I made my first solo today in my L-4B. My wife kids me that I am probably the oldest student pilot out there at 64 years old. I waited a long time after raising kids and career to do this and it finally is coming to fruition. It was a beautiful day with a light crosswind every once in a while and some thermals. It is hard to describe the experience. Surreal maybe. It was unexpected when my instructor who is also a close friend, told me to pull over in front of the FBO and he got out. Told me to go do 3 takeoffs and landings with the landings full stop. Without thinking about it, I made three short landings, stopped then took off again. Couldn't see the reason to taxi to the first turnoff then taxi all the way back to the end of the runway and waste all that gas.
It was amazing how much better the L-4 with its little 65 hp Continental performed without the 170 lbs. sitting in the front seat.
Great day and very memorable.
It was amazing how much better the L-4 with its little 65 hp Continental performed without the 170 lbs. sitting in the front seat.
Great day and very memorable.
