It was my B-day present from my grandma! We went up this morning about 10:30, we were in N262EE, a 172.
The pilot let me do all the pre-flight stuff, then we got in, started the engine and he let me taxi out to 14 where we did the before takeoff, and then I lined her up on center line and pushed the power to full. The pilot (Ryan) had his hands on the yoke on the takeoff run, we rotated and got to about 300 AGL climbing at 1000fpm and he said it’s your airplane… So I had it for 20 minutes out over Lake Conroe. The wind was very very high, gusts of 30 knots so we tossed around pretty good, but I had a blast! Then Ryan told me to turn and find the airport, so I did and we were cleared to land on 14, so I did a right downwind then turned right on a 3 mile final for 14. I had the airplane until we got to the threshold and he took over and landed. Then we turned on bravo and I taxied back and parked! It was the best B-day present ever! So now I have 20 minutes in the left seat…
That’s awesome dude! 8) Piloting an aircraft has got to be one of the greatest joys known to man.
As an Airman (you may have known me as linemanKMFD) who leaves for basic in a month, I decided I might as well start on my private while I’ve got the time and money. 3 flights and 3.8 hours later, I can tell you; if you’ve got the money, do it. It’s such an incredible feeling. I probably don’t have the time/money to actually get my ticket before I ship for basic, but I figure if I can get a few solo hours in, I’ll be in good shape.
Was this your first time up Will?
That’s the highest I’ve ever been AGL. Except for jumping off the hay stack.
And yes I added back-pressure on my turns if anyone was wondering.
The first turn was a steep left turn and through the turn I descended to 1,700’, from 2,000’ just because I wanted to get lower, but on the second and third turn I stayed level.
That’s great, Will! If my new business takes off like I hope I will be starting on my PPL this summer at KRDG. If you have any thought about getting your PPL don’t do like I did and wait 20 some years before going for it.
And the first of MANY entries in that new logbook I hope. Congrats!
To tell you the truth I actually don’t remember much about my first flights but I will never forget the day I soloed. It took so long for the “high” to subside that I almost ran the stop sign at the end of the airport road as I pulled back on the wheel to slow down!
Stupid thing!