Claire's Solo Day

Claire's first solo flight - September 18, 2019
Check out her younger sister's 16th birthday solo with a Top Gun twist at: • Catrina's Solo Day
#cessna152 #aviation #firstsolo

[@charlesbowman129]

As all pilots know that first solo is so memorable. She will never forget that day, the plane, or the tail number.

[@tkfinley6567]

Yep it was a Monday .... Aug...1968 .... Cherokee 7146 whiskey

[@thatguy7085]

I forgot my tail number… but I remember the school bus yellow Cessna 150… I found it 30 years later on the other side of the country. I should have bought it back when I found it.

[@motorcopjoe]

N80511

[@DaveDepilot-KFRG]

Cherokee N818VT, Oct 7 2015.. first landing still my best landing ever... BUTTER!!!!!

[@kennethcox7419]

N45941 🙂

[@rickashford4005]

She just cannot hide that smile!! I remember my first solo on my 16th birthday. It was GLORIOUS!!! Piper Cherokee 140 N6664J. Huge congratulations little lady. Aim high!!!

[@johnfish1194]

My first solo was in a cessna 152, and i was scared to death. But, my trainer was a B 17 pilot who served in WW2, and had an ungodly amount of flight time, so i knew what to do. Thank you Mel. I will never forget you.

[@shawncovert751]

I recognized that smile as her instructor was climbing out of the airplane, because I had the same smile when I soloed. CONGRATULATIONS young lady!!!

[@lylecox3954]

Loved the look on her face...the smile when he said he was out.....and then her smile when she started her solo taxi...................wonderful!!

[@bradmetcalf5333]

I had to rewind it and go get my wife to show her that smile when he said " im out". Precious.

[@ikondrift]

Trying to contain that smile after first solo landing - precious

[@youdronelasvegas8503]

So very, very cool. A great accomplishment, and just 17 years old. Congratulations Claire!

[@WestFamilyOK]

Cessna 152 N5112B... won't ever forget that feeling when my instructor got out and I was alone for the first time in the plane. After he stepped out he smiled and said, "you got this... remember, speed saves your ass!" :-)

[@fretfiler42]

From an old pilot of 80, all i can say is congratulations. Your solo will be something that will last you a lifetime. You can be very proud !!!.

[@brettharrison2237]

Still remember my first solo……33 years ago. All the best for a long and enjoyable career doing the best job in the world.

[@TheAirD0g]

Congratulations Claire!! I am so jealous. I soloed in 1978 and wished I had the video that you have. You'll never forget this day. The little grin at the end of your first landing says it all. The accomplishment of a solo put you in a very special group of people. It is something so special you can't explain it to someone who has never done it. I am so proud of you. Great job!!!!!

[@nickviner1225]

Yes I say that sly little smile too, who wouldn't be smiling I know I would.

[@redbaroncarwash]

I was smiling right along with her, I think we all were.

[@wrightgemini1]

Good flight. Y’all know what very good than good.

[@sky-11]

I remember that day 43 years ago in a Cessna 152 identical paint great job:)

[@avflyguy]

Just Gotto _love that _*_permagrin_*_ on Claire's face_ . A moment in time never to be forgotten. We've all been there and felt like a whole new world of the privilaged few to see things from a completely different vantage point. *WELL DONE* 4500+ hours in many different aircraft over 45 years, and the same exhilaration on every take off and landing.

[@bruceande1]

Her smile says it all.....Awsome!!!

[@robertparker3580]

she made it look so easy,and her voice was very calm,great job!

[@markrussell.]

You cannot explain this feeling to anyone who hasn't been through it themselves.

[@mattinglystravels9333]

What a difference in time. My solo was in the early 70's in a 150 without a written check list. My instructor had me there on an early morning before any possible turbulance . I was on downwind before my nerves let my realize my instructor was with me. On final the controller advised me to hold short on my landing of a diagenal runway due to a departing heavy aircraft. I think I hold the record for how short you could land and stop a 150. Yes, a memory forever.

[@wpontius4355]

Congrats Claire!! That face is going to break a lot of hearts.

[@fabiogoncalves9728]

The happiness in her eyes is something. It's a magic moment, especially when all goes well. I still remember my solo flight (43 years ago... 🤣). 👏👏👏👏👏

[@larrybookhamer1176]

I may be 81 but that sure brought back fun memories. Keep it up girl ❤😊

[@lwilde]

Well done! After nearly 52 years I still remember my first solo. When I landed after three circuits, I lost my shirttail. What an awesome feeling that was.

[@garyrasso6149]

Congratulations and welcome to the club. This day will be in the small handful of days you’ll never forget.

[@TrueBlade-1889]

Awesome. Nice to see the scrunchie, for emergencies ! 😁👍👍👍

[@mikebranch605]

That bought back good memories. What a feeling. Will never forget it. I soloed in a 150 in 1976 on my 16th birthday early in the am like you and then my mom had to ride with me later in the day to get my operator driver’s license. I could “legally” fly an airplane by myself before I could ”legally” drive by myself for most of that day. First flying job at 18 after obtaining my commercial. Been flying for a living ever since. 47 years and still at it. Still get that feeling occasionally😊 Good job!

[@CockpitScenes]

It really helps when parents pay for your flying and actually encourage you...

[@pedropicapiedra77]

I had the same smile on my first solo flight, nothing compares to it! Congrat`s to Claire!

[@jeeplife5262]

Great job! The radio check was comforting! It was like the CFI was still in the plane and she forgot to key the mic! 😂

[@19211926]

Good job young lady. You will never forget that day.

[@mcmdrpiffle447]

Great Job Girl !! We've all been there. I did this in 1987. Same thing...nerves, perfect flying after the instructor stepped out, thought I'd be scared....but was honestly so happy to have him out of the airplane for a bit, that I did things perfectly like you. You...'Yeah, I've got this' Anyway, very nice job! Critique? Toughen/Man up your voice on the radio. It's easier for us air traffic controllers to understand if you enunciate and are clear. Not a slight in any way, just a critique/training opportunity!. Glad I found this. Very nice to have another Aviator amongst us.

[@mikejw58]

Precious. That smile tells it all.

[@TheFlyingMasterChef]

I grew up in airplanes since I was 3 years old. I learned to fly from my dad when I was 8 years old (couldn't reach the pedals though. LOL) Of course, couldn't fly solo.. I went to an Aviation college in New Hampshire in 1987 when I was 18 for Professional Pilot degree. I will NEVER forget my first solo. My instructor got out of the plane and told me to have a good flight. when I took off and realized that everything from then on was ME and MY experience and training alone....I literally screamed and laughed!!!!! As soon as I turned downwind my engine started to sputter. UGH!!!! My instructor called me instantly on the radio and asked if I was ok.. I told him I was a bit busy. It's amazing how fast your check lists come back to you (the ones you swear you'll never remember all the steps of) and sure enough, carb heat on and it cleared up almost instantly. Never took a check list for granted again!!!!! I love that you got this privilege!!! Contratulations to you!!!!!!!!!!! And wish we had cell phones or cameras back then. But alas, we have only memories!!!! Greg (Flying Master Chef) Swagler

[@quinnjim]

Great job! I used to fly out of that airport in the 1990’s. I’ve soloed two of my kids. Great bonding experience.

[@edwood7741]

Congratulations Clare! Metro East Shafer is where I took my discovery flight way back in 1976. Thanks for helping me recall that day. Best of luck with your flying. Keep up the good work!

[@roderickbowes2482]

Well done Claire -- That smile says it all -- enjoy many hours up in the air --

[@richardschindler8822]

Congratulations, well done. We need more young people such as yourself, to fill in the ranks of us old people that are leaving or have already left the flying life. I too was 16 when I soloed, June 14th, 1965. I remember it as if it was yesterday. I had a full and wonderful career as a corporate pilot, now I’m retired. I wish you a long and fantastic life in aviation no matter what road you take. All the best! Happy flying.

[@trugreenguy]

Got my cert on Nov 2nd this month. Best day of my life!!

[@douglaskaye1395]

Awesome job. The airlines are awaiting you. Great smile

[@lj5899]

If this is an example of our next generation of leaders, we are in great hands! Such a great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@stevef7368]

She's adorable! Happy Landings, Claire!

[@tythurman8583]

Very cool to see this young lady make this happen!

[@JPinFuerteventura]

Well done Claire. A day you will always remember. I still remember every minute of my first solo 35 years ago, also in a Cessna 150 (well a 152) in the UK.

[@artim367]

The look on her face says it all. Good job 👍

[@stephensimpson5283]

R22 VH-VKB 1998. Glorious day and still going strong. Well done and keep that flying grin. I've still got mine.

[@pkane5472]

"I can't wait to go next time." Well said young lady, well said.

[@carylaue191]

There is absolutely no better feeling than completing your first solo. This is a memory that will live with and every time you think about it, you'll just grin. Congratulations on a job well done and l wish you a long and happy career. Cheers from downunder....

[@tkfinley6567]

I'm no longer able to fly due to health but it is so nice to see the young ladies taking an interest. I miss it.

[@jargraroch3000]

The best part was the scrunchie - made me think she was going to dance practice after her solo 😂

[@U4184]

OK. That one made me tear up at the fist bump. Maybe it was because I been there and done that at Macon, Ga. in 1973, or perhaps it was because I have a 15-yr-old grand daughter named Claire. Congratulations on your solo. Be careful and enjoy.

[@FLYNRYAN1978]

Sweeeeeet!!!!! That smile on yout face when you were on your own was priceless lol.

[@bentlyair637]

Great job Claire. This accomplishment will set you up for many more in the future. Congratulations

[@piper0428]

A magic moment in our live. Congratulations!🎉🎉🎉

[@dh-flies]

I'll bet I made that same face when my CFI said he was getting out now.... One of the best feelings in my life.

[@stevecastro22]

Congratulation Claire, you did amazing. You will never forget this day for the rest of your life as you just reached a milestone that very few can claim. Welcome to the wonderful world of flying. PS- Your smile said it all. 😀

[@Parr4theCourse]

Awesome job, such a memorable day! Glad yo started so young, my only regret is that I waited until I was 60 to get my PPL. But it has been a wonderful journey, my wife and I fly from Kansas to the Bahamas and we were so much in awe of God's beautiful handiwork that we were able to experience from the air, so few are able to do that and we are blessed as pilots to be able to do that!

[@fs6622]

Thanks Claire!!! Awesome job, and this was 15 minutes of smile for me!!!

[@johndemeen5575]

Towards the end, it started to get dusty in here my eyes were watering. Vaya con Dios to you! For keeping me entertained thanks a million. St. Paul Minnesota.

[@vmarano4]

Great job! Perfect command of the airplane.

[@dennisschultz9180]

warms my heart

[@pelicanlover69]

I solo 'ed in 1971 , got my PP in 1971 and Commercial in 1972 while flying out of August, Ga while at Ft. Gordon. Great memories. Cessna 150.

[@jameshauser1507]

The smile says it all. Good luck girl. Good job.

[@djvectrex]

You'll always remember this day!! Great job and by the looks you seem to have thoroughly enjoyed it, congratulations and safe skies in your journey!!

[@joeroscillo4015]

Great job!! You'll never forget you solo!! I did it in 1964 on a dirt runway!! It's like it was yesterday!!

[@wi54725]

Wow, an airport I recognize from my days flying into St. Louis! Mr. Shafer was an incredibly nice guy and a great instructor.

[@scottreynolds2347]

Great job congratulations on your Solo I took lessons in 97 I should of stayed with it I enjoyed it watching your video made me live those moments again hope the best for you and much respect to you and all student pilots much love!!!

[@jimburkhalter9905]

Congrats you will never forget that day...I seen you smiling!!!

[@flyingaxeman7343]

I had fighter pilot face on my first landing too :) nice job. You were obviously well prepared.

[@markmoles8633]

congratulations, exceptional confidence. Wish my14 and 17 year old daughters had half your confidence and love of flying. Keep progressing and most importantly, fly safe

[@MartyMitchell92660]

"I didn't crash", "Stayed off the 5-o'clock news" - Congratulations Claire, nicely done! Welcome to the club!

[@WilliamJLepetomane]

Awesome! Congrats Claire- something for you to be proud of for the rest of your life. I started my training at Shafer at 51 years old in November 144 Mike a few years ago....met Ed Shafer- great aviator....keep flyin!

[@marknrogers]

"I'm out"...(devious smile) 😆

[@alanmcmillan6969]

Well done Clare!! Great flight and landing. Have a happy time in the clouds!

[@edima3589]

Mine was on the parallel 27R at KPTK, the second busiest airport in Michigan. Tower gave me the '#1 clear to land 27R' at about midfield downwind and sure enough, as I turned base here comes a mid-size jet on straight-in final 27L. Timing couldn't have been better (or worse!). Just as I turned for final, the jet passed directly in front of me.....what I remember most about my solo, seeing the eyes of the other pilot when he turned to look at me and I turned base-to-final.....all the while, hearing my instructor's voice in my head, "watch airspeed, watch airspeed....". Wow, it was quite the rush!

[@SuperEightball1]

Sweet Fair skies Enjoy the journey

[@teamground0229]

Congratulations!! Was this 3 years ago? By now you've finished PPL? Love the proud smile!

[@edjarrett3164]

Congrats Claire. You rocked it. Keep up the effort for your PPL.

[@daveshepherd7582]

Outstanding job!

[@JonHeckendorf]

I'm proud of you like you're my own child who just soloed. Keep reading, keep learning, keep getting instruction, keep studying to get your PPL and beyond. Never, ever, stop learning. Every aspect of aviation on the ground and in the air will, at times, test you to your limits and ever beyond. Learn to solo in sailplanes. You'll learn things about flight that just might save your life.

[@aguyinnc2865]

Congratulations, Claire, you're Super Awesome!

[@cq7415]

Great job. Your landing was so smooth. Always love to see young females getting their license. Thanks for sharing.

[@cookingwithcuyandotherfuns6238]

CONGRATULATIONS!!! So awesome seeing young people getting into aviation! Well done! The airplane sure climbs better alone too!:)))

[@mattgreven7615]

the 152 lifts off a little more briskly w/o a large man in there with you! I'll never forget that part. congrats on your endeavors!

[@dhmik1]

Well done Claire! Big day in your life. Congratulation. Regards from baltic shore.

[@gawebm]

Great job. So great to see another young person get enthused abut flying.

[@joecool9769]

So much respect. Congratulations from Europe.

[@tomcorniche3844]

I'm retired now but had an extensive career. To the last day of my last flight, my very first instructors voice was in my head, especially when things got tough. G-CHICK 152 & Angela was my instructor. Last I heard she was flying Yaks in displays. I've forgotten a lot but not that ship or Angela.

[@changeyourlives5959]

Congratulations girl!!!!!

[@richthompson3326]

Great Job! Congrats!

[@reyesben]

Congratulations Cole and mom and dad. Nerve wracking of course. Been there

[@jdcundle]

Happy Birthday and Congratulations Claire

[@Ray93Lima]

What a great job! She talked herself down, Thats exactly what I did because lets face it once your off the ground there is no reverse. GREAT JOB CLAIRE

[@markleightonson1770]

Congratulations, Claire! You did well.

[@cathw61]

Congratulations! So cool, your heart must have been going a mile a minute with excitement!

[@mt-nv4jd]

Congratulations young lady. Be safe always.

[@Cazador60140]

Going solo feeling is like your first steps , it comes naturally . Congrats

[@danielchurchill9004]

Claire Congratulations young lady I love it! keep moving forward and up.

[@flyingmechanic1]

A day you will always remember, I remember my first solo like it was yesterday, well done!

[@navcop33]

Congrats! Great video!

[@km0e69]

As Rick A. said 2 previous to this comment, that smile says it all! Congrats

[@johnsmith-wd5sq]

I Loved that Smile! Dont hold it back..Let it out! You did Awesome..I see a 777 in your future!

[@franknewt2202]

Made my day watching this !!! Great job Claire , enjoy