1st Solo Flight

Hello everyone,

It's the middle of the night and I can't sleep so I thought I'd give you all a little update on how things are going. Now that my financing has all gone through for school I've been able to make some considerable progress. I've passed off all the basic maneuvers, advanced maneuvers, emergency procedures, weather, and airspace navigation/radio communications in the helicopter and on the ground. I do engine out procedures on a regular basis where my instructor cuts the power and I fly the helicopter safely to the ground. We've also been doing a lot of work off airport practicing pinnacle and confined landings along the Boise river, foothills, and canyons which is pretty fun. Friday night I had my first night flight which is quite relaxing with all the city lights and has a bit of a romantic feel to it. Yesterday was my first Solo Flight!! It's was a liberating experience for me. I've been looking forward to my first solo flight for a long time. Helicopter training is a bit different than fixed wing. Uncle Randy said in his explanation that trying to keep a helicopter level in a hover is like trying to stand on a beach ball in water. I wouldn't say it's quite that hard but pretty close. Especially at first. In helicopter training, a lot of students actually drop out before a solo flight is even possible. Anyway, thankfully things have been coming along pretty good for me. Next week I will do my first cross-country flight where we will fly to Twin Falls or Ontario, fuel up, and fly back. Shortly after I will do my first Solo Cross Country. Then, I won't be to far from getting my Private Pilot License. After my private license, I'll start working on my instrument rating, followed by my Commercial License. Then my CFI and CFII. So I've still got a way's to go but am making progress. Here are a couple of pictures of my 1st Solo Flight for those who might be interested.

Love you all,

Bryant