First Solo!

One circuit, two

A little better than yesterday

Third was a go-around

Fourth and fifth better than okay

Last circuit a full-stop

On taxiway, sir asks me

“You sure you feel confident?”

“Yes, definitely.”

“Requesting for cadet’s first solo,

One more circuit.” He says on RT

“Confirm first solo?” “Affirm”

He releases the PTT

He gets off

Goes to ATC

It’s just me now

I close the canopy

I taxi to holding point

Runway 04 via Papa-2

I thought I would be scared

But that was far from true

On base or finals,

Aircrafts are none

I ask for line-up

After run-up checks are done

“VT-NFI, ready for departure”

“VT-NFI cleared to take-off, runway 04”

Rolling on centerline, 

I give full power

Static RPM reaches and speeds come alive

At 59, I rotate

The aircraft feels lighter

I climb straight ahead

The 500’ checklist-speed increases, power reduced

At 1700’ AGL,

A turn is made

Aircraft then trimmed for level

Another turn,

Downwind checks

Parallel to runway,

Nothing complex

“On left downwind runway 04,

Will call you on base”

“Roger”

He says.

Abeam threshold, power is reduced

Flaps deployed, descend has begun

Another turn, prop full

Another call is done

Another turn and final call,

“VFI cleared to land”

Final checks- on approach

All going as planned

Two reds and two whites

Speed has to be proper

No instructor this time,

No room for any error

Low enough, on the runway,

I look far straight

Round out at correct height,

Cut power and wait

Aircraft floats-starts to sink

I flare and hold correct-

Mainwheels touch the ground

The landing-oh so perfect!

19^th December, 2014- I had the first solo flight of my life on VT-NFI, a Diamond 40. The 6 minute circuit was not very demanding, but it shall be remembered for eternity…

As the day I earned my wings!