RobynD39

Didn't mean to create a thread for this.

 

Happened in April 2011.

 

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Well done Robyn ... I ain't there yet ...Regards

 

Mark

Hang in there Mark. It's well worth the effort.

 

 

Thanks everyone for your comments. Your support is very much appreciated.

 

I'd like to add - especially for anyone out there still learning - that I didn't think last weekend's flight would happen. Leading up to it I was questioning why I was learning to fly, and whether I had it in me to be "pilot in command" after relying on my husband for so long. All the week before I was battling with myself - every bone in my body was not wanting to go for another lesson, but my heart knew I would be disappointed if I didn't. Everyone I spoke to said everyone goes through this, so I forced myself to book in for my lesson.

 

And it was the best thing I could have done. Flying solo is the most exhilarating thing I have ever done - and I've done a lot of thrilling things - and now I know why I am taking flying lessons. So I can get up there on my own, away from it all, fully in control, and hopefully land safely back on the ground.

 

So I just wanted to share this with anyone struggling with their training. Ignore the doubts and the fears and just do it. Otherwise you might miss the best experience of your life!

 

 

 

Congrats FL! Now I know what it feels like - I just did my first solo today.

 

Oh, and I'm a "flying librarian" too!

 

 

OMG! I did my first solo today in the drifter at Bradfield - just west of Atkinsons Dam in QLD! What an awesome feeling to be fully in charge of such a beast. I was so excited while I was up there on my own I was "yahooing" by the time I turned crosswind.

 

Had to contend with some thermals on downwind that were definitely more violent with only my weight in the plane but managed to keep it together. And managed to touchdown ok after a light bounce.

 

Now only a couple more hours to hone my skills in the drifter and then i can continue my training in our RV9A. A big thanks to Jimbo my instructor for his patience. I'm sure we'll be able to concentrate now on moving forward.

 

 

 

Just uploaded this video this morning. Thought you might enjoy it.

 

Video of flying our Vans RV9a plane out of Watts Bridge, Queensland, including a short take-off and landing at Lynfield and cloud-flying.

 

 

 

Thanks for all the comments.

 

LOL @Neil and farri.

 

Tomo, I'm learning to fly out of Lynfield (Kentville, QLD) which is a narrow little back-paddock strip surrounded by lots of trees. If I can master landing the drifter there I think I'll be able to land anywhere.

 

Tornado, I've already done some stalls and some steep turns under full power. They were fun. No spins yet though I think I came close when I was doing a descending turn that got a bit out of control. Luckily my trusty instructor (JimG) took over.

 

Lots more fun to come I'm sure.

 

Robyn

 

 

Hi all. I have been following some of these forums in the background but haven't been game to reply since I wasn't a pilot, but now I've started learning to fly I thought I would introduce myself.

 

I'm Bob's (@retiredracer's) wife and I've been waiting (impatiently I might add) to learn to fly for 2 1/2 years when Bob first got the idea to build our own plane. We now have the RV9A up in the air but I've decided to start learning in a drifter first as I've heard it makes a better pilot of you. I've done 8.8 hours in it so far and I am LOVING IT!

 

I'm working on my landings at the moment. Hoping I get the hang of it soon as I don't think the poor old drifter can take too many more "kangaroo hops". :-p

 

Would love to hear of other's experiences while learning in drifters and similar planes.

 

Cheers,

 

Robyn D