2024 Summer Solo Stories

At the beginning of the summer we asked our social media followers to tell us their first solo stories. Each participant received a free Flight Outfitters t-shirt to replace the one cut off their back. We had some great entries!  You can read them here:

Aubrey Vance
Solo Aircraft: Cessna Skyhawk 172
Where did your solo take place: I69 Batavia, OH

Aubrey’s Story

I soloed at I69 (Clermont County Airport) on May 30th, 2024. I did the three takeoffs and landings with my instructor before he got out and let me go by myself. It was so exciting! I had my family there to watch, and seeing the smiles on their faces when I landed was something I’ll never forget!

Kaci Crook
Solo Aircraft: Beechcraft Sport N24679
Where did your solo take place: KCOE, Hayden, ID

Kaci’s Story

I’m a Doctor of Occupational Therapy that does rehab for stroke, ortho, and a variety of other patient populations. I took an intro to aviation class in college and have always wanted to get my private license, so this year I decided to make it a reality! I started to try at the end of 2023, but this past rough winter in the Pacific Northwest made that a challenge. I finally got consistent flying started in late spring, then had my solo on June 1st, and passed my check-ride today, August 14th! I am having so much fun in aviation, especially meeting other women who are pilots and getting to explore all the little airports in my area. I plan to continue with my ratings and maybe (fingers crossed) become a commercial pilot!

Michael Yap
Solo Aircraft: Pa-28-151
Where did your solo take place: Van Nuys, CA

Michael’s Story

My first is very exciting i had passed my evaluation the day before my solo and it was one of the best feeling that gave me more confident on my skills that i learned through the journey.

Logan Kinsey
Solo Aircraft: N281RA, PA-28-151
Where did your solo take place: KUCP, New Castle PA

Logan’s Story

After 2 weeks of weather and scheduling conflicts I finally got my chance to solo on July 7th at 7:30pm! Working towards my PPL has been a long term goal of mine that has finally come alive in the past few months. My desire to fly has been reignited by an amazing group of friends and aviators from both employment and volunteer opportunities. Having a long term friend and coworker as my CFI made the moment special for the both of us! I also sacrificed one of my favorite shirts as my decision to join Vintage Wings Inc. a local 501 ©3 nonprofit historical organization was one of the best things I have ever done. They are an amazing group of experienced aviators that all share the same love for flying and especially vintage warbirds. Their constant support and encouragement has been instrumental in my decision to start the long but rewarding process of obtaining my private! While soloing is an amazing milestone in the process I look forward to the continuous learning and challenges that lay ahead!

Keegan Cowan
Solo Aircraft: Diamond DA-20
Where did your first solo take place: KSMD Fort Wayne, IN

Keegan’s Story

Going into this I knew that July 22nd was going to be the day. It all came down to this monumental moment in my flight career. My instructor and I took off to do 3 takeoffs and landings. It was beautiful out. Winds were 5kts and no traffic. We practiced a go-around and a simulated engine out. After nailing all 3 landings without hurting myself (or the plane). My instructor had me taxi back to the FBO. He got out and said it was my turn to go do 3 takeoffs and landings. I thought to myself, wait 3? My impression was that I was only doing 1. What better way to build up confidence though! So off I went into the sunset. At least I wished I did. I then came around for my first landing. After touchdown I was feeling great. Went back around for my second take off. All of a sudden there’s traffic in the pattern and lots of it too. Having to do an extended down wind really threw me off as I watched traffic on final. Yet I remained resilient. Coming in for that second landing wasn’t good. I was very high on my final approach, so I made the decision to go around. However, the other plane decided to as well. For a second time I watched them on final as I extended my downwind. Thankfully they made it! Yet I could not again. Something didn’t feel right on my approach. So another go around I did! Finally I came back and did my second landing. Which wasn’t as smooth. I was thankful though to be back on the ground! After that I did my third and final lap in the pattern. It was my best one yet! In the end I was relieved to be done. I was also excited to continue on my pilot journey and to keep moving forward.

Galip Karatas
Solo Aircraft: Cessna 172P
Where did your first solo take place: KMDH Southern Illinois Airport

Galip’s Story

My first solo flight was an experience I’ll never forget. It started like any other training session, with my instructor and me doing three take-offs and landings. Each one went smoothly, and I felt my confidence building with every maneuver. When we taxied back after the third landing, my instructor turned to me with a smile and said, “You’re ready.” He stepped out of the plane, and suddenly, it was just me. As I sat there on the runway, ready to take off alone for the first time, I felt an incredible mix of excitement and anticipation. The moment I pushed the throttle and the plane lifted off the ground, it was like nothing else. I felt completely at ease, like I was exactly where I was meant to be. The sky was clear, and the view was stunning—a perfect setting for this milestone in my journey. I made three landings, each one smooth and controlled. It was just me, the plane, and the sky. The feeling of bringing the plane down gently onto the runway each time was exhilarating. It was the best feeling I’ve ever had, knowing I was in complete control and doing what I love. That day, I realized that my passion for flying had truly taken flight, and I couldn’t wait for what was next.