---
title: "First Solo"
url: "https://awest.uk/first-solo/"
author: "Andrew West"
date: "2021-11-17T13:23:00+00:00"
modified: "2026-11-08T13:25:08+00:00"
type: "post"
categories: ["Life"]
---

# First Solo

After 7 months of lessons, rudely interrupted by lockdowns, I flew solo for the first time this morning. That means: taking off, doing a circuit of the airfield, and landing again – without an instructor beside you. They wish you luck, hop out of the aircraft, and you’re on your own. It’s quite the moment!

I was up half the night worrying, but thankfully it turned out great. Beautiful weather, and a quiet airfield.

It was actually fun. This came as a surprise: I’ve found learning to have a high cognitive load – there’s a lot going on at once, and many things that need to be *just so*. I thought being by myself may make this worse. But today it all felt surprisingly natural. Free and easy. I really enjoyed it.

I’m by no means a licensed pilot yet: this step marks (roughly) the end of learning to fly and the beginning of learning to navigate. I’ve another 6 months or so of lessons, not to mention 6 exams plus the big skills test at the end. So going solo carries no legal weight, but it’s a traditional milestone and a big life goal!

Thanks to all at the excellent [Redhill Aviation Flight Training](https://www.facebook.com/RedhillAviation/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZWTZLDSv--S-AxcGle6N_gvKLY_eheBNCMu5huK5WEe5fsCNavCqoMf_96KeApFm-ICkR5WbzG8fe0umS_f1fDxg4DoLQr-mOJOlmHm5W0KxwA7gm9VDXEZxOgxWpnh-PxF9J2thu667qlUo8YFLw_5&__tn__=kK-R) for getting me here.