Chasing My Childhood Dream: Flying Solo for the First Time
There are moments in life that feel surreal, moments where you can hardly believe what’s happening. For me, one of those moments occurred when I flew a plane solo for the very first time, chasing my childhood dream.
A Dream Come True
I have always dreamed about flying planes. As a little kid, I would look up at planes flying over my house, imagining myself behind the controls. But never in my wildest dreams did I think I would make that dream a reality at just 16 years old.
The Road to My First Solo Flight
The road to my first solo flight was a lot smoother than I had expected, but it still required dedication and hard work. I began my PPL lessons at the age of 16. At first, even sitting in the cockpit felt surreal. My instructors were supportive, but they made it very clear that flying wasn’t just about sitting in the seat and pushing buttons—it was about responsibility, skill, and understanding how the plane works.
Nerves and Excitement
Every lesson was a mix of excitement and nerves. I was learning how to operate the plane—from takeoff and landing to mastering tricky maneuvers like steep turns and stalls. Every lesson felt like a step closer to that childhood dream.
The Medical Exam: A Necessary Step
Every pilot needs a medical certificate, a paper that shows they are fit to fly. It was time for me to get mine, and I was quite anxious. Although I had no physical or mental health issues, I was still worried that something might be wrong, which could shatter my dream. Thankfully, after a 1.5-hour examination, everything was clear. I was relieved and couldn’t wait to fly solo!
Examination Summary:
- Urine Check
- Body Examination
- Eyesight Examination
- Heart Examination / ECG
- Lung Capacity Check
- Hemoglobin Check
- Mental Health Check
The Big Day: My First Solo Flight
The day of my first solo flight arrived on June 22nd, and I still couldn’t believe it. My instructor, who did one check circuit with me, was confident that I was ready. I climbed into the plane and went through the usual pre-flight checks. The pre-flight had already been completed, so I simply started up the engine. The plane felt incredibly light as I taxied to the run-up platform. I checked the engine, and everything seemed to be working normally.
It was time to make the “PH-USJ is ready for departure” call. After receiving clearance for takeoff, I was incredibly focused. I was still so young, and I was about to fly solo for the first time. During takeoff, the engine was working perfectly, and I rotated at 45 knots (~83 km/h, ~51 mph). It was unbelievable—I was in the air, all alone. There was no going back now, and if anything went wrong, it would be my responsibility. My life was in my hands.
Navigating the Skies Alone
I followed my standard SOP checks, turned to crosswind, and then to downwind. At 500 feet AGL, I checked my speed at 80 knots and got ready to make the “intentions” call. The plan was to do one regular circuit. From up there, the world looked so small. It truly felt amazing being up there alone.
As I prepared for the base turn, I was getting even more focused. I had to fly perfectly. The runway was 45° behind my right wing. I looked out for long-final and reduced to 15 inches of manifold pressure. I set the flaps to the takeoff position, then turned to final, keeping my indicated airspeed at 65 knots. Once I was stable, I set the flaps to landing position and reduced my speed to 60 knots.
The Landing: A Memorable Moment
On final approach, I felt quite relaxed. The runway was in sight, and everything was looking great. At that moment, I realized again that I was all alone. There was no instructor who could take over the controls; it was all up to me. As I crossed the runway threshold, I reduced the throttle to idle and started flaring the plane. Since the plane was light, it took a few seconds for it to land. It felt like five whole seconds of flaring before the main wheels touched down in the landing zone. In my opinion, it was a great first solo landing.
A Milestone Achieved
I taxied back to the hangar, and even the ATC congratulated me. I had the biggest smile on my face. My childhood dream had finally come true! It was a wonderful experience that marked my first big step in my aviation career.
Looking Ahead: More to Learn
Although the solo flight was amazing, I know I still have a lot of work to do. I want to thank all of my instructors for helping me make this childhood dream a reality. They are great people who are helping me become a great pilot. And, of course, a huge thank you to my parents for supporting me on this incredible adventure.
