Flying Photos
Flying Page
Master Index

On May 21, 1999, I did took my first solo flight. I was flying a Cessna 172, N1502E, and was at Essex County (Caldwell) Airport (CDW).

This was also the first time that my wife, Amy, was at the field as I flew. She took these pictures that you're seeing now.

All I did was three touch-and-goes (takeoff, land, takeoff, land...), which is pretty tame. Nevertheless, it was very exciting.

It was also a little eerie being alone in the plane. The first moment that this really hit me was while powering up the electronics after the engine was running. I reached for the intercom, and then realized that I didn't need it.

It turns out, though, that I did need it. I found that, with a headset on but the intercom off, I could not hear myself speaking. So I turned the intercom on.

Should I be worried that, not only do I speak to myself, but I need an intercom to do it?

On our way to the airport, I showed Amy how to use my spare radio (an Icom A22) so that she could listen in as I flew. I also listened to ATIS coming from CDW. Runway 22 was active for both landing and takeoff, which is nice. It has no obstructions, and a friendly VASI.

Of course, by the time came to take off, 27 was active. Why "of course"? Because I hate 27. It has this big mucking hill right where the turn from base to final should be. Even if I manage to avoid smacking into the hill - and I've been pretty good at that to date - it still kicks any existing wind around.

Today, though, I'd no real problem with 27. Perhaps the winds (ranging from 4 to 6 knots, variable) were slight enough that it didn't make a difference? It also helps that I can see a real improvement in my control on final. Slipping left or right while keeping the nose aligned used to be something of an effort (in terms of coordination). It is less so.

Once back at the school, a couple of the instructors made various threats about cutting up my shirt or tossing me in mud. Fortunately, my wife was there to protect me. But they did give me a certificate (see it below) as well as these cute plastic wings. I never did get wings as a child flying airlines, so that's pretty cool.

You can see this entry in my log if you wish.

Click an image to see it larger. Click the larger image to see it fullsize.

Preflighting the plane	Me with Deepak				Up...up...and away!
	Getting ready for my solo takeoff	I'm awaiting takeoff clearance	Airborn!	Away!	First T&G
The go part	Second T&G	Rolling in the midst of the second T&G
Downwind for the full stop	On base	On final	Crossing Fairfield Ave on final
Right on the numbers!					Whoo-hoo!