Flying Solo

Beginning of article

April 29, 2012 will be forever fixed in my memory. On that clear, calm Sunday afternoon my flight instructor climbed out of a Cessna 150, said "have a nice flight," and slammed the door. It was at that moment that I realized I was going to be flying solo. I taxied to the hold short line where I began to go through my preflight checklist. The checklist is to ensure that everything is in order prior to departure. After completing the checklist, I taxied onto the runway, smoothly added power and began my first solo flight.

Later that evening I was reflecting on my solo and the emotions that I felt. My mind drifted back to August 19, 1993 and a very similar situation; the door slammed …