Flight Log: {004}

On the 22 May 2006, I took to the skies for the first time, with no instructor sitting beside me. This was my first solo flight!! I must say, it was certainly one of the most exciting and terrifying experiences of my life. My flight instructor Mr Beau Basson, and I, embarked on a training sortie, like any other day. Upon landing, Beau confidently exited the machine, Romeo-Tango-Alpha (ZS-RTA), replaced himself with a weight that would help me with the marked change in the centre of gravity of the aircraft, and sent me off into the circuit on my ace!! It was a rather busy day in the circuit at FAVG as well, making things rather interesting for me. I managed, however, to successfully complete my first flight, and had an excellent solo experience. The aircraft that I was flying in was equally as excellent and I must all also acknowledge the superb input and backing of my incredible instructor. Once you have completed your solo flight, your viewpoint on flying and aiming for a commercial pilot's licence (CPL), changes quite drastically. You realize all of a sudden, the exceptional amount of responsibility required, to ensure that you and your aircraft land back safely again, at base. The experience was not over yet, though. As I shut the aircraft down, I was greeted with my right of passage experience, from my fellow students and colleagues. This included a drenching bucket of winter-cold water, as well as a glass of champagne to end off the day. Cheers!!