First Flight...

[Jambone]

This is just a short one (no pictures I'm afraid (will explain why)).

It was a Sunday afternoon, and my grandma decided to take me out for a birthday surprise, little did I know that I would soon be pulling up outside
the office of Almat Flying Club, Coventry. When we did get there, my Grandma had initially hoped to just book a session, but they had a new instructor
coming in and said they could fit us in today (hence the no camera), my face well and truly lit up. We decided the time, 11.30 and I went to get
briefed, it was around 11 then. After a good 20 mins playing on the flight simulator in the transair shop, I was called to meet the instructor. He was
a nice guy, didn't talk that much.
As we left the building, heading out to the aircraft, the atmosphere truly hit me, props roaring all around me it was incredible. We spent about 5
mins looking over the Cessna 172, deciding that it would be fine. After hopping in, we decided that next time I would need a cushion (I'm 5' 6" but
that seat would not raise). 15 minutes sitting on the ground running through the checks, making sure everything was ok, I got to read out the first
bit and he would readback the response. When we'd decided that was all in ship shape, we called ATC, "Coventry, Almat 57 request taxi", to which the
controller promptly responded with a taxi path.
I was told to throttle up to 1700, which I did, and the engine roared as we began to taxi. The instructor was amazed at how well I taxied (despite not
seeing most of the line), and how most people were all over the place on their first lesson. Anyway, we reached the hold and ran through pre-takeoff
checks, after we'd confirmed everything was good, we called ATC, "Coventry, Almat 57 holding", we were cleared for takeoff, to my amazement, I was
told to throttle up and keep the plane on the centerline, pulling up when prompted. I couldn't believe my ears, my first lesson and I was performing a
takeoff. As we rolled, I heard "ease it up" and pulled the stick back lightly, the nose reacted so easily to my touch and we we're flying, the
instructor was impressed with my takeoff and complimented me, before telling me to turn it to the right, which I did, with similar force applied,
which he was again impressed with, as most people tend to yank the controls more (all those years of flight sim..)
We were told to call radar, and we did, where we were greeted by a moody Irish controller, nonetheless, he didn't bother us and we began some cool
turns, following the outlines of lakes, and passing over various landmarks (including where Princess Di was buried). The instructor made a comment
about halfway through which had me smiling the rest of the day, they were words to the effect of "I'm very impressed at how you handle the controls,
you'll have no trouble making it as an airline pilots", I could just about quit smiling enough to reply "thanks" down the headset.
After about 50 mins in the air, we began our approach back to Coventry, with the airfield in sight at about 2000', we began our left turn onto finals,
when the instructor said "right, call ATC and tell em, Almat 57 on finals", WHAT! I said to myself, I've done it so often on VATSIM, but in real
life!?. Nervously, I called on the radio, "Coventry, Almat 57 finals.", to which he replied "Almat 57 continue approach", I was told to tell him we
were continuing, and did so. The instructor land the aircraft nicely and we taxied back to the gate.
I got out of the aircraft with such a smile, I was now a student pilot, with 1 hours flying experience, I couldn't wait for my next session, best
birthday present ever!

Well, I just thought I'd share that with you, thanks for reading!

[Anastasios]

Great story!!
I'm jealous, really great.

So you gonna go for airline pilot now? lol

You go! (And congrats btw)

Anastasios.

[Jambone]

Thanks Anas! Airline Pilot indeed hopefully.

Thanks again.

[KenG]

Congrats, there is nothing better than your nickle ride, well maybe your first solo.

I can still remember my nickle ride. The airplane was a Cessna 152 Aerobat II N4715B, the one with a cruise prop that liked to overspeed
on climb, and the cost back in February 1991 was $45 for the airplane wet and $10 for the CFI.

Determination and dedication are important to being a good flight student as well as deep pockets. When asked what makes and
airplane fly, the cynical but truthful answer is always "Money." I spent lost of time scratching and scrapping every nickle together to get one
more flight and one more hour closer to my commercial multi ticket.

[SkyAirWorld]

Congrats Mate,

Nothing better than your first flight (had mine in a B58 followed by a C404)

Congrats!

Hope for some pictures next time


( And :

Jambone wrote: I was now a student pilot

, Not until you've got the license to prove it, or CASA might start the witch
hunt :p)