First Solo

[rollthbns]

HI!

 

I am up to about 26 hours or so, and my instructor has started using the S word. It is my attitude that when it comes time for me to solo the aircraft, I will not know it, and I must be forced to do so. So, I have a question for those that have gone before me:

 

What were some of the things that you experienced, good or bad, on your first solo flight? What were some thigns that you feel you did well, and what were some things you feel you should have paid extra attention to? How many solo flights did it take before you arrived at a place of cautious confidence flying without an instructor?

 

Any information you guys can provide would be very much appreciated!

 

Mark

 

Helicopters ARE safe, but they are unforgiving.

[Pogue]

You'll find the helicopter is a lot friskier with only one person in it. Also your cyclic will be more forward and left (if you're in the right seat) than you are used to, and you'll get light on the skids a lot earlier. Take your time picking it up and you'll be fine...

 

Have fun!

[southernweyr]

My first solo was a little nerve racking. I wouldn't admit it though. I only stayed up for around thirty minutes on that first flight. No reason to push it too much the first time up. Just do what is comfortalbe. By my third solo I was "cautiously confident."

 

If you can do an auto to a power recovery in a hover, a normal take off, and a normal approach with out any help from your instructor then you are ready for your solo. They don't have to be beautiful, but they should be safe. This goes for the flying of the helicopter only. You should also be able to maintain situational awareness and manage your surroundings properly while doing these manuevers.

[PA Pilot]

What were some of the things that you experienced, good or bad, on your first solo flight? What were some thigns that you feel you did well, and what were some things you feel you should have paid extra attention to? How many solo flights did it take before you arrived at a place of cautious confidence flying without an instructor?

 

Helicopters ARE safe, but they are unforgiving.

Just try to relax and you'll be fine. My first solo was in an R22 -- it was a little squirrely without all that meat in the left seat, and the CG was noticably aft. It took me a couple of seconds to settle down, and then everything was fine.

 

I went very quickly from first solo to solo x-countries, but that was mainly because I was rated in fixed wing and was already comfortable with navigation, using the radios, dealing with ATC etc. I also did more solo than part 61 requires but that's because I did a bunch of joyrides (I owned a piece of the ship, and we were only charging ourselves $70/hour at the time vs. $200+ at a school).

 

Enjoy it -- you're over the hump when you reach the solo stage.

[Wally]

What were some of the things that you experienced, good or bad, on your first solo flight? What were some thigns that you feel you did well, and what were some things you feel you should have paid extra attention to? How many solo flights did it take before you arrived at a place of cautious confidence flying without an instructor?

 

Any information you guys can provide would be very much appreciated!

 

Mark

 

Helicopters ARE safe, but they are unforgiving.

 

First, it's just another flight, like all the others preceding- except you're alone. Don't sweat it, you CAN do it. That's the biggest thing- you're alone, the aircraft will perform better, and lean to your side more than you're used to, but don't sweat that, either. Relax, concentrate on what you know, and do it as best you can while relaxed. This isn't the time to rush anything, whatsoever. Make all your dumb, rushed mistakes later. Spare your instructor's incipient ulcers, instructors are even more nervous than the student on the solo- You're flying, the instructor's sweating.

 

My feet were "jittering" on the pedals, and the beast was much more anxious to FLY after offloading 14% of it's accustomed load, all good. The first pattern was ragged, especially the clearing turn. The other two were satisfactory, I talked myself through them. It's much less embarassing doing so if you'll take your finger off the ICS switch completely. Fine points, like the difference between ICS and XMIT seem to have escaped me occasionally on that first solo. Fortunately, no strong language involved.

 

The next half dozen or so solo flights were far more stressful, as I came to grips with the reality that I was still a student and inexperienced. After that, I became far too comfortable, and this is the stage where students end up in memorable scrapes, in my opinion. Then you're golden, until somewhere around 500 hours. The "ace" syndrome sets in, sort of a second adolescence, only less glandular, an "adolescence of flight" during which you're sure you know everything, and most of what I- er- you were taught was wrong. It can be terminal, but is usually over at around one thousand hours. Then, it's a job, which you might love, but still something you have to consciously do, and do well.

Edited March 19, 2007 by Wally

[DebosDave]

My first solo was a ramp solo, with my instructor standing out a ways in front of the helicopter giving me hand signals. My second solo was a short trip to a nearby airport. I was amazed at how much I looked at the gauges when my CFI wasn't sitting next to me ready to bail me out. I also kept thinking, can I really auto this thing down if I need to? Other than that, it was a great feeling of relief knowing I could finally fly, if only standard manuvers.

 

Dave

[Goldy]

First Solo, Any Suggestions?

 

Yes, don't kill yourself.

No really, if you're flying an R22 make sure you are COMPLETELY comfortable with the specifics of that bird ( low G, low inertia, carb heat)...whatever bird you are in, be sure you can do auto's and great landings....but really, you run a greater risk of flying into another aircraft than doing an auto..stay viligant, look around and you'll be fine.

[Witch]

I started singing. Try it. Just a little jingle from your favourite commerial, then maybe a TV show theme song, working your way up to your favorite Metallica tune. It can be done.

 

The best thing to do-I've found-is to be distracted enough that you are relaxing and enjoying the experience. So what if the bird is flinging wildly out of control, make the most of it and enjoy.

 

The best screw-up I did was while taxiing down the runway, I noticed a strange grinding noise. I was dragging the rear of the skids on the runway. It took a few seconds to realize I was a little low. A little upscope solved that problem.

 

Just pay attention to flying the aircraft and don't worry about how you look or whether you've done everything correctly. You'll do fine.

 

LAter

[rollthbns]

Thanks to all for taking the time to respond with your experience and your advice!

 

The next half dozen or so solo flights were far more stressful, as I came to grips with the reality that I was still a student and inexperienced. After that, I became far too comfortable, and this is the stage where students end up in memorable scrapes, in my opinion. Then you're golden, until somewhere around 500 hours. The "ace" syndrome sets in, sort of a second adolescence, only less glandular, an "adolescence of flight" during which you're sure you know everything, and most of what I- er- you were taught was wrong. It can be terminal, but is usually over at around one thousand hours. Then, it's a job, which you might love, but still something you have to consciously do, and do well.

 

This brings up a very interesting topic, and one that Im sure every single pilot will struggle with at some point, wether they admit it or not. I suppose one must never underestimate their oponents. This is definitely a piece of advice that I am printing out and putting in my CFI book, which I realize is WAY down the line, but will be a great reminder of what a little testosterone and accomplishment can do. (No offense to the fine female pilots on the board!) Thanks Wally!

 

 

First Solo, Any Suggestions?

 

Yes, don't kill yourself.

No really, if you're flying an R22 make sure you are COMPLETELY comfortable with the specifics of that bird ( low G, low inertia, carb heat)...whatever bird you are in, be sure you can do auto's and great landings....but really, you run a greater risk of flying into another aircraft than doing an auto..stay viligant, look around and you'll be fine.

 

One of the things that was on my preflight checklist prior to storage and flight was just that! In all uppercase letters. Perhaps in red! Thanks for the advice on equipment knowlege. I just realized that although I think I have a pretty good handle on the machine that I am in (300c), In no way can i say I am an expert. I will definitely add more study time on this topic.

 

And yes, the fixed wing assasins are out in force in my area. So far I have had to take significant evasive action a couple of times. That scan is soooo important isnt it?

 

Thanks again everyone!

 

Mark

[TheLorax]

i cant wait to even start. i have .5 hours in an R22!!

[Witch]

And yes, the fixed wing assasins are out in force in my area.

 

Fixed Wing Assasins..he he he

[Voluptuary5]

Fixed Wing Assasins..he he he

 

Witch,

 

Forgive me if I missed the post but did you finally end-up soloing? Sounds like it and if so CONGRATULATIONS!

 

-V5

[Goldy]

And yes, the fixed wing assasins are out in force in my area. So far I have had to take significant evasive action a couple of times. That scan is soooo important isnt it?

 

Thanks again everyone!

 

Mark

 

 

I find the .50 cal's can take out a fixed winger every time!

[zemogman]

Hey Lorax...

 

I got .5 in an R-44...I should be starting next week...I'm looking forward to my very own "first solo" post one day.

 

.5 is better than none...

 

Z

[67november]

I find the .50 cal's can take out a fixed winger every time!

 

.50 cals on your Robbie?, that must limit you to just you and 10 gallons of fuel

[mtbman07]

".5 is better than none..."

No kidding I have like 350 hours of air crew time but no stick time. God I wanna be in control!

[zemogman]

.50 cals on your Robbie?, that must limit you to just you and 10 gallons of fuel

 

Small price to pay for overwhelming fire-power!! 10 gallons will get you far enough...

[Wally]

Man, don't get me started on our "stuck-wing" brethren, but a couple of observations:

 

As far as they're concerned, EVERYTHING happens on the runway, it's centerline, or the pattern. You're invisible everywhere else.

 

The more motors, the less RADIO talk from the owner pilot. They're often IFR and task saturated, so don't expect position or intention announcements unless they're talking to the tower. They won't hear yours either, so remember "You're invisible!".

 

Rotorwash has supernatural power. The 60 kts of downwash a helo generates is an F5 tornado to the planks. Meanwhile, expect to be to be peppered by the grit that propwash generates, it's painful at 30 yards or less. To cruise at 140, a prop has to generate some truly high speed air, and it will blow fairly significant gravel, not to mention high velocity grit.

 

Park upwind of any airplane closer than 50 yards, and don't hover nearer than that either.

 

AVOID jet blast, or parking where you can anticipate it. I came home after a run to find our 300 gal fuel trailer, and everything smaller, blown off the ramp by a medium to small "exec jet"

Edited March 21, 2007 by Wally

[Witch]

Witch,

 

Forgive me if I missed the post but did you finally end-up soloing? Sounds like it and if so CONGRATULATIONS!

 

-V5

 

Yeah, it was quite a while ago. I haven't done much solo since then, just...wait , let me look at my logbook-if I can find it... ah, a little under four hours. I guess I need to build that up a bit next week during the layoff. Yes, that's right crimestoppers, the plant is shutting down for a week-more flight time for me.

 

Looking back on that fateful day of October 20, 2006, well, I don't think it'd be rated for family viewing.

 

Later

 

One other thing about airplanes; some of these guys seem to tell you their life stories over the radio and others seem to speedtalk. Half the time I don't know what anybody says. At times I may be guilty of the latter.

 

As for the first solo, have fun with it and don't worry about how it looks. This is your big chance to become one with the machine-kinda like Borg.

 

Rollthbns, tell us how it was and how you felt.

 

Later

[notspock]

Probably going to be much easier than you expect.

 

My first was in a TH-55. Getting it light w/o my 210 lb. IP, I ended up in a 8' hover. After I quit shaking, it was a pretty routine 3 trips around the pattern. Followed by the best swim ever, in a Holiday Inn pool.

 

Is it still tradition to rip your shirt up, sign it, date it and hang it on the FBO/School wall?

[Witch]

Is it still tradition to rip your shirt up, sign it, date it and hang it on the FBO/School wall?

 

Oh they did that to me after I soloed in the plane. They cut the back out. Ruined a perfectly good Berlin T-shirt. I was perturbed!

 

They didn't do that for the helicopter. They said they don't do that anymore.

 

Later

[DebosDave]

Same with me, they cut my shirt-tail for my fixed wing, and they didn't for my helicopter... I was wondering if it was a fixed wing thing.

 

Dave

[rollthbns]

Lots of great information as usual. Thanks! I will be sure and ad my story immediately after my solo flight. I am guessing a few more hours and the instructor may make me do it.

[ArmamentDawg]

The CG difference was a bit unsettling, and my first pattern was accompanied by a latent feeling of utter dread. But by the end of the flight, and during subsequent solos, I felt fine. However, the nerves really got to me during a solo x-country I made at around 60 hours after I had my PPL. I was flying to an airport I had never visited before about 100 miles from my home airport.

 

The wx brief said IFR about 50 miles on the other side of my destination, and although enrout conditions were reported VFR, I couldn't stop worrying about accidentially poking into some rogue IMC. About two thirds of the way there I started noticing the visibilty dropping off. Then, about five miles from my destination, I saw what looked like a wall of fog. I did a 180 and bee lined for home, feeling like the conditions were closing in around me the whole way back. When I landed and regailed my instructor with my harrowing tale, he checked the weather only to find that visibility at my destination was reported 5 miles. Marginal VFR, but I had pretty much freaked out and imagined the whole thing. Like any good instructor should, he actually complimented me on my cautious judgement. I was still a little embarassed though.