student pilot to PILOT!!!

[Grumpy]

Just for the record.
I hope you are excluding me from any tongue in cheek comments.
I am not legally able send Karl up solo.

Fly safely
Graham.

G, If anything, you have been the one who has kept our spirits up, while all around us has been crumbling.

[Wargames]

Go for it!!

Make us proud!!

Johan has trained a lot of guys in cape town.

[Harlequin]

Hey.
Good luck for tomorrow, just do your thing.
Johan is a good one, he’ll help you out with any grey areas at the same time.
SMS when you’re done.
Fly safely.

Graham.

[Ou Man]

Karl,
Did the BIG S happen on Friday???

[Wargames]

Why keep us waiting??? Otherwise I'm going to tell!!

[extra300s]

Sorry guys. No go. Johann unfortunatly made a double booking, and with me being the "new student" backed down. I then saw the post Louis Van Wyk made and booked an hour with him. I arrived early but the winds and turbulance picked up quite a bit whilst I proved to him I am ready for solo. Beforehand I had to fill all the schools forms in, plus answer some spot questions and write another solo test. I could not provide Louis with my logbook or previous solo test. Which is 100% understandable.

Flew for 40min. Did a few landings and circuits. After we decided the conditions were not suited for a solo. I was instructed to see how many landings and take - offs I could do on the long runway (23) Managed 4. It was a good day. Boosted my convidence and also learned more from a different instructor. Really enjoyable at Aerosport I must say. All I need to do is check the weather and book a 30min or so slot with Louis. He said he is very happy with my flying. He will do one circuit with me then it is solo. Going to phone now and book it for Tuesday afternoon.

This is a long wait I know. But I atleast feel like it is very close now.

Cheer
Karl

[Grumpy]

Well done with your training so far. Such a pity that you have had to duck and dive to get some further instruction. A sad state of affairs I'm afraid.

[Harlequin]

300.
Karl.
Give us an update on progress please???
Graham.

[Wargames]

Just recieved a phone call from Extra300s, and was he over the moon.

He went SOLO this afternoon!!

I'm sure he was flying home. It is always nice to hear someone so exitement.

I'm glad for you!! It has been a long and unnecesary wait, but that makes it the better!!



Karl said that he will post a few pics tommorow!!

Regards,

[AndyG]

Well done Karl

You must feel great!!


Keep it safe and enjoy

[Louisvw]

[Cali]

[Harlequin]

Karl.
Congratulations and thanks for the phone call.
Remember take this as the first step in learning to fly and the real learning starts now!!!!!!!!!
Louis thanks to you for stepping in. One of those situations that frustrates you so much you could snap your finger off in your own arse h.
Safe flying Karl.
Grumpy---you'er next.
Graham.

[extra300s]

Hi guys!

Thanks for all the wishes. The wait I can almost say was worth the wait! Instead of the one circuit before solo, I did about 8 more. First had to improve my radio and safety check procedures up in the air, follow with a complete engine out landing before Louis climbed out. To be honest I was so anxious to get in the air I did not even hesitate one bit to make the radio call, line up, and play with that throttle. Louis prepared me well for the solo take off. Did not give full power, I felt the bar and once I was in the air I could immediately feel this is a different bird now! Engine felt more like an 800cc instead of the 500cc Pulled the bar in a bit and still climbed nicely without full power. Once I turned out left I gave a massive scream of excitement. Being up there for the first time by myself, with the sun setting just next to Table mountain on my right, calm calm air was perfect. I am hooked so good now. Can not wait for good weather again.

Think we need to do a simulated solo again for a reshoot of photos... Think you guys might see some teeth in the dark there. Me was over the moon

Cheers guys & thanks to all teaching and encouraging me. Especially Harlequin, Wargames, Gert & the Gang at Wintervogel & Clueless with rest at Morningstar. And thanks to Aerosport for the Solo

Karl aka extra (happy today)

[Grumpy]

Karl, Very Very f..ing well done my friend. I'm so jealous. Now again, I'm STILL the only oke at the airfield walking around looking upwards. I'm so damn happy and proud of my training partner/buddy doing 'it'. I wish you many many safe and happy flying hours as you now spread your wings and wander off from the nest. Just don't go to far, and as our great mentor Graham says, The learning starts now.
Big thumbs up
Hats off to Louis................