My first solo was three weeks ago, and I continue to smile when I think about it. The weather was really great—no wind and a clear sky. I first did a number of touch and goes with my instructor, Mike Poetz. After the fourth landing he hopped out and gave the advice to talk out loud. I called the tower and announced that I was a student pilot ready to take off on my first solo. Initially I was very excited. Once the wheels were off the ground that mood quickly changed to being serious. Now I had to do it all by myself. Talk out loud: Mixture rich, fuel on both, flaps 10 degrees, 65 knots, flare, flare, flare, and all three wheels on the ground again. Yes, I made it! At the second takeoff I realized how fast the airplane was climbing with one person on board. The tower changed me for the third landing to the “big” runway. With the help of the VASI lights I made a steady descent and probably the best touchdown. When the controller commended me, it filled me with pride. It was a wonderful experience and a day I will never forget.
Name: Quirijn Berendschot
Age: 17
Event: First solo
Where: David Wayne Hooks Memorial Airport (DWH), Houston
Airplane: Cessna 172
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