never forget Robyn...well done...you look the part in that Drifter!
RobynD39 Posted February 11, 2012 Author Posted February 11, 2012 Thanks everyone for your comments. Your support is very much appreciated. I'd like to add - especially for anyone out there still learning - that I didn't think last weekend's flight would happen. Leading up to it I was questioning why I was learning to fly, and whether I had it in me to be "pilot in command" after relying on my husband for so long. All the week before I was battling with myself - every bone in my body was not wanting to go for another lesson, but my heart knew I would be disappointed if I didn't. Everyone I spoke to said everyone goes through this, so I forced myself to book in for my lesson. And it was the best thing I could have done. Flying solo is the most exhilarating thing I have ever done - and I've done a lot of thrilling things - and now I know why I am taking flying lessons. So I can get up there on my own, away from it all, fully in control, and hopefully land safely back on the ground. So I just wanted to share this with anyone struggling with their training. Ignore the doubts and the fears and just do it. Otherwise you might miss the best experience of your life! 4
ayavner Posted February 15, 2012 Posted February 15, 2012 Yeeee haaaaaa!!! Well done, can't wait for mine some day! Seems so far away with the crazy weather, it is nice to see at least someone somewhere can make progress! thanks for sharing! 2
Mark11 Posted February 24, 2012 Posted February 24, 2012 Well done Robyn ... I ain't there yet ... Regards Mark
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