First Solo Cessna 172 16 Apr 14

This is video from my first solo on April 16, 2014 at KPAO. I am flying a Cessna 172SP with G1000. I completed three full-stop landings. My CFI is Mark Erwin (www.mark1aviation.com). Cockpit video (GoPro) with ATC.

[@kevintalbot3167]

I said that tongue in cheek. The instructor has a good sense of when you are ready, which is often before you think you are ready. Having said that, it is based on what I know now (and what I didn't know then). Like anything, the more you do it the better and more confident you become.

[@dotevan]

Congrats on your solo!

[@ElliotBritton]

Just did my first solo at the same airport! Cool to see a similar situation. Nice job and nice vid

[@kevintalbot3167]

+Elliot Britton Congratulations. I completed my training last November. First solo seems so long ago.

[@QAShare]

How many times did you go out or hours before you made your first solo flight?

[@Norcal_Flyer]

QAShare My first solo (in the pattern) was after 37 hours.

[@in2flying]

Looking back how do you rate your first 3 solo landings compared to your current landings as you fly today?

[@Norcal_Flyer]

William Fence Wow. All I can say is that when I re-watch this video, I shouldn't have been allowed to fly by myself! I think I was very lucky to have gotten back down safely. When I started training I would only schedule my flights early in the morning when there was no wind. Now, I look for strong crosswinds to train in (usually in the afternoon). My philosophy is that if I can master a strong crosswind landing (without flaps) then I can land anytime.