Flying an Airplane ALONE at 16 Years Old

[@troyc333]

It takes a lot more dedication, training, professionalism and maturity to fly a plane than it does a car. I doubt a flight instructor would pass a person of any age they didn't feel was prepared and capable of operating a plane in a safe manner. Congratulations Nathan! If you got there it's only because you were ready and deserved it.

[@giovannimorrisone483]

So true, Troy C. I remember the Chief Flying Instructor who tested me for a private licence many years ago telling me that his rule of thumb was: "Would I trust this pilot to fly with my children on board?" You had to be pretty good to get a pass with this guy!

[@someone3.2007]

Maturity doesn't matter as long as you're rated for the plane you're flying

[@RAVANA7]

No sh%t old nigga it’s a plane. It flys, cars don’t

[@jason_v12345]

Why is it not the same for driving examiners?

[@johndunstan3875]

30yo in a 16yo body wish I had that maturity and confidence at his age. Well done Nathan. 😎

[@jllee9189]

Young man, you had me in tears reminiscing of my solo many years ago. After 10 years as an Air Force Pilot, then 35 years flying for a major airline, I am now retired. Let me tell you, seeing your reaction, if you decide to pursue your aviation career professionally, you will never look back and regret it, my only regret is that my career seemed to have gone by way too fast! Good luck and Godspeed!

[@NathanBrookhart]

I am so glad that I helped you look back on your training. I hope you will join me for my future progress videos. No winds, Clear skies, and safe flights!

[@josegonzalez9054]

I'm 65 year old...... retired Pilot...... I got some teers on my eyes ......Bravo son....!!!! Bravo ...!!!!

[@amiramyss]

The CLEAR PROP killed me XD Great piloting and great editing! Nailed both of them. Brings back good memories from my first solo.

[@cpt_anthony]

I love screaming clear prop like that, it’s hilarious. I’m going to do my solo next month at 16 aswell so I’m excited. It’s gonna be at KVNY too, gonna be nice and busy for me

[@amiramyss]

​@@cpt_anthonyI did it once with my flight instructor and it scared the crap out of him so I decided to stop 😅 But yea it was hilerious. And break a leg! Sure you are going to nail it

[@terryboyer1342]

I've heard a few pilots yell LOOK OUT! instead of clear prop.

[@groningenparanormaal3642]

That's so funny see you totally relax during the flight and even started whistling hahahaha. Good job dude.

[@jalenembry]

I’m 27 years old. Playing pro ball and is currently is pilot school for my PPL. Watching this video just gave me so much more motivation. It hit me when you said, “what is life then laughed” you’re a goat bro!

[@Jahdoh]

Best "CLEAR" ever! Congrats

[@phillipmckenzie6095]

Congratulations Nathan. I remember my first solo at age sixteen, I am now sixty nine. I chose to keep my flying as a hobby and had so much pleasure from it. Whatever road you choose to take embrace it and enjoy your flying.

[@Conn653]

Your first SOLO is a day you'll always remember. I remember mine from August 8, 1968 🙂 HAVE FUN! 🙂

[@piperdakotaflyr]

Great job, I didn't solo until I was 50 years old. I can't imagine doing it at 16. Blue sky's and tailwinds!

[@kimberlywentworth9160]

Very smart kid. Wish we had more kids smart like this one.

[@barryanthonykennedy6313]

How much do I miss single engine flying! Love my job as an airline pilot but crikey watching this makes me think, “maybe it’s time to renew it and get back to having fun whilst flying”. Great video! Blue skies dude 😊

[@NathanBrookhart]

You absolutely should renew. This has been the best commitment of my life and I don’t think the feeling of buttering a landing will ever get old to me!

[@mcflyer9058]

Great Job Nathan! Congrats! You captured the moment beautifully! I soloed in 1978 and am still flying to this day! Unfortunately they had not invented the the Go Pro yet, so i have no images of the event… But you brought it all back to me. Thanks for sharing this genuine moment in your life. Blue skies, and keep flying whatever you decide to do in life!

[@DougGoodrich]

Way to go, Nathan. Great video. Thanks for flying with us!

[@NathanBrookhart]

Thanks, couldn’t have done it without your amazing aircraft and instructors

[@ademozel1456]

Good job grandson.👏👏👏

[@barrymackley8447]

keep up the good flying that was a good Landing when i was a kid your age i did some flying with my big bother

[@elbeaver0]

Those ARE insanely good landing for first solo!!! Can't wait to do mine, hope I'll be as good as I seen here ;)

[@elbeaver0]

... I finally made my first solo few weeks ago... I have to say I was not nearly as good as this. Congrats again

[@Calidus_Pilot]

Congratulations, Nathan, very well done. Your landings were extremely good, even more so for being into the sun. You have a great future ahead of you - go for it!

[@patrickr4727]

Congratulations my friend the world of aviation is waiting for you. Very good solo.

[@JimForeman]

Welcome to the aviator fraternity. Your solo is a lifetime memory. I, too, soloed young. I soloed a sailplane on my 14th birthday and a Citabria on my 16th birthday. Memories!

[@RB-ie9wf]

Great video! I soloed on my 16th birthday before going to the DMV and getting my drivers license. You brought back great memories.

[@kevinkelly5257]

Wicked! Really proud of you, Nathan. Our kids have loved watching you fly and you are getting them excited to experience it for themselves! Also, I agree that the last landing was BUTTER, just like the text swipe on the bus!

[@jasonbaker9862]

Thanks for sharing, and congrats! Watching your first solo reminded me of mine, but I was the ripe old age of 19. Those landings were greasy! Great job!!!

[@ual737ret]

I also soloed at age 16. What followed was 35 year career as an airline pilot.

[@NathanBrookhart]

im tryna get like you, my boy. Yeah that’s what i would like to be doing.

[@Norman_Peterson]

@@NathanBrookhart it's not what you'd like that counts, it's what you DECIDE to do and why YOU COMMIT to do it. There is no chance, no luck, there is you and what you choose to do and the commitment you put into it. So plan and commit, and you succeed. Good luck boy!

[@justplanefred]

That's awesome! Hopefully I can get started with my flight training and get to my first solo too

[@NateDawgMsu1980]

From the parent of a MTSU flight instructor, it was nice to see her excitement. The progression of a pilot from discovery on to their dreams is amazing.

[@oorahharley]

Congratulations! Had me smiling the whole way through. Brought back memories of my first solo at 16 yrs old (46 yrs ago) and and that great feeling. Keep on learning and enjoy!

[@lesterhall5145]

Glad th÷res young people like this, dedicated who strive to accomplish their dreams. The future of america

[@ekspatvos6264]

Well done. Proud on your behalf of your achievement. Always fly safe.

[@wd8ejc]

Congratulations Nathen, I did that at 14 in a J-3 cub. Very smooth your going to be a great Pilot. I only have 1 word of advice, Dont get feeling like you know it all, It can come to bite you quick, Just keep your head and you will go far.

[@wd8ejc]

That was 50 years ago !

[@melxdan]

Major props to you brother, couldn’t imagine myself at 16 taking up something as serious as flying. I’m now 26 starting my flight hours next week and really wishing I started early! Good luck on your journey.

[@NewG101]

Wow! You nailed it with a perfect landing, great job! 👍👍👍👏👏👏

[@patrickreid7548]

That was a perfect solo flight, love it, make flying your career you will make it.

[@kimberlywentworth9160]

Good preflight brief.

[@BrienDunn]

Excellent dude! I was cheering for you while watching the video. What an accomplishment. Excellent landings. Elite! This made my day, reminding me what peeps are capable of doing.

[@justaboutaviation9343]

Congratulations on your solo. Hope you enjoy the rest of your training.

[@LukePylypciw]

Nice video, Nathan. Congrats on this accomplishment!

[@NathanBrookhart]

Thanks Luke, i look up to you a ton with what you have done and continue to do.

[@brianduffin5405]

Great achievement young man, you have to make a career out of it 👍🏼✈

[@UberGeek]

Congrats. I too solo'd on my 16th birthday. I didn't get my drivers license until 2 months later.

[@CaptMoo]

Love how you went from nervous to full blown excited as you were going through the checklist in the cockpit. Congratulations Capt. Jer 29:11 The best is yet to come. PS: Shoutout to ATC and pilots that knows how to make a pilots day with their congrats.

[@stevensaviationspotting]

Well done, Nathan! I flew a Cessna 172P Skyhawk for the first time when I was younger (I’m 16 rn too by the way), I did had to fly with the Co-Pilot too instructing me.

[@paulmckelvey3856]

Congrats on your solo. For mine the instructor stepped out, told me to bring it around to 2 touch and gos and stepped out of the Piper. You gave me more to add to mu solo!🎉

[@glenw-xm5zf]

I gotta have nothing but respect for any young person who goes after and gets his PPL. Well done, 'kids' Your generation aint all bad

[@KonaMan62]

Way to go, Nathan!!! I logged my first duel lessons at 14, then took a two-year break and soloed for my 17th birthday at CRQ/Carlsbad, CA. I got my PVT a few months later before turning 18, and your video brought back many fond memories. Undoubtedly, you and I belong to a very small group of teens who accomplished something big before we were old enough to drive or vote. You've also got a great sense of humor, I LOL'd at one point when you said, "don't want to catch a pilot deviation because...... Ugg-ush-yuk" Yep, that's about right. Your landings were buttar, but man, did I have sweaty palms too. CRQ was known as the Busiest Single Runway Airport in the Nation at the time and for many years after. Needless to say, the airspace along coastal California is also busy, but NOTHING like it is today. My landings were "okay" but not as nice as yours. The one thing I DO remember like it was yesterday was on my second lap around the pattern. A Barron was approaching from the north and told to "Follow the Cessna in the pattern, number two to land" With that, I got a VERY clear look at his underbelly as he cut me off and entered ahead of me - the controller, NOT amused by this ( he knew I was on my solo too. Back then, our instructors usually went up into the tower to watch our solo's and be on hand quick if something went sour) He came on and called me... "Cessna 5DR" Apparently, the Barron Pilot can't count or follow instructions, please SLOW to your minimum, and I'll call your base" 😱 All I can remember was first standing on, then pumping the toe-brakes, and nothing was happening!!! OH, right, brakes don't work up here... let's see, reduce power, pitch up, and I was SO happy when I started to slow. One of the most memorable days of my life; I pray the same for you.

[@NathanBrookhart]

I’m glad that it helped you think back on the memories of your PVT journey. It has been an absolute blast so far, and I can’t wait to keep creating and I hope you will continue to join me.

[@bigman55434]

I love this video. I hope you are still flying! Please post more of these videos if you can. Totally love your enthusiasm!

[@kaasmeester5903]

Outstanding job. As someone who did their first solo as well recently (though at over 3 times your age) , I have to say you looked pretty calm and collected up there.

[@brianwessner4108]

Hey Nathan...what a great adventure and a great video...also had my first solo on my 16th birthday and I remember it to this day (many years later)! Congratulations

[@zach9373]

Congratulations, very awesome to see. I wish I had gotten exposure to general aviation sooner! I just finally got my PPL last year at 31 years old. Subbed!

[@Clarkanlana42]

Awesome job! That was incredible!

[@jimmymurphy7789]

You have everything going for you (extraordinary) to enable to succeed in anything you put your mind to do in your exciting young Life (including Aviation). You are indeed an Inspiration Lad - what Confidence you have - I envy you !

[@dr.strangelove7739]

Great job Nathan! You are a great example of aviation's future!

[@brookhart]

That was an incredible adventure, Nathan. What a great experience to fly an airplane before you can drive a car! Thanks for sharing your video! Proud of you.

[@NathanBrookhart]

Surely was. Thanks!

[@robertparker3580]

congratulations,you are a awesome individual,great job!

[@sherrilltechnology]

Man what a great video 16 and your first solo flight that is some maturity!!

[@raymoreton3184]

I enjoy watching young people flying aeroplanes and first solos, even if older, it reminds me of when I did my only solo unfortunately I could not afford to finish and become a full pilot, I did my back in june 94 when I had just turned turned 16 I had the same thoughts about being trusted to take an aeroplane alone in the sky and bring back safely, I was in the air cadets in england in the 90's and the first time I experienced flying was in a winch launch glider at 13 and I loved it, they do powered and gliders so when the minute I turned 16 I thought I would apply not (I chose gliding maybe because it was a little closer to home) expecting to get anything back because the amount of people trying for any flying courses was huge, but I did, just because you get on a course does not mean you will solo, it depends how good you are at picking stuff up in a week, you have to share the time with others on the course, there were a few people who did not solo but I managed to be one, I did mine at raf west malling which has closed now, I was also lucky enough to not have to pay any extra for the course, just getting down there and snacks and other personal stuff which really helped, a couple of years ago I found a possible picture of the reg number of the glider that I flew solo because I still have all the info from my time and put it on my computer desktop.

[@daverohn383]

Great job on those landings! I remember the first time I took the controls on my own, my mouth went dry and I was terrified that I was going to make a mistake! But, I did ok. It's not an experience that I regret one bit!

[@gabotdf]

Can't help it but smile.

[@andrewbennett2582]

What a delightful and talented young man.

[@DIEGOSanchez-b8i]

He has a future in aviation. Great Kid

[@MrSmokehouse6]

Nathan, congrat's on your solo flight, you greased those landings pretty much. After watching you & your family being so close, I'm come to realize that with folks like you all, there is hope for our great country after all. You should really think about becoming a pilot after you're all done with school. Blessings to you and your family, you guys are wonderful!

[@alaskafan21]

Great job Nathan. Loved watching you do your solo. Well done sir !

[@elizabethgeorge5340]

Great👍

[@Garrettray1372]

Eliz ❤Greetings to you from America 🇺🇸

[@rogerbloxham5381]

I’m glad to see that they haven’t lost the tradition of cutting Shirttails. I soloed over 50 years ago and I still remember every detail!

[@jakebeukes]

Congratulations! This is a major achievement! :)😁

[@allanegleston4931]

what a great thrill that must have been. I'm 65 and have heart problems . i can't drive a car or airplane period but am glad u can.

[@edwardstephens247]

I am so proud of your accomplishments at your age! I am jealous.

[@FredDavison]

Well done! Boy, did that bring back memories. I'll never forget climbing out, turning crosswind and looking back at the runway on my solo.

[@frednel4326]

Those wer all great touch n go runs there for a first solo and so congratulations 👌, landing is always the hardest part of flying and you pulled it off pretty easly and smoothly 👍

[@Visitor2Earth]

Great job, Nathan! You remind me of my own grandson who is your age! Your video brought back a lot of memories for this 63yr old geezer, too!

[@NathanBrookhart]

Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for the support!

[@d_glow]

Straight off the school bus to solo airplane 👏🏼 gotta be an amazing feeling

[@timparhamsr9598]

Great deal ! and . . .. Continue to keep alert , at all things you do :) I have a feeling ...... You are truely " going places " ! and thanks for sharing !

[@oneshot5060]

Pilot is a lot of people's dream including me. I wish you have a great pilot on your future . Pilot is very expensive

[@casst346]

wow..how exciting! thanks for sharing! great job!

[@Checkpoint555]

how do you only have 502 subs you should have 1 million by now your a legend

[@jamesmoore9216]

Awesome job. When I was 15 I stared flying helicopters. My mom would drive me to the airport and I would jump in a helicopter by myself.

[@andresrvlife1386]

Very impressive... Great job!

[@ita0015]

We love you!!! From Italy 🇮🇹 🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤😊

[@david-ky7rt]

Well done Nathan, just wish I could fly, just too expensive to take lessons here in the UK.

[@germb747]

Congrats! Done like a pro.

[@marktwain3531]

Kid's got to be an absolute badass at school.

[@NathanBrookhart]

you’d be surprised

[@YuriChan-428]

2:14 This reminds me of the story I heard where insects blocked the tube and it was no good! So glad the covers are used properly!

[@NYBaldwin11510]

Congratulations Nathan, fantastic job! You are a great pilot with lots of potential!

[@roadboat9216]

Wow, fantastic. Well done. I remember my solo quite clearly. And that was nearly 50 yrs ago! Enjoy your cross countries. I did. And if anyone wonders why you can fly a plane at 16, and alone. When you learn to fly, it is so much more hazardous, critical and complex than driving a car, that it takes a lot more dedication, discipline and maturity to do learn and do it. And you are not about to go “party” with your friends if you want to stay alive. It’s just a whole different level of skill. You should be proud. BTW. Sully Sullivan ( one of my hero’s), got his pilots license at 16.

[@ProducerStefanSchnabel]

Awesome! Many happy landings! 🛩

[@km0e69]

Chris Palmer and you say CLEAR the same. Great Job!

[@NathanBrookhart]

that’s where i got it from. CLeARrrrrr

[@flyingaxeman7343]

Don't screw up the log book entry , remember you were "pic" 🙂

[@glenw-xm5zf]

Tell you what, nathan. If you are just out of high school and applied for a job, even if there were 30 other applicants same age, you would be in the top 3 on the 'Good prospect' pile. because, if you can accomplish this, it means peer pressure, the party party life, and the rest didn't deter you from doing what's right. Good job

[@NathanBrookhart]

funny story relates to this. i got a new job, and brought up my PPL in the interview, was hired on the spot. and now when my interviewer who is an assistant store manager passes me while i’m working, he always says to whoever he’s walking with, whether it’s another employee, or some powerful higher up that i am his personal pilot lol

[@glenw-xm5zf]

@@NathanBrookhart LOL just ignore the cynicism and envy. Jealous people are the biggest losers, in life. Enjoy the ride, or rather, the flight

[@tucsonazul]

Good job!... Never feel to relaxed about your check list, cause that's when you have pilot's errors issue's.

[@MO_COOKIE]

Just came across your video and I was remenecing throughout the whole video. It wasn't that long ago I got my PPL and now I am working on Instrument Rating. I can still remember the excitement for my SOLO!! And I definitely can relate to his energy going into my solo. Really awsome video I enjoyed every second of it.

[@NathanBrookhart]

I’m so glad that it brought back happy memories for you. That was part of my motivation in starting to create, To show my experiences to help motivate, reminisce, and as a tribute to my amazing journey as a young pilot :)

[@garyrasso6149]

Congrats. Well done and welcome to the club.

[@diegojon8267]

Nice job Nathan! Happy landings.😊

[@donnieallen5927]

congrats young man!!

[@Dirtbikekid122]

That is so inspiring I am planing to do flight training next year and this makes me so excited

[@NathanBrookhart]

you should absolutely be excited. it is a blast to do and is super rewarding in the long run

[@elicas0319]

Welcome to the skies buddy!

[@edjarrett3164]

Very impressive solo. Your piloting skills are very good and your intuition in the pattern was spot on. You are definitely on the road to success. Nice work!

[@tucsonazul]

You have a good feeling of fight, the best way to fly.

[@cleblanc94]

Congrats man! Such a special moment. I remember my solo from 2019 like it was just yesterday. You're one hell of a pilot already! Loved how calm and collected you were. And you nailed those landings! Thanks for sharing.

[@michaelgiordano1004]

Love the "Angle of Attack" CLEAR!

[@mikeratcliff1446]

Great job. I am envious of you as I am just now 60 and now want to get my PPL. I hope soon.

[@NathanBrookhart]

go for it! highly recommended. i’ve enjoyed my training so far and as of now have almost 25 hours and i just did my cross country from binghamton to finger lakes regional.