Thanks so much for sharing this Luke, it brought a smile to my face. Thirty-seven years ago this August, I soloed a Piper Tomahawk. (N2600N at Bolton Field in Columbus, Ohio, USA) In the years since, just about every aviation dream I ever had came true. 16,000 hours, Six type ratings, 77 types of airplanes, four engine failures failures, one ditching and this amazing opportunity to learn and grow and fly. And to realize how little I know about aviation and how the airplane - after all these years - is, just as my primary instructor used to emphasize, a way better pilot than I'll ever be. I remember looking over at the empty seat on climbout that summer day and screaming at the top of my lungs. Thanks for the great memories. You'll never forget that flight, even if you never watched the video again.
I remember that awesome feeling, the first solo. It is amazing how much different the plane will fly with only one person aboard, or so it seemed on the first solo. You climb out with a very large smile on your face and thinking this is just the beginning of a very wonderful feeling.
Congratulations son. Congratulations. I knew exactly how you felt. I soloed our family plane when I was 17 years old. It was in a Piper Cherokee 140. And on a grass strip. Man what a feeling. I want to encourage you to go on and get your Pilots licenses and make a career in Flying. And remember, when you go to purchase an airplane, make it a piper. LOL. Blessings, Bishop Kirby.
Jim Martin Thanks Luke for sharing that exciting first flight of yours, your video brought back memories of my first flight in a Piper Colt N4649Z at Hinsdale Illinois airport 60 years ago; followed by about 850 hours to date. I imagine Lindbergh through Neil Armstrong and all in between and since since have thought back to that day of their first solo. Again. congrats and hope all is going well for you.
Congrats! I could see you were holding back a huge smile when he said he was gonna hop out!!! Brought me back to my first solo... what a thrill! Thanks for sharing an incredible moment. Excellent flying. Best of luck in your flying endeavors!... I'm inspired, I'm going flying tomorrow !
It's a whole lot lighter when you don't have your instructor with you, plus it up to you to get her up and back down in one piece! We didn't have the cameras when we soloed ! This brought back some memories! Thanks for the ride! Good luck!
Loved watching you video, brought back so many happy memories. I went solo in 6hr 25min (back in 1992) ... but I had some gliding experience prior! That feeling solo when you're down wind and have a few seconds to relax and look across the right seat for the first time to see it empty is a fantastic moment ... then the reality kicks back in and it's time to turn base, then finals and sort out the landing ;-)
Such a great feeling to have accomplished your first solo. I will never forget mine at Marshfield Airport in Massachusetts! December 1, 1979... a day I will never forget. Congratulations!
Nice. I remember my first solo. I guess it is something nobody forgets. Instructors just seem to know when to climb out. Mine did it at the perfect time. I was only just getting tired of asking for his confirmation about things, at exactly the same time as he sent me off. I was a bit apprehensive, but felt OK with it. I got three circuits in, and the third one was prolonged with orbits on the downwind leg, because of an unplanned, precautionary airliner landing (a 747SP). I was orbiting for a long time because of wake clearance. I really enjoyed the whole flight. Piper Warrior. Later I was amazed how nice the PA-140 felt. It is lighter, and when solo, was very like the Warrior.
I know this was 4 years ago but my hands were sweating as I was flying along with you. Made me remember my first solo. No one can ever understand except for other pilots. You did a great job. I hope you have continued to be a safe pilot.
The glee in your voice is awesome.. Good job ! Us Americans generally do 3 laps March 24 2003 was my fun moment.. It got better after that.. Flying without that instructor ,, Ten times better.. Made me want to be a CFI at that point..
Did my first solo in a PA-38. ZK-EQW in Nelson N.Z. You are bang on when you say it goes a WHOLE lot better with the instructor not blocking the view to the right. Thanks for the video. A trip down memory lane :-)
Hi Luke.. Great video.. I did my PPL A in a Tomahawk in Ireland around 10 years ago in one of two on the Irish Register at the time (EI-BVK). My First solo was much the same only in a quiet airfield in the middle of Ireland!
Wanderful video. All the pilots of any kind: military, civil, general, light sport aviations; from any country and in any time (from Wright Brothers up to now) have in common the fantastic moment of their first solo. And you transmit to us this sensation. Have good wind!!!
Just found this and yes it reminded me of the exact same feelings years ago out of the Offutt Air Force Base Aero Club, my first solo at nearby Council Bluffs in a PA38 Tomahawk. Same feelings and expressions.
Good job Maynard, great landing great landing for your first time up good job good video good upload very interesting very informative I'll be doing my first in 2 weeks , it maybe my last LOL, LOL, LOL,
Congratulations on your first solo, Luke! I soloed in a Tomahawk also, at the age of 16. 35 years ago this summer. You'll remember that day for the rest of your life. I hope you have a long ad satisfying life as a pilot. Good luck, buddy.
Ha ha. The faster climb is the first thing a lot of people (including me) notice when the instructor gets out. My first solo, I noted it in capital letters in my log book. Feel kind of dorky about it now but man, did that little airplane climb like a bat out of hell with only one person.
I did my first solo on the Traumahawk many years ago and went on to become a flight instructor on the same plane, C-FASK. It was an interesting experience spinning her.
no joking around after it got real with no instructor I noticed LOL I dont think you took a breath the entire time he left the AC once Again great job I remember my first Solo
top work, hope you'll have the go pro's in when you start you cross country solo's im looking at getting back into flying lessons. well done i think ill be bricking it on my solo to but as they say the instructor wouldnt let you up if he didn't think it was safe.
Great video! And finally you took some time half way to let it all sink in that you are flying solo! Cannot tell where in the world this is....I heard at least 3 different accents in this video.
Hello, I am trying to film my lessons in a tomahawk also and use the suction mount on the back window looking forward like you do to capture you on the control and what is out the front window. However, the video came out way over exposed I can see the inside cockpit, but everything out the front window just looks white. Any ideas on what I can do? I use the Hero 5 Black. Many thanks!
Hi Luke, I married a Beautiful Toowoomba Girl 20 yrs. ago. We live in Boston area USA. I learned on the PA38 and loved every moment! Great video. I've been a Air Traffic Controller at Boston Center for 27 yrs. I was wondering do they rent that plane? We visit every few years
Thinking about mounting my GoPro Hero7 Black in a PA38. Would someone please recommend a suitable mount? I am thinking of mounting it behind the pilot’s seat so as to cause no distraction whatsoever in flight. Additionally, would you kindly advise me on how to rig up the GoPro to record two-way audio - what parts do I need to connect it and is it possible in the PA38 to connect it to a 3rd audio output socket if I am flying with an instructor? Thank you very much!
Running the engine while someone is getting in or out of the airplane isn't going to happen with me at the controls ever. Let alone letting someone walk around and check fuel levels visually. I worked at an airport and have seen the results first hand, twice. Shut down the engine! Congratulations on your solo.
@@flybobbie1449 I have spent years teaching in the past. CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP wirh 3 type ratings and more hours than I care to admit. Please don't do it. I watched emergency crews dig a woman's severed hand out of a hedge with her wedding ring still on her finger. Her husband has to live with his decision to not shut down for the rest of his life. Experience doesn't matter either. Another passenger, who was also a pilot who I knew well, and had been around airplanes all his life, got out of a running 210 as a passenger, walked forward right into the prop, killing him, but not instantly unfortunately. Think about a passenger getting out of a running Tomahawk, they stumble and accidentally fall forward. No pilot should have to live knowing they are responsible for something like that. And for what? To save a little time?
@@davidsine4390 I have exited aircraft many times with engine running the last 35 years, teaching. I too have ATP with 16k hours teaching all sorts ga. I would not recommend anyone other than flying instructor to exit whilst engine is running. But we instructors do.
Great video, i'm looking at flying the same aircraft as well. Would love to know what it's like to fly the Tomahawk if you have time to reply ?? Thanks
I forgot that part, I had to do 3 t/g and land! That last one was a bit early, but Stan told me, any landing you can walk away from is a good landing!!!!!!
I thought you did an admirable job. If I had any comment, it would be to fly your circuit a bit closer to the runway (in the event of an engine failure - which happens due to manipulating the throttle, etc.). If your engine had failed when you turned Final, I don't think you would have made the field. Maybe it was the camera angle. Great job. Oh, I see this was in 2016 - if you've continued flying, you would have quite a few hours now, and a lot more experience. See you later.
Thanks so much for sharing this Luke, it brought a smile to my face. Thirty-seven years ago this August, I soloed a Piper Tomahawk. (N2600N at Bolton Field in Columbus, Ohio, USA)
In the years since, just about every aviation dream I ever had came true. 16,000 hours, Six type ratings, 77 types of airplanes, four engine failures failures, one ditching and this amazing opportunity to learn and grow and fly. And to realize how little I know about aviation and how the airplane - after all these years - is, just as my primary instructor used to emphasize, a way better pilot than I'll ever be.
I remember looking over at the empty seat on climbout that summer day and screaming at the top of my lungs.
Thanks for the great memories. You'll never forget that flight, even if you never watched the video again.
I remember that awesome feeling, the first solo. It is amazing how much different the plane will fly with only one person aboard, or so it seemed on the first solo. You climb out with a very large smile on your face and thinking this is just the beginning of a very wonderful feeling.
I thought driving by myself for the first time was an incredible feeling until I had my first solo.....no other feeling quite like it. Congrats!
"Gladly" you did!
Agreed. My 1st solo was Oct 11th 1984...best feeling ever and been flying ever since (ATPL)
Congratulations. I remember that feeling in 1976. Keep flying, be safe, stay sharp and hungry
Ahhh the reassurance of the old instructor with the colonial South African accent! Brings back such memories
Congratulations son. Congratulations. I knew exactly how you felt. I soloed our family plane when I was 17 years old. It was in a Piper Cherokee 140. And on a grass strip. Man what a feeling. I want to encourage you to go on and get your Pilots licenses and make a career in Flying. And remember, when you go to purchase an airplane, make it a piper. LOL. Blessings, Bishop Kirby.
Thanks mate!
Well... if you have a deathwish I guess
Make it a Beech!
Na ! Get your Multi and fly a Cessna 310R nothing quite like it !
That was what I soloed in too!
Jim Martin
Thanks Luke for sharing that exciting first flight of yours, your video brought back memories of my first flight in a Piper Colt N4649Z at Hinsdale Illinois airport 60 years ago; followed by about 850 hours to date. I imagine Lindbergh through Neil Armstrong and all in between and since since have thought back to that day of their first solo. Again. congrats and hope all is going well for you.
Awesome flight! I too did my first solo in a Tomahawk. Great plane and great experience!! Thanks for sharing! Brings back memories!
Congrats! I could see you were holding back a huge smile when he said he was gonna hop out!!! Brought me back to my first solo... what a thrill! Thanks for sharing an incredible moment. Excellent flying. Best of luck in your flying endeavors!... I'm inspired, I'm going flying tomorrow !
Watching this made me laugh as your reactions are the same as when I did my first solo. I too was so surprised by the climb rate in the PA38
It's a whole lot lighter when you don't have your instructor with you, plus it up to you to get her up and back down in one piece! We didn't have the cameras when we soloed ! This brought back some memories! Thanks for the ride! Good luck!
"Aww Crap!" I experienced the same feeling in '96, but I still chuckled when you said it! Great job, Luke! Awesome Landing!!!! I'd be thrilled too!
What I lack in eloquence I hopefully make up for with honesty!
A belated congratulations- well done!
Catching some major feels seeing that post-third-lap joy - it's a great feeling, you'll be glad you caught it on camera too. Congrats man
Awesome! My first solo was 24 years ago. Still remember it. 1946 J-3 Cub.
I learned in a J-3 Cub too. No electricity, hand propped, no radio, sloooooow. Heh.
Loved watching you video, brought back so many happy memories. I went solo in 6hr 25min (back in 1992) ... but I had some gliding experience prior! That feeling solo when you're down wind and have a few seconds to relax and look across the right seat for the first time to see it empty is a fantastic moment ... then the reality kicks back in and it's time to turn base, then finals and sort out the landing ;-)
That feeling of "Oh Sh*t! and Yeehahh!!" all mixed into one. It's indescribable and you never forget it! Great job!
Such a great feeling to have accomplished your first solo. I will never forget mine at Marshfield Airport in Massachusetts! December 1, 1979... a day I will never forget. Congratulations!
I used to be a flight instructor, and I can say that you fly really well!
Thanks mate :)
Nice. I remember my first solo. I guess it is something nobody forgets. Instructors just seem to know when to climb out. Mine did it at the perfect time. I was only just getting tired of asking for his confirmation about things, at exactly the same time as he sent me off. I was a bit apprehensive, but felt OK with it. I got three circuits in, and the third one was prolonged with orbits on the downwind leg, because of an unplanned, precautionary airliner landing (a 747SP). I was orbiting for a long time because of wake clearance. I really enjoyed the whole flight. Piper Warrior. Later I was amazed how nice the PA-140 felt. It is lighter, and when solo, was very like the Warrior.
I know this was 4 years ago but my hands were sweating as I was flying along with you. Made me remember my first solo. No one can ever understand except for other pilots. You did a great job. I hope you have continued to be a safe pilot.
Took a bit of a break, but I'm getting back in to it. Going on my first solo Nav in a few weeks. Thanks mate!
The glee in your voice is awesome.. Good job !
Us Americans generally do 3 laps March 24 2003 was my fun moment.. It got better after that.. Flying without that instructor ,, Ten times better.. Made me want to be a CFI at that point..
Did my first solo in a PA-38. ZK-EQW in Nelson N.Z. You are bang on when you say it goes a WHOLE lot better with the instructor not blocking the view to the right. Thanks for the video. A trip down memory lane :-)
I remember my First Solo 32 years ago on a Robin DR400 and you feel incredible afterwards ! The Sport Of Kings !
Hi Luke.. Great video.. I did my PPL A in a Tomahawk in Ireland around 10 years ago in one of two on the Irish Register at the time (EI-BVK). My First solo was much the same only in a quiet airfield in the middle of Ireland!
Wanderful video. All the pilots of any kind: military, civil, general, light sport aviations; from any country and in any time (from Wright Brothers up to now) have in common the fantastic moment of their first solo. And you transmit to us this sensation. Have good wind!!!
Many thanks!
Just found this and yes it reminded me of the exact same feelings years ago out of the Offutt Air Force Base Aero Club, my first solo at nearby Council Bluffs in a PA38 Tomahawk. Same feelings and expressions.
Feels great....I remember mine.....great plane ✈
Good job Maynard, great landing great landing for your first time up good job good video good upload very interesting very informative I'll be doing my first in 2 weeks , it maybe my last LOL, LOL, LOL,
Congrats Mr. Luke , you are a very funny and optimistic person ,also, refreshment in our gloomy world today....All the best .
Congratulations! Brings back memories from 1982, Cherokee 140, Downtown Airport, Kansas City, MO
The excitement of a first Solo truly comes thru - Cheers Buds! :))
Congratulations great job. Nothing is as freeing as flying alone, but it does get lonely. Flying with friends is always best.
Great plane... learned to fly in a Tomahawk over 22 years ago.
I so loved the Tomahawk. Spirited but less touchy than the AA5B - what memories.
Congratulations! You looked very relaxed and ahead of the airplane. Nice job.
I remember my first solo 40 years ago like it was yesterday. Good job dude!
beautiful machine , such a nice view. congratulations on your solo, awesome video.
8.2 hrs? Damn! Good job! The 5 mile final helps stabilize the approach!
Many more flight sim ours though!
Well Done! I remember my first solo in a Tomahawk!
Hello, Ray from California waving four fingers and a thumb . I did solo in a PA38 in 1995 out of Hanford Ca. Safe flying ahead!
The PA-38 is a great little airplane! I had a lot of fun learning to fly in in, both for my PPL and my IR.
Congratulations on your first solo, Luke! I soloed in a Tomahawk also, at the age of 16. 35 years ago this summer. You'll remember that day for the rest of your life. I hope you have a long ad satisfying life as a pilot. Good luck, buddy.
Congratulations! I remember my solo. Something you will never forget!
You do..eventually as the old grey matter shrinks.
Ha ha. The faster climb is the first thing a lot of people (including me) notice when the instructor gets out. My first solo, I noted it in capital letters in my log book. Feel kind of dorky about it now but man, did that little airplane climb like a bat out of hell with only one person.
Haha, it's a great feeling hey!
I just did my first solo not long ago I could feel your excitement. Good job brother!
I’m 52 years old and still want to cross off learning to fly a plane from my bucket list. Good job!
I started when i was 52. I know of other who started in their late 50s.
"Oh crap!" LOL! Nicely done sir!
Also my first solo on a PA 38 1994. EDGS RWY 31 three nice and smooth touch ad go’s.
I did my first solo on the Traumahawk many years ago and went on to become a flight instructor on the same plane, C-FASK. It was an interesting experience spinning her.
Yep, sounds spins/stalls horrible hey! Just don't look at the tail.
@@LukeAinsworth Oh yea I looked at the tail alright.
Congratulations ! 👏🏻 You’ll never forget your first solo flight ! 😃
Congratulations! There is nothing like it ;-) Nicely done.
Look what I stumbled across! Cool stuff mate
wow great Pilot, keep it up , have a more fun cheers,
Beaut first solo and landing. Centreline.
Nice solo! Congratulations.
Such a rite of passage, man. Great job ✌️
WELL done I felt your excitement all the way I wish I could do it
Tomahawk 2601A - my first! I loved the Traumahawk!!
no joking around after it got real with no instructor I noticed LOL I dont think you took a breath the entire time he left the AC once Again great job I remember my first Solo
Wow nice! Thumbs up from Ireland ! :)
top work, hope you'll have the go pro's in when you start you cross country solo's im looking at getting back into flying lessons. well done i think ill be bricking it on my solo to but as they say the instructor wouldnt let you up if he didn't think it was safe.
Nicely done congratulations!!!
Great job 👏
Congratulations Luke!!
Update video!! Belated congrats!!
Bloody awesome job mate!
Thanks!
Great I learned on that plane in US. my mother en law lives in Toowoomba.
Fine job on your landing 1/14/ 2021
Lost count how many times i have shook my students hands after 1st solo.
You should do more of these !!!
Congrats
Great video! And finally you took some time half way to let it all sink in that you are flying solo!
Cannot tell where in the world this is....I heard at least 3 different accents in this video.
That's awesome!
Congrats and very nice video
A thousand feet per SECOND? That's a climb!!! 15:30
Nice landing :)
jolly good job is that how I say it? over there great job buddy
did my first supervised solo in 5.95 hours yesterday!
Greetings from mildura!
Good old PBO. I did my first solo in her.
Hello, I am trying to film my lessons in a tomahawk also and use the suction mount on the back window looking forward like you do to capture you on the control and what is out the front window. However, the video came out way over exposed I can see the inside cockpit, but everything out the front window just looks white. Any ideas on what I can do? I use the Hero 5 Black. Many thanks!
Seems like you were hauling on the final. Everyone says the PA-38 is tricky with regard to stalling.
Great job! They still have pa38 in tmb
Yep, they've got a few!
Hi Luke, I married a Beautiful Toowoomba Girl 20 yrs. ago. We live in Boston area USA. I learned on the PA38 and loved every moment! Great video. I've been a Air Traffic Controller at Boston Center for 27 yrs. I was wondering do they rent that plane? We visit every few years
Thinking about mounting my GoPro Hero7 Black in a PA38. Would someone please recommend a suitable mount? I am thinking of mounting it behind the pilot’s seat so as to cause no distraction whatsoever in flight. Additionally, would you kindly advise me on how to rig up the GoPro to record two-way audio - what parts do I need to connect it and is it possible in the PA38 to connect it to a 3rd audio output socket if I am flying with an instructor? Thank you very much!
Carb heat as part of landing checks?.....
Yup..
Running the engine while someone is getting in or out of the airplane isn't going to happen with me at the controls ever. Let alone letting someone walk around and check fuel levels visually. I worked at an airport and have seen the results first hand, twice. Shut down the engine! Congratulations on your solo.
I hope not...but when you become an instructor things change.
@@flybobbie1449 I have spent years teaching in the past. CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP wirh 3 type ratings and more hours than I care to admit. Please don't do it. I watched emergency crews dig a woman's severed hand out of a hedge with her wedding ring still on her finger. Her husband has to live with his decision to not shut down for the rest of his life. Experience doesn't matter either. Another passenger, who was also a pilot who I knew well, and had been around airplanes all his life, got out of a running 210 as a passenger, walked forward right into the prop, killing him, but not instantly unfortunately. Think about a passenger getting out of a running Tomahawk, they stumble and accidentally fall forward. No pilot should have to live knowing they are responsible for something like that. And for what? To save a little time?
@@davidsine4390 I have exited aircraft many times with engine running the last 35 years, teaching.
I too have ATP with 16k hours teaching all sorts ga. I would not recommend anyone other than flying instructor to exit whilst engine is running. But we instructors do.
Good on ya.
Great video, i'm looking at flying the same aircraft as well. Would love to know what it's like to fly the Tomahawk if you have time to reply ?? Thanks
You have the city at the both sides of airport. What will you do in case of engine failure? Try to land on the street? That is really scary.
hey luke! great job! i´m a pilot too. Next year we move to Brisbane and i really like fly with u. please tell me how is fly there.
I got my license working as a linemen at a small airport in Michigan
When I soloed I had to do three touch and go’s and a full stop. He got of easy!
I forgot that part, I had to do 3 t/g and land! That last one was a bit early, but Stan told me, any landing you can walk away from is a good landing!!!!!!
well done!!! You wait until you climb out at 1,500 to 2,000 feet a minute!!!
I thought you did an admirable job. If I had any comment, it would be to fly your circuit a bit closer to the runway (in the event of an engine failure - which happens due to manipulating the throttle, etc.). If your engine had failed when you turned Final, I don't think you would have made the field. Maybe it was the camera angle. Great job. Oh, I see this was in 2016 - if you've continued flying, you would have quite a few hours now, and a lot more experience. See you later.
I miss the bird i flew, N2332N many memories!
N25674 was the plane I learned to fly in.
Congrats!
RIP Mike
Supereportagehenri