Student Pilot SOLO STARTS PANICKING after Failed Landing attempt

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[@VASAviation]

That was great teamwork indeed! Awesome job!

[@dp980]

Everybody gets into scary situations from time to time, hopefully they diminish with experience. Everybody did their jobs under pressure, even the young pilot who still kept it together, was able to listen to ATC and CFI and reacted appropriately and landed safely. Well done all.

[@ChannelJanis]

Great job everyone! Thanks to ATC and instructor for bringing her back down to safety. I hope the new pilot will overcome the stress and will become a great pilot. The ATC is there to help, if the first landing is not safe, do a go around for a better landing. There is nothing to be sorry about. I wish many great landings in future!

[@elcastorgrande]

Great work by ATC.

[@arthurzhlyu]

I was a student at the flight school where this incident took place. What happened was that they were using runway 30 which is supposed to be a right pattern, but because the student was blown by the wind to the left side of the runway on takeoff the tower asked her to fly the left circuit. The student didn't know about the left circuit and was asked to go-around twice because the Approach altitude was too low the first two times she tried to land. After that was the video. But I understand that the pilot was only 14 years old and it was not her problem.

[@arthurzhlyu]

A 14-year-old student is capable of flying solo in Canada and the crosswind is not very severe. But I do agree that 14 years old is way too young for flying a plane. @@JustSayN2O

[@sb859]

Controller, you saved that girls life.

[@Mudford63]

Well done to the the ATC.

[@camtonyray666]

The ATC is the real hero in this.

[@Mudford63]

@@camtonyray666 very calm, and very easy talking to her.

[@Simonesanderss]

@@camtonyray666 💯 he was amazing! If I was in her situation I would feel much more calm and supported!

[@number6mbw]

No kidding. You can hear the pilot breaking down, bit ATC was understanding and accommodating. Pilot seemed unsure of herself and just panicked. Also, props to instructor being on the line.

[@yammmit]

“the the”

[@vitiare]

"I feel like I need to get out right now." - that line must have sent chills to everyone on frequency listening.

[@DannoAviation]

I feel so sorry for the student… when panic sets in it can really feel like the worlds ending, props to the ATC for assisting them.

[@PeterCieply]

The loss of control ,,,and then having to get back into control...best test a man/woman can get. got to love life:)

[@aruhtaz]

It really is, if her emotions were running high on a panic, and especially with her saying things like “i need to get out” when shes on a fricking plane hundreds of feet off the ground… She mustve had cold sweat and tight palms. Great job sticking through it.

[@onewhoknows5969]

That’s what happens when you tell Gen Z they can be and do anything just because they want it. She should be banned from flying forever or she will kill someone one day.

[@SVnerd]

@@aruhtaz my heart goes out to the student. I can feel the panic in her voice. I remember one time that got my nerves all in a twist. Luckily I wasn't solo and I just asked my instructor to take control and take me back down. My instructor was very calm and understanding and helped me get coached when were back on the ground.

[@BenTrem42]

Discussing SA with a coupla fighter pilots (F-16 and F/A-18) we spent a lot of time on "How to re-establish when you lose it!"

[@VictoryAviation]

I just want to say that this controller's performance was nothing short of miraculous! He was absolutely switched on immediately, and was able to determine exactly how much information the student pilot was able to process. He also did a great job of relaying comms since the instructor's radio didn't seem to have enough range. I truly hope his efforts are officially recognized. To the young lady that was flying, if you just so happen to read this, please know that you didn't do anything wrong. Stress and emotions are fickle things. We as humans can't just turn emotions off, and the physiological response from our bodies is no joke. You did great by continuing to communicate with the tower. You got yourself and the plane back down safely. In my book that took a TON of courage and resilience, even while you were fighting through your situation. Well done. I mean that sincerely. I hope you are able to work all that out, which may take some time... and that's ok. I also hope you're able to continue your aviation journey in the future if you desire to. This situation wasn't fun, but use it as proof that you can still operate under pressure. With some guidance and practice, you can still achieve your dreams!

[@brianm8642]

​ @VictoryAviation You are spot on. No one here has authority to question the readiness of that particular student - only that CFI (and possibly the stage check instructor, if there was one here).

[@ialsoagree1634]

Great comment. I think it's also worth pointing out that this was really a great learning opportunity for her. She experienced fear, stress, and overwhelming anxiety and *still* flew the plane and got it on the ground. That's a sucky thing to have gone through, but it's a great experience. She now knows that no matter how scary or stressful a situation might be, she can work through it safely. This will be a situation she can lean on to have confidence in overcoming future challenges.

[@JansViews]

Wonderful comment! 👏🏽

[@Gardsfix]

I wanna give several thumbs up on your comment. Well said!

[@tw8916]

I don't even know how to fly and I was like, damn this guy could easily walk me through flying in a heartbeat if I needed lol

[@ChristinaChrisR]

That sounded like a full blown panic attack. I’m glad she was able to land the plane. Great job everyone and thanks for the video!

[@treloarw]

I think a full blown panic attack would have resulted in her death… or at least a crash. You can’t even function in that situation. Can’t use your hands. Can’t do shit.

[@ChristinaChrisR]

@@treloarw I know. I thought about that. So I’m a bit unsure, because: if you find yourself in a situation like this, and you are really scared and are losing trust in yourself and your abilities, someone else (ATC in this case)telling you what to do can “pick you up” and you can regain some control of yourself pretty quick, possibly and probably instantly, even. She didn’t seem to respond to that. She, at least to me, didn’t sound like she could step out of what I presume was growing panic. Then again as you say, in what I called a full blown panic attack, you’re incapacitated (I’ve experienced it once). It can be possible though to regain some control of your body. I think that’s what happened, I don’t know of course. What do you think?

[@treloarw]

@@ChristinaChrisR i’ve had a full blown panic attack. There’s no regaining control for at least several min. 30min to an hour. Your hands start tightening up and feel like the bones are going to shatter. You can’t move your fingers. Hyperventilating snowballs too. So unless you are experienced in arresting that hyperventilation and somehow quickly quelling the whole thing, you’re not climbing to 1500, you’re not turning, you’re definitely not landing. No doubt she was panicking. But I just wouldn’t consider it a panic attack. Those are completely debilitating.

[@andreea007]

​@@treloarwShe was definitely close to one. From the very begining she said she wanted out, a sign that her brain was trying to shout down. Fortunately, reality kicked in and the brain understood that it wasn't the best moment to freeze, so she managed to keep some control over her body & actions.

[@scpvrr]

I agree - it sounded bad. Very grateful to the team who kept their head, and helped her to overcome this terrifying situation. I am also grateful that the attack was not severe enough to prevent her from responding. I hope she can overcome and get her comfort and confidence back.

[@cptairwolf]

This is why ATC aren't paid enough. The level of patience and professionalism they show under extreme pressure is just incredible.

[@th3doorMatt]

I don't know about Canadian ATC, but in the US, ATC is paid a pretty penny in most places

[@phillp7777]

@@th3doorMatt Facts.. yehh no worry needed for ATC .they avg $110,000 / yr easily.. that was like 3 yrs ago too.. smfh

[@KDO_KaedenDaOne]

this my home airport and I love this atc, he’s super patient with me while I’m making my not so great radio calls, and he makes me feel better knowing he’s in the tower. Amazing guy

[@Homer554]

@@phillp7777 Do you believe $110k is enough/too much for an ATC?

[@andres-mg4wm]

arent paid enough? They make more than Pilots 😂

[@positiveoutlook17]

Student did a lot of right things here. First and foremost, she voiced her situation openly. From the recording she seems to be flying the plane well, she had four critical turns to make in the pattern all while under stress and seems to have executed those without comment from the ground. Certainly those are the most dangerous traps and where I was biting my nails. But, she came through. Well done

[@th3doorMatt]

...except for the part where she was headed for the tree line...

[@philtheheaterguy951]

She was extremely lucky she didn’t crash. I am not a pilot. However, I don’t want people who are going to freak out behind the controls and need to be talked off a ledge flying solo. Just my humble opinion. You could hear from the terror in her voice that she was not only too young, she was I’ll equipped to handle the situation.

[@philtheheaterguy951]

@@JIMMYUNKNOWN This is also how young people die. She wasn’t ready to solo. Not by any stretch of the imagination.

[@cooterscooter3202]

​@philtheheaterguy951 if you're not a pilot how can you give any opinion on the matter. There's no such thing as to young to solo and it seems she got rattled on a bad landing. She communicated and ultimately got the plane on the ground safely which is all that matters.

[@th3doorMatt]

@@cooterscooter3202 well that's factually untrue lol. There is 100% an age requirement of 16 years old. Regardless of the age limit, everyone still has a personal level of maturity and composure that may not be fully developed at that age, in which case, they're still "too young to solo". I wouldn't even say that getting it on the ground is all that matters because you don't get that rattled after a "bad landing". Everyone has bad landings, not everyone completely melts down to the point where ATC is genuinely concerned she's going to fly into obstacles and she effectively doesn't communicate the entire way through. You're not even task saturated at that point, so all you have to do is be composed and follow instructions

[@pummer]

"I'll bring you some donuts later" literally most Canadian ending possible! See you at Tim's! 🇨🇦😂🍩☕

[@goldeneaglejk2678]

Make that coffee a “double-double”

[@tomlee7956]

Case of Blue is more Canadian...

[@pummer]

@@tomlee7956 haha i have two 30's of blue light in the fridge as we speak

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

@@JustSayN2O - She definitely said "gonna have to bring you donuts later".

[@SoloRenegade]

I'd have offered him far more for helping my student like that. literally saved her life. I'd also be very embarrassed I didn't better prepare my student if that happened to me. But they all did the best they could and it ended well. can't always predict if someone will get shaken up or not.

[@RedRocket182]

Gentleman in the tower is phenomenal. He was able to be nice, calm her down and most importantly do his job keeping everyone safe. A+

[@IgorFioli]

You have to be REALLY brave to ask for help in moments like these! Kudos to everyone involved.

[@UTAH100]

Wrong. Don't encourage this. She was weak and not fit to be in that seat. Instructor should have known this.

[@DWCessna4130]

@@UTAH100 Tell me you’re not a pilot without saying “I’m not a pilot” because I know that I am one and have just over 1100 hrs as of this morning. What happened above happens and is unexpected from student pilots. The realization of fully understanding at a split second while you’re up in the air that you are officially in control of your own life and the slightest mistake will kill you sets in and panic can be induced. This happened to me on a cross country at 31 hours logged on a solo when my RPMs drop from 2300 RPM to 1900 within a snap of a finger. It was found I had a complete magneto failure and was barely able to maintain level flight at that RPM and barely made it to a airport that actually had closed runways to land at. No one ever knew this but I had a full-blown panic attack while I was up there. This set in and happened realizing at a split second I had nowhere to land except for in fields. I gathered myself and successfully landed.

[@UTAH100]

@@DWCessna4130Not only do I fly, so has a generation of my family. So you are telling me, without saying that you are also weak. You might want to find a new hobby. The cockpit is a sober place. It requires a pilot in command. The thought of you and this women in the sky is freigtening.

[@Wuh1988]

@@UTAH100 I'll take someone that can learn and grow from an unexpected situation over a person who has such a massive ego, they think that they know it all and will be in perfect control regardless of any situation. Arrogance is a hell of a killer and your generation of family flying is completely irrelevant as their experience doesn't magically become yours. You are discouraging future pilots that are mid training and if you think every single successful pilot out there now were all as perfect as you, then you're absolutely delusional. People are unique and they react and grow from their experiences, good and bad. There are plenty of pilots out there that had one or more issues as they learned to be a pilot that all contributed to their overall growth. A moment of weakness in something, doesn't equal being unable to do it. I'd tell you to pull the stick you're smuggling out of your kiester, but you're so god damn good at everything It would probably be impossible to dislodged it from that ridged rectum of yours.

[@DWCessna4130]

@@UTAH100 I would put extremely large sums of money on a bet you’re not a pilot nor have ever piloted an aircraft if you’re actually saying that. Any legitimate pilot can either understand or relate to induced fear up there as we have ALL experienced that and if you haven’t, YOU don’t need to be in a fckng plane yourself. Assuming you are a legitimate Pilot (which more than likely are not) then you’ve heard the phrase “ a pilots license is just a license to scare yourself” What is your FTN number and I will confirm if you’re a pilot or not???

[@Gnag]

To the ATCO: Amazing job!!! To the student pilot: a go around is nothing to be ashamed of, or scared of. You never have to apologize for it, it is a normal procedure. If you feel something is off during the approach or the landing, just go around! It happens to the best of the best, it happens after 10 000 hours. Congrats of pulling everything together at the end! Wish you a nice, long aviation career!

[@charleswhite758]

after 10 000 hours do you tell ATC "I need to get off"? It's not a fair-ground ride. This girl was woefullly prepared.

[@mrmotomusic4403]

As an ATC myself, tower was awesome, clear, concise, calm, 100% on relaying the instructors guidance, this team saved a life today!!!!

[@VictoryAviation]

The controller was so switched on. Literally couldn't have done a better job. Also, thank you for what you do. I really appreciate ATC's. It's a complex job and y'all are called upon to keep thousands of people safe every day with 100% success. That is no small task.

[@SFbayArea94121]

WaaahhMen 👩 with all them unresolved random over embellished emotions just have the kitchen and sandwiches 🥪 Made calling their name.

[@QFWP]

Don't forget saved a plane as well...

[@kbuss10]

even more avesome w be having to control some1 who can actually fly and not loiter around like a v1 flying bomb over london lol. as an ATC yourself you see nothing wrong with this?

[@annoyed707]

@thot_hunter, perhaps you should wait until you catch a 'thot'.

[@GA669]

“I feel like I need to get out right now” 😭 She was probably looking for the pause game button…

[@andyalder7910]

Is there an ejector seat on a Cessna?

[@inshallamiami]

Obviously not thinking at all.

[@gunterchain]

@@andyalder7910Yes

[@billstevens3796]

@inshallamiami Tell me you've never had a panic attack without telling me you've never had a panic attack...

[@Jayfive276]

It's like you want people to say "OK boomer" to you...

[@VortexStolenName]

ATC... just wow... what an incredible person. The patience, the understanding. 10/10 person.

[@richyq8786]

small airport, nothing else to do lol

[@tomatosofficial1124]

@@richyq8786 True, but there were 4 other planes forced to wait because of this. Its not fair, and she shouldn’t have made those negative comments. Her solo endorsement needs to be removed immediately, and its time she considers dropping out while training to handle pressure better, then she should come back to aviation. Because that was just dangerous & sad.

[@henrydenner5448]

I love I love I love the way this ATC guy spoke to her. Sometimes when someone is panicking, it can be easy to get agitated in response. He remained cool, calm and his clear communication was very helpful to this woman. Good on you Sir. Fabulous work. Good on you, dear pilot. You have now landed your most difficult ever landing. Only easier from here. ❤

[@KDO_KaedenDaOne]

this is my home airport and that guy is my fav atc, im a student and he’s patient with me when I make radio calls, really appreciate him, makes me feel better when he’s in the tower

[@davidcope51]

Can we recommend that controller for a Golden Headset Award? (I know there is no such thing, but there should be such an 'Oscar' for great ATC work). Very well done - calm, didn't hassle the pilot, worked with the instructor and reinforced the pilots good flying during what sounds like a horrible panic attack. Hope she was ok and can work through this with her instructor.

[@FelipeCocco]

It does exist, actually! Annually the ATCA gives awards, and one of the categories is for exceptional ATC work helping out an aircraft in a bad situation! Also, anyone can recommend someone for the award - you need not be a controller or pilot.

[@davidcope51]

@@FelipeCocco That’s great to hear!

[@jonbenjamin8211]

Golden bipee award 😂😂

[@k1mgy]

Golden Headset Award. Love it! As for our new pilot, I'd start by getting a new instructor.

[@llibressal]

I think its called the"Archie" Award and given at the NATCA conference in Vegas.

[@nfcboys1984]

I can’t imagine how terrified this young pilot was. Amazing job to all involved!

[@idkjames]

Been a controller for 16 years. Never had this one. Pretty crazy. In tracon now but used to be at up down. Also PPL never heard of this either.

[@quickstergamestutorialsgam3899]

@@idkjames This whole situation is pretty strange, I'm not sure if the instructor knew she'd freeze up like that, but she's clearly not ready for a solo if she had something close to a panic attack when she simply messed up a landing. She completely shut down when it wasn't even a big deal and she could have gone around and landed safely again. Probably an eye opener for the instructor that this pilot should not be getting their license for a little while if at all. Although, I won't assume if she is capable or not for a license because only the instructor could be the judge of that.

[@MarcelB787]

​@quickstergamestutorialsgam3899 To me it's pretty obvious that there was something going on outside aviation. No one of us can assure it by a 100% but since she managed to fly on and put it down safely during some kind of nervous breakdown, she sure is capable of it. From experience I can tell though that you should never ever put a foot inside a cockpit if you haven't sorted out your life yet, in case something mentally occupying happened before. Sounds like a very bad day, not like a lack of airborne abilities. However, I might be wrong as well, just another impression of the whole situation.

[@billyjack3361]

I was an instructor at a joint Civilian/Military field. A fellow instructor told one of his students that she wouldn’t make a good pilot. She left heart broken. Several years later she returned to the flight school wearing an Air Force uniform. I recognized her and we talked for a minute. She was looking for her previous instructor that told her to forget about a flying career. She wanted to show him the A-10 parked outside that she was flying. Anyone can have a bad day. Sometimes all it takes is a good instructor to instill confidence.

[@quickstergamestutorialsgam3899]

@@MarcelB787 I agree with you all the way. What I was getting at in my comment is that her mental state is obviously not in a place where it would be safe to have her be a pilot. Especially if it means that she completely forgets to use basic radio terminology during this whole ordeal. God only knows what could have happened if she suffered an engine failure or some kind of actual emergency. I also agree that something was probably going on outside aviation that was causing her mind to freak out over all of this

[@skylerhorner8796]

People have already said it, but to me, the single most amazing accomplishment of this entire situation was the student telling ATC she is a STUDENT. 10 times out of 10, when ATC hears “student pilot” on the other end, it helps them understand how to adjust their communication to better help the student. Kudos to the instructor as well for giving clear, step-by-step instructions the whole way, and thank you to ATC for staying poised, calm, patient, and understanding the entire time. Like the controller said, it was a team effort for everyone involved, and what a blessing it was!! Furthermore, to the young lady, may I say congratulations to an outstanding job!! You might not have realized it in the moment, but what you did was EXACTLY what you were trained to do. You recognized the situation and told ATC everything that was wrong in its entirety, to which they correctly and efficiently gave you the absolute best possible help. I have no doubt that you will one day become an incredible pilot, and it’s because of your already stellar training exhibited via this incident that I feel so confidently as such. Keep on soaring, ma’am!! ✈️

[@jmax8692]

Hopefully she’s never commercial. As good as you may have felt typing this, this shit is unacceptable, pilots need to be in control of the aircraft and themselves at all times. This should be her GET OUT NOW sign.

[@HobbitHobbit]

To the Student Pilot, your accomplishment in conquering your apprehensions and ensuring a safe return is truly commendable. Having acquired my pilot's license back in 1989, I can attest that even after all these years, there are instances that trigger hesitations, casting doubt and unease. Despite undergoing three decades of training, re-certifications, attending AOPA classes, and more, there are moments when we must rely on ingrained muscle memory and unwavering faith in our training. Your skillful landing is praiseworthy, but what truly stands out is your resilience. Your strength in the face of challenges is truly remarkable.

[@B--ko2xt]

Except that it's not. Her first few responses to being asked to climb to 1500 were "I'm really sorry" I have nothing against her being "sorry" (though it serves no purpose whatsoever) but it took the ATC a few attempts to get her to explicitly acknowledge that instruction. It took many attempts to get her to acknowledge it. Let alone the fact that her responses throughout to further instructions and headings were 'okay' instead of reading back to confirm. Now I agree that that is the definition of panic, but.... The energy with which she read back Foxtrot Yankee Alp... without even finishing her words, was like a lazy, slouching, entitled teenager who couldn't be bothered with giving proper replies. That is not on. There is another video of a student (Taylor) whose entire nose wheel assembly falls off on take off. The fact that she didn't panic is not the point. We are all different. But she at least gave the respect and energy required to the people helping her (ATC, other pilots, etc) This kid was not. Expected mommy or daddy to send her a helicopter out to bail her out of her seat almost. Anyway, a students readiness to solo should not be only about ability to circuit, but also about their temperament and ability to cope with pressure. They must have trained for this so the technical ability would've been there. But her CFI should've assessed her ability to handle pressure situations too before authorising a solo. I think the CFI is to blame here, not the student

[@jaredbrooker]

​@@B--ko2xtHoly presumptuous or what? 🤔.

[@hirodriguez6985]

​@@B--ko2xt I think you criticize just for the heck of it, not analyzing all the aspects involved here. As a pilot a log time flight instructor, flying with several students and pilots, I know veryone is different, not everyone react the same way, even on the same scenario. It was her 1st solo flight, just to mention that wil be your 1st solo, youll ne nervous, is even worse for a persone that suffer a panic attack.If you listen the controller, even though you should acknowledge the instructions, the ATC guy never ask her to repeat the instruction given by him. He was aware of the situation, he handled it properly and not paying attention to those little details. If she was not following any of the headings, he'll let her know that she was not on the proper heading, to turn to the correct one. I'm glad you where NOT the controller there, otherwise things would have been really bad.

[@northwestprof60]

She will likely need some professional help to make sure she's ready for this pursuit.

[@Pbadome1]

@@B--ko2xt Wow! Did you miss anything here friend? You have serious issues. The girl is piloting an aircraft, she's part of the pilot family, it doesn't sound like you belong. She caught herself and corrected to "affirmative" at least once. A person that panics may very well have had trepidations beforehand. Perhaps it may have been the instructor's miscalculations of her readiness, but the instructor new the key words that would calm her student. Nevertheless, Mr. Potato Head, she put that damn plane down on the runway safely and that's what it's all about. Now go kick your dog again.

[@kazflight]

I fly out of this airport and was flying that day, and I feel it is important to add more context this video has edited out. As the student departed, a significant number of aircraft were returning from the practice area at the same time. There are two busy schools at this airport in addition to GA traffic; it is one of Canada's busiest GA airports. With that, the student was given an unexpected instruction to fly a left hand circuit for runway 30, normally this runway is right hand circuits. This change and the sudden surge of traffic likely added pressure to the first solo jitters. My personal observation is that the student was likely a bit hard on themselves and let it snowball in their mind (from listening to the full unedited version). While all of this talking and guidance was happening, ATC was still communicating with incoming aircraft. Some were allowed to land, others were being asked to clear the zone, many on the ground were still making calls and request and ground and tower frequencies were merged at this time. There was a lot of chatter to pay attention to while the incident was in progress. Kudos to the student for being able to continue to communicate properly during that period. I am sure there are going to be hordes of armchair experts ready to judge the CFI and the student, just remember you are using a short and edited clip to make those judgements. You might not have the full insight into the training and progress of the student and the number of checks the CFI and the school carry out before letting a student solo. By all measures they may have been ready, the student may have felt ready and more than likely demonstrated their abilities. Unfortunately no one can know 100% how they will feel about flying solo until they do. Sometimes there is a moment of panic, I am sure in most cases the student keeps it to themselves. Those who have flown or trained know how suddenly and easily one can fall behind the airplane and how mistakes can pile up fast, and we learn the skills to reset and come back from it. Let us be reminded of the fact that the student did continue to fly the plane and had the skills to do so. Well done! They may have needed a little help from folks on the ground to stay focused (which did a great job), but the pilot did fly and land the plane.

[@TejYT]

can you link me the unedited recording / when it occured?

[@kazflight]

@@TejYT Aug 11 2023 - 1200Z-1300Z. I tried to link, but YT errored out.

[@kyler.4754]

Just commenting cuz I think this should be the top comment : )

[@TejYT]

@@kazflight Thx. I train at DFC so wanted to take a closer look into this!

[@k1mgy]

Well explained. Thank you.

[@tmcarter3]

Wow... I just started tearing up just listening to the defeat in pilots voice; the FTA was awesome and did a fantastic job coaching her through what was probably the most intense moment of her life... FYA, you did great, no one is perfect its all just a matter of how you handle the situation; as long as you kept a level head and listened to your training, playing over and over again take your experience and learn... Kudos to instructor as well. Clear, concise directives and keeping everyone calm.. All three of you deserve a donut!

[@Ozinater]

I did all my flight training at this flight school in Oshawa, Ontario. My first ever flight lesson was in this C152 (C-FFYA), as well as countless circuits, flights to the practice area and cross countries. First solo was FYA's sister airplane. I can definitely recall a handful of, at the time, scary experiences, including in the circuit at CYOO. I sympathize with this student because when you're new to flying and don't have your instructor with you, the first time you have a bad landing or something goes sideways, you feel like you're in trouble. When you're inexperienced and don't know any better, even a routine balked landing can feel like a mistake you can't recover from, and it can really shake your confidence. When I was instructing, I had some students who were very hard on themselves when it came to their own errors. I remember telling them that if I wasn't there with them in the plane, it's because I had complete confidence in their ability to handle the aircraft solo. For many, learning to cast aside self-doubt and recover from errors can be as much of a challenge as learning to fly the aircraft. I've scared the crap of out myself as a solo student pilot, I've scared the crap out of myself as a budding CPL time builder, I've scared the crap out of myself as a flight instructor with a new student, I've scared the crap out of myself doing a CAT II ILS in an airliner. You learn a lot from those situations, and with experience they become easier to manage. I hope she does get back on the saddle one day. Also, huge huge kudos to ATC for their professionalism and calmness. I hope the powers that be at the flight school arrange for this controller and his family to go out for a nice dinner. I have always felt the Oshawa tower controllers to be some of the best in Ontario and this gentleman was above and beyond helpful.

[@HaroldBien]

I still recall my first solo and the moment I lifted off I realized it was all me and nobody else could help me land safely. I also agree that if you encounter an issue on your first solo landing it can throw you off your game. I think I was lucky in having an uneventful landing which builds up confidence to keep going, but it sounded like here her first solo landing had some issues and that there her off. I wouldn't say on this single experience she's unfit to fly. I think if she gets her nerves back she'll likely make an excellent pilot as others have pointed out - despite being nervous and distracted, agree successfully landed the plane.

[@kdawson020279]

@@HaroldBien I'm hoping that this experience showed her that ATC is her friend, and that even in the midst of a full-blown panic she managed to regroup, do a go around, make correct traffic, follow instructions, and land safely. She has the chops, she just needs the confidence. Both over-and-underconfident pilots are at risk; the difference being that the latter are more likely to follow advice and survive to fly another day. Ideally, this is just an interesting story to tell later in the grand scheme of her flying career.

[@rlord12]

FYA seems to attract undesirable aircraft states like shit attracts flys, had a nose gear collapse on another student solo flight circuit flight around 2011 haha

[@andybaubau5961]

if you panic at any stage during your training you are not meant for that job....

[@Towert7]

As a CFI, I used to do 'progress checks' on students. One of them was right before solo. My job was to tell them only what I wanted to see. I wouldn't say anything else. If they asked a question, I was quiet. If they didn't understand something atc said, I was quiet. I wanted to see exactly what they would do when they were solo. I've seen some dumb stuff during these progress checks. Some students were 100% not ready, but others did great and were 100% ready. As a check instructor, it was also interesting to see which type of student we were going to get this time for a prog check. When the flight gets so out of hand that I take the flight controls for safety, that's when the progress check is over and they need more practice. Shoot, I had one student that wasn't ready and didn't even get off the ground, it was going so bad. I felt bad for him.

[@cheddarroman2536]

Exactly. As a controller, this is completely unacceptable for a CFI to allow a student to go up in the air like this. CFI needs to lose their license for this. Then go up for reevaluation later. This girls moral is destroyed and she will likely never fly again thanks to the CFI.

[@boosti_alex1428]

That’s an excellent system. As my students progress through the lessons I talk less and less to the point my goal is to never have to say anything. I ask for a maneuver or landings and they demonstrate proper safe technique.

[@flyer7694]

@@cheddarroman2536 as a pilot, I still remember my first solo like it was yesterday, even though it was 30 years ago. You can do great and be confident and do everything right knowing full well the instructor sitting next to you will take over if needed. But once they get out, it’s a whole different ball game. I can pretty much assure you, the instructor and student did multiple touch and go’s right before this and everything went fine. Once you get in the air by yourself for the first time, that’s when it hits you that you have no back up anymore and it’s all up to you. You can’t always predict how someone will react in that situation, so I can’t blame the instructor here, and neither can you. Until you have done it, you have no idea what that first solo is like and how you will react.

[@volleyballjerry]

I soloed back in 1994. I did not know I was soloing that day. I was just told by my CFI to have my medical certificate ready. On that Sunday morning, I did three near perfect landings. Steve (my CFI) directed me to the parking area and requested I shut everything down. He then signed my logbook and said "GO". I went. I had 6.9 hours TT (which at the time I did not realize was that short) but Steve said I was more than ready. Took off - one single trip around the pattern. Upwind on runway heading to 2000, left crosswind, left downwind, left base, then left turn to final. The only thing that messed me up was the loss of 250 lbs. of CFI on a Cessna 152 so the reduced weight meant I needed less power to hold glidepath. So I landed a little long. Other than that, landing #4 that day was very good. Two weeks later I soloed all the way to Easterwood College Station. What did it for my instructor (he told me later) is that the first three landings he did not say a single word and I had zero questions for him. He told me I flew like he was not even there. That is what a CFI must look for. And, no, Steve did not even have a radio with him on the ground when I soloed.

[@flyer7694]

@@volleyballjerry I soloed in 93 also in a 152👍

[@A.J.1656]

Wow. I can't imagine being an instructor and hearing that from my student for the first time during their solo. You don't have to be mean or bully them, but if you haven't stressed them, task saturated them and sat there silently while you observe how they react mentally, physically and emotionally, you shouldn't be signing them off for a solo.

[@PS-Straya_M8]

100% agree, this student was woefully unprepared, even her return communications were way off!?

[@brenthendricks8182]

Oh yeah, total failure on the flight instructor. Totally unprepared and not ready to Solo! The comments from the student were heartbreaking! There should never be panic or self recrimination for doing a go around because it became unstable. “A landing is in an aborted go around.”. This student really needs to do some serious thinking if this is for her and if she decides to continue think about changing instructors.

[@jesster777]

@@brenthendricks8182 flight instructor here - you can do something with a student 100 times and the second they get into the aircraft alone they make mistakes they’ve never made before. nerves take over and shit happens. i’ve solo’d probably 15 students and it’s happened to me - panic sets in (even after our three laps in the pattern to verify they’re good to go - they freeze up (“i was doing so good before i don’t know what happened”). atc understands this and is generally helpful unless it results in a major safety concern. this was a case of a student solo doubting their abilities after a botched approach/go around. once they get in the red the self doubt only grows. I’ve fortunately never had a student get to this extent but it isn’t as uncommon as you guys may expect…

[@jesster777]

regarding letting your student get into uncomfortable situations where they’re extremely task saturated, and potentially missing calls is huge in preparing them to be PIC. I agree completely. you can do all the prep in the world - but come the day when they’re truly alone - nerves set in regardless of all of that preparation

[@LuLeBe]

​@@PS-Straya_M8even her communications? You mean that she's not responding according to radio protocols etc? That's the least of my worry, if she's just saying "okay" that's better than correct phraseology but crashing the plane xD aviate, navigate, communicate, and she was clearly struggling with the first one there.😊

[@apradogt]

She wasn't ready for solo.

[@NeonTurtleVR]

she did it didn't she?

[@jmax8692]

She’s shouldn’t be a pilot.

[@jmax8692]

@@NeonTurtleVRobjectively NO there are standards you need to achieve, she didn’t come close.

[@anotherday2084]

​@@NeonTurtleVR she should not feel bad for going around, at all, she should know it is a normal procedure to do and it's totally fine to go around and try again

[@richardmorton1310]

Thank god for skilled aviators and controllers. Hope she can regain her confidence and work through this event.

[@bobdonovan34]

I had to put my foot down with my instructor and tell him I wasn't ready to solo. And again on my cross-country flights. I'm glad I did. I had poor dead reckoning skills. Pre-GPS days I was constantly lost up there and he kept saying "you'll be fine". If you don't believe in yourself, don't do it until you're ready. Tell him/her everything you're concerned about and see if they take you seriously and work on it.

[@jayphilipwilliamsaviation]

Kudos for your humility and wisdom.

[@aviation_nut]

Totally agreed. Just part of the PAVE checklist. I feel external pressures is one of the most difficult part to combat, and if your CFI is contributing to that, it's not a good thing.

[@danwilson9530]

I regret to say I dropped out just before my solo cross countries. It was around 1991, so essentially still pre-GPS days. I has a solo endorsement to fly between the airports where we kept our family plane and where I took my lessons. My stick and rudder skills were very good, some meeting commercial standards according to my instructor, whatever that meant. I went from intimidated by the plane, which I had flown in with my grandfather since a baby, to comfortable and confident... until those damn cross country flights. I too had poor dead reckoning skills. It was a struggle between trying to identify where I was at and going using the chart and maintaining my heading and altitude. My biggest fear was being up there alone and getting lost. I sort of walked away at that point and didn’t resume. Had I had GPS I think it would have changed everything, but at that time it was new, more an unreliable novelty and expensive, plus my instructor told me I needed to master the basics in case the GPS failed, which I agreed with. Still, had I had it with me to reference that I was doing okay and as a last resort in case I got lost, it would have made a huge difference. I also had the challenge of doing all my flight training from day one in my grandfather’s 182, which was not a trainer, so I had to learn how to keep it from getting ahead of me, usually by a power reduction to slow it down in case I needed time to process. I guess I assumed I was taking a temp break when I walked away. I just never resumed. Still, I logged just over 100 hours due to having that solo endorsement to take grandpa’s 182 up on my own to the practice area a few times a week prior to stopping. My point is, I totally get the intimidation of those solo cross country flights. I think perhaps I should have tried them in a 152 first which perhaps would have offered more time to master dead reckoning. I did qualify for a recreational pilots license according to my instructor. Perhaps I should have simply went for that. I mean, the only reason I did any of this was to keep an eye on my aging grandfather, but fortunately he knew when to hang it up on his own a few years later.

[@dicktheaspergeron4988]

@@danwilson9530 go back to it Dan. Just do it. From your description and memories going back 30 years, it still matters and I want to believe that before you go to the boneyard in the sky, you completed this. You're begging for someone to encourage you to do it and I'm telling you. Good luck my friend.

[@YouTube.TOM.A]

Totally disagree, When you were six years old your mother dumped your ass off in the schoolhouse with tears in her eyes, if she waited for you to be ready, you would be showing up in kindergarten wearing a size ten sneakers.

[@thecw301]

It looks like the student had a panic attack there. Good job to the controller getting her back down calmly.

[@22noobtube]

Anyone who’s ever had an oh 💩 moment on short final and went around knows that feeling all too well, it takes experience to compose yourself immediately following those situations

[@NikosWings]

I want to give that student a hug... poor thing wasn't ready

[@PlaneUkraine]

Holy Smoke, that was dangerous. But ATC was amazingly calm, as well as the instructor.

[@DevineEnterprise]

The controller was awesome in this. I hope she shakes it off and gets back in the air, despite the situation she did the right thing by asking for help and did just fine getting calmed down and back on the ground.

[@volleyballjerry]

I hope she gets back in the air also. With a new CFI.

[@AS-id7jo]

Clearly unfit to fly. Sorry but sooner or. Later there will be a situation and this kind of panic at this stage means not cut for that.

[@AnonyMous-jf4lc]

You don't shake that off. She needs to do a lot of work mentally before returning to instruction.

[@markg7963]

I disagree. This is a significant panic attack and despite her being an amazing individual, she is unfit to fly. Not everybody is an automatic candidate to be a pilot. Somebody was pushing her to get this far. I wish that CFI would have recognized the nerves and not sent her. She is lucky to be alive. Huge kudos to the tower guy!

[@rorymeyer]

Unfit to fly - career change

[@penguin44ca]

I just had flashbacks to one of my first solo landings. The wind had changed direction and there was a sudden gust and the plane banked and almost hit the runway on the wing. I just went full power go around. The control was sluggish as I was in slow flight. Came back around on another runway and landed. Went home and cried.

[@captainaj787]

Definitely had this happen on my second solo except I didn’t hit the go around like I should have. I still recovered quickly and set it down nicely but about 10 seconds later I yelled at myself for not going around haha. I got lucky, but lesson learned!

[@JV-tk3nn]

I had a similar experience with a wind gust on the second touch and of my first solo. Muscle memory had me power up full throttle and go around for one more try. It was scary and once I landed and met with my instructor, I asked him to fly the plane back to our base airport.

[@rickenns3333]

Yes scary stuff. But you overcame the fear and landed safely. It is said that every pilot has a good scare during their adventure of flying .

[@steven2145]

The three landings in the pattern solo wasn't too bad for me it was the first solo xc landing back at my home airport. It started to pour raining. I had never even flew through rain up to that point and now I was landing in rain storm with reduced visibility, wet surface, etc. You learn more about flying and about yourself during those solos than any other compressed time!

[@noelletakesthesky3977]

I had a go-around on my first solo landing since I was a little nervous. Didn't see it as anything to cry over. See. go-arounds aren't failed landings. They're a part of a successful landing. If we're backing our car into a parking spot and need to go forward to realign the car, we don't see that as a failed parking or anything bad. We just can't back up in a plane. Both going forward and then reversing against, and a go-around, are nothing more than trying again to make it better before calling it done. We really need to openly say that go-arounds are parts of successful landings, and the CFIs who shame students (I had one who told me, "I could have made that landing," when I was still pre-solo and he was at a thousand hours, and he rattled my confidence) should be barred from teaching.

[@zittytiddy9190]

Man this is emotional. You can hear the disappointment in the pilot radiate into your soul.

[@Rahul2000g]

this is why specific people with certain emotional incompetency shouldn’t be in aviation in the first place

[@M_SC]

@@Rahul2000gthat’s true but not her

[@sgtjonzo]

@@Rahul2000g you must be the only person on earth who has never been stressed

[@AerLingusA330]

@@sgtjonzoeveryone gets stressed but when it completely takes over it becomes a problem

[@sgtjonzo]

@@AerLingusA330 of course, but what the first guy said "emotional incompetency", is just stupid, people learn how to mitigate stress and panic, people aren't born with mental health strategies

[@drewbola]

This community is just wonderful. It is great to see this space free of bitterness and celebrating the professionalism and spirit of everyone who keeps our planes in the sky.

[@Kaktus965]

Enough of the kumbaya bullshit. She'll be in a United or Delta cockpit flying your family around in no time. Reflect on that a bit...

[@drewbola]

@@Kaktus965 Key word is professionalism. Get her on the ground and then evaluate what went wrong? Would you rather they chastise her in the air? I respect your concern though...

[@RomNYC]

Well done to all, including the student pilot who immediately recognized she wasn't ready and needed help. I felt bad for her, it must be a terrifying feeling. Very glad she's ok.

[@LawJolla]

Well said! She asked for help and kept flying the plane.

[@ryanmatthew511]

She was clearly ready as she was able to handle herself at the end and make a safe landing. I doubt the instructor would know she would panic.

[@Aviatorpeck1957]

Aviate navigate communicate good girl that must have been terrifying and yay God to ATC and the flight instructor

[@charleswhite758]

immediately recognized she wasn't ready - that would have been before she stepped into the aircraft, surely?

[@acaptain5118]

The controller deserves a commendation medal. Very well done sir. You were perfect.

[@werquantum]

I’m surprised how emotional I got listening g to this. Especially when the instructor was brought in. I’m so happy the pilot held it together. I could so feel her fear.

[@cwc2k1]

Yeah me too, literally tearing up over it. Poor girl.

[@conradce]

Me too!

[@sitntrot]

That made me tear up for this poor girl. Great job helping her land safely.

[@hoopslaa5235]

Exactly, great job for everyone else, because she didn’t do much herself than the bare minimum of what is normally required of her to do to get herself back on the ground. Women have been trained by themselves for centuries that when the times get tough they will rely on the man to take over. And that is exactly the problem. Here is that an adult female started to cry, and freak out that she actually had to handle a situation by herself, and no one could help her out of it. I highly doubt you’re going to come back with any sort of accountable response, and I fully expect some sort of misogynistic pathetic excuse retort.🫣🙄

[@sitntrot]

@@hoopslaa5235 Wow, who peed in your cheerios this morning?

[@soul0360]

@@hoopslaa5235 I absolutely love, that the OP didn't want to waste time on you for 2 months. From your comment, I'd expect that's how most women react to you, once you open your mouth. How can one have such an outdated view on male vs female behaviour. That one decides to write a shitpost on women, as a responce to an innocent, congratulatory, 2 sentence post. That has nothing to do with gender, other then mentioning the word "girl", and being written by a woman. You my man, you suck so much. You give all of us XY chromosome humans a bad rap. Going into panic and freezing up, is something that happens to both males and females, especially if not properly trained/experienced. I've spent ~15 years as a soldier, and have several deployments, with extensive combat experience. Like many other veterans, and other individuals in high stress jobs. I've seen this happen first hand several times. And I've even experienced it myself. Funnily enough, during my very first firefight. Just like with the student here, for most people, you don't just snap out of it and think clearly, until the perceived danger is over. The ATC did exactly what is needed in such a situation. Speak camly, and give easy to follow, short and clear instructions. So to paraphrase the OP: Great job helping them land safely. I would like to add though, that she was the one who landed. Well done.

[@lani6647]

Every time she said “Foxtrot Yankee Allha” in that sad voice, I felt for her.

[@rameshnaidunooknaidu6075]

Tower guy is superb

[@WilliamWallis]

The world needs more people like that ATC.

[@DrRauen]

That teamwork made me drop a tear here. The ATC was so kind. Nice!

[@kge420]

Who said this poor girl was ready for a solo? Poor kid came unglued.

[@cameronreid8383]

Poor girl shouldn't have been up there by herself yet for sure. But good work to calm her down enough to put the plane down, and by the sound of it it's in once piece and they'll probably even get to use the plane again!

[@ellisjames7192]

It truly sounds like she was NOT ready.

[@idonthaveanamenoone3526]

Awww the instructor was so dreamy what a great side character. The lack of repeat read back is got my fur standing up

[@DWCessna4130]

Until you’ve been in an airplane by yourself in control of your own life at the controls of that airplane you’ll never know what this feeling is like. I have been there and it is petrifying. As of this moment that was over 1,100 hours of flight time ago for me. When you feel like you’re about to have a panic attack up there , there is no pulling over on a cloud and gathering yourself. You either gather yourself up there or you’re heading straight to the scene of the crash.

[@infotechsailor]

The thought of not having that option makes it scary for me. I have to get back on the radio and make my mind quit thinking let the training kick in. My first solo I pretended my instructor was there and I talked to his empty seat lol

[@altiair9001]

I did the same thing for my first solo. Still do pretend someone is there. Kind of helps me keep things going smoothly and helps me make sure I do not miss anything@@infotechsailor

[@DWCessna4130]

@@infotechsailor Yes same here. I had a go pro for my first solo and no one has seen it nor will they because I sound like a psychotic idiot talking to a ghost holding a normal conversation. Really weird watching me on video talk to an empty seat but I forced myself to for the sake of maintaining my nerves. It worked out OK though, after the first touch and go it became fun and I didn’t want to land.

[@kylepinto5795]

Don’t get why you go up there if your not ready

[@adarob92]

​@@kylepinto5795Doesn't matter how ready you think you are. When you're up there alone and you realise that, if I mess up, I'm dead.

[@noagruber8028]

To the student pilot Ive been there. On my 5th student solo the wind was well above my minimums and I had to do three go arounds to land. I was terrified but lived to tell the tale. You did a fine job under pressure. Don't let this experience scare you. To the ATC you are amazing, always so calm and reassuring. Now im doing instruments I totally depend on your guidance. Again you are amazing.

[@Towert7]

As a fellow CFI, this is so painful to listen to! You don't set them free until they are ready. Some people are never ready. As the CFI, you need to be the judge of that, not the student, and never when you 'hope' they would be ready. Sending them too early is dangerous. If you don't even know your power settings, or flap settings, or speeds..... you're not ready! This is so painful to watch, as a CFI. :(

[@chrisschack9716]

I don't think it's that she didn't know, it's that they couldn't assume it all didn't go away in her state. Certainly the reminder to pitch for 65 was an indication that she was trying to bring the nose up too soon.

[@madscientist8286]

I'm just a flight simmer, but what stood out to me that not even the standard radio vocabulary was used. I would expect that before someone goes up in the air. If it's then the chaining of phrases - okay. That is complex. But "Yes" and "OK" are bit too little for me.

[@Quillons1]

I just made a similar comment in response to something someone said. This was excruciating to listen to. This girl should not have been cut loose and this experience will never leave her. Some people aren't cut out for this. It's our job as CFIs to have the unfortunate responsibility to make a judgement. Even if she did know airspeeds, flap settings, and how to fly headings, it all left her when she panicked. And that's just as potentially catastrophic as never knowing them in the first place. Everyone wants to encourage this girl. That is the "nice" thing to do. But we, as instructors, don't have the luxury of always considering what's "nice". We have to do what's "right". And even then, we sometimes have to do what's "best". Imagine if she gets licensed and takes passengers and this happens and the story doesn't end well. I won't put my signature on that.

[@smudent2010]

We have to be ready to tell people that they simply aren't capable of being a pilot. I know we want their money but this is unacceptable. Stop letting people fly just becuase they want to. Not everyone has the ability to do it

[@gregaleksandrovsky5806]

Something I used to do when I would teach right before I signed them off for a solo was unplugging my headset. I could hear still, but I couldn't transmit (I held the plug in my hand if I needed to do something). I told them, you do three laps in the pattern and I don't say a word, then you're ready. No help, no pointers, nothing! Worked every single time. I hope she was able to get some more training and stuck with it. This is definitely a situation she will never forget!

[@TheEclectic]

Great job by tower, but instructor has a lot to explain. Student seems completely unprepared, not using appropriate comms either.

[@brittonstudios]

I can understand coms not being perfect in that situation, she did pretty well considering she was freaking out.

[@conradce]

Her comms were fine for the most part, especially for a student freaking out.

[@jonesjones7057]

That was terrifying to me to hear her say she didn't know what was happening and she was freaking out. My heart would have been 180 beats per minute hearing that as her instructor.

[@CallingClips]

Props to her for landing after freaking herself out. As a student pilot I’ve done the same thing, not with a landing but solo maneuvers over the practice field. I didn’t feel ready to go practice stalls by myself and I voiced that concern to my instructor who sent me anyways and I was practicing a power on stall and about 99% sure I almost threw myself into a spin. Nerves were insane after and I didn’t practice another maneuver that day I just flew back.

[@diamondeyz6333]

I fly out of Oshawa (CYOO) and this is a great representation of what amazing controllers we have there...they are all great. This is a tough one for the student pilot of FYA, perhaps soloed a little too early, but I hope she stays with it.......hang in there, it gets better fast, and before you know it you will be doing the circuit like a pro.......DIAMONDEYZ Good Luck !!!

[@KorbinX]

I'd say she was ready, given the landing at the end. Just needed some confidence. Hope she's doing well now.

[@lemonator8813]

​@KorbinX my thoughts exactly. It took me a while to get ready but once I had a few solos under my belt I started to get a lot more confident.

[@markamos1964]

I remember being a new solo pilot back in the early-80s. It is so scary when you’re not sure if you can get your aircraft down safely. I felt so much emotion listening to her, the sound of panic, disappointment and that feeling she’s left herself and her instructor down. Trust me, many pilots have been there and I commend you for getting your plane down safely. Well done and don’t get down on yourself. Flying and landing a plane is something not many people can say they’ve ever done so keep your chin up and best of luck in the future.

[@smartysmarty1714]

I remember my first solo, and thinking to myself "well, there's no turning back now" as I rotated. I did fine...no panic attacks or anything, but I can see how this could happen to some people. I don't think it's necessarily the instructor's fault when this happens. Some people can hide their inadequacies very well.

[@markamos1964]

@@smartysmarty1714 Yes, I did fine on my first solo flight as well. I did get into some "sketchy", marginal VFR weather on some of my cross-country flights that got the heart racing a bit. Overall, nothing but fond memories of my flying days and something I'll always be proud of accomplishing.

[@hobbygaertner420]

Yeah, but she says its not a good idea. OK, but what are the alternatives? THere is no "stopping by the side of the road" lol. I agree she should not be up there if she has a panic attack on her first miss. That's on her instructor as much as on her.

[@ulbuilder]

​@@hobbygaertner420how about those pilots with thousands of hours killing themselves when they stall/spin after an engine failure? Perhaps the reason they didn't keep the airspeed up is because they panicked and froze when faced with a real life and death situation. Here she panicked but also at the end of the day she overcome the fear and safely landed. This incident is likely to result in her having less fear next time she is faced with a bad situation.

[@Organicme1]

Poor sweetness sounded so disappointed.

[@bradperry4385]

I can understand the feeling of being overwhelmed the first few times you go up solo. My confidence came from my instructors confidence in me. I looked up to him a lot. It was super scary to go up solo, but also really exciting. I just did what I would normally do with him in the plane and hoped nothing unexpected happened. I do kind of question this instructor for letting her go up when she wasn't ready. But I could understand feeling ready then the panic sets in when you're actually up there and everything is dependent on you. Flying isnt for everyone and id be curious to know if she continues her flight training.

[@manifestgtr]

That’s one of those curious things. Some people are *really* good at masking their anxiety and apprehension. I’m one of those people…to the point where I got into a near-fatal car wreck with my brother and he said my facial expression never changed. I think it becomes easy to misinterpret such people’s confidence level if they go with the flow and don’t explicitly tell you their feelings. Then the dam breaks and you’re like “What am I doing? What sort of demonry led me to this death trap of a situation?” I don’t know if that’s the case here but it’s a likely scenario. It’s definitely an endorsement for communicating your comfort level if you know you’re easily misinterpreted.

[@OkiePeg411]

When I soloed at 19 yo once I took off I thought to myself, "ok, I got up here, now I've got to get myself back down!!!" I never just mentally gave up!! Saying "I want out of here!" Like how???? You WILL have to land this airplane!!! Period!!! I completed my solo.

[@Johnno1234]

Three good people doing a great job of dealing with a difficult situation 💪

[@jakecostello8400]

The CFI is so blunt. Not even a “hey xxx” we’re gonna get through this together or literally any kind of encouragement. Nothing.😊

[@xDefender11]

CFI had to be shitting themselves, they just sent a student solo when she clearly wasn’t prepared. Instructors put their “license on the line” to approve solo sign offs

[@nickalan4516]

Controller here. Major props to that ATC! A calming voice in the cockpit no doubt could’ve very well saved her life there.

[@TheCommentFactory]

Hats off to that ATC!!! Cool, calm, and collective with handling that. I know panic attacks can happen when people are unsure of themselves but he gave her reassurance and did an awesome job to make sure they got down safely 💯💯💯

[@davidhall8874]

Absolutely well done everyone! Excellent team work. Always a great deal of compassion for those early days of learning!

[@skepticalobserver7484]

Man that ATC was perfect in every way in this situation. Very well done

[@jakebrodskype]

Bravo to the student pilot for keeping it together, to the instructor for maintaining a cool attitude, and especially to the tower for staying calm. I hope the student pilot continues on her journey toward learning to fly. She has survived a level of panic that she can learn from and be stronger.

[@brenthendricks8182]

So... you call that "keeping it together" eh? I would hate to see panicked..

[@lochdogga]

@@brenthendricks8182 It's kind of insane how many people are commending her. People who crack under that kind of pressure have no business being in the sky.

[@WL59628]

I really appreciate all involved. I’m not a pilot but been in situations where panic is contagious but so is being calm.

[@intodeep28]

Great work to everyone, and to the student pilot, fantastic job on pulling yourself together and landing safely. Those who have never been alone in an airplane when things are not going as expected can not understand the pressure it can bring. Well done, you will make a fine pilot. Good luck on your next solo and thank you for sharing your experience, it makes us all stronger.

[@royhi1809]

Some were born to be pilots... some choose not to be. Others get over their fears and overcome their shortcomings to become great pilots. Just remember...If you haven't experience fear or panic when you're flying then you will not have the experience to conquer it when happens....easily. THAT IS WHY YOU ARE A PILOT AND NOT A PASSENGER! *well done to all, especially the pilot who did not give up.

[@volleyballjerry]

While I would not call it a full blown panic attack, my most stressful event ever was loss of electrical power in IMC at night. No radios, nothing but the last thing I did get was cleared for the ILS to Runway 17-L at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. My flashlight was working and I knew the ceiling was 600 overcast. Just held heading with the compass until I broke through about 2 miles from touchdown. Manually had to get the gear down with the crank. Zero flap landing. EMS waiting with lights on (which did little to help my confidence). Landed hot (90 knots) but despite no lights or beacons was cleared by the tower with their light gun to taxi to the ramp. Monday, 10-SEP-2001.

[@ElsinoreRacer]

I have never been anxious in the cockpit, and if I ever am, I will walk away. I have had a catastrophic engine failure in a single and other episodes. After I landed, yes, very exciting. But during, it's all business. Maybe we are different.

[@kaju1722]

Lol

[@soccerguy2433]

Lol No

[@r.b.4009]

@@ElsinoreRaceri guess it also depends on when in your career such an event happens.

[@DaveWhoa]

poor thing, sounded terrified

[@cail171]

Love love seeing this type of teamwork. Its truly amazing.

[@user-zh9kc7tw4n]

Awesome team work and hope the pilot gets up in the air again soon! Rooting for you.

[@richardkeen6965]

Great job to everyone one involved, i really hope she can get her confidence back and continues to fly , this is one of the reasons why i never went for my PPL..the first solo would have scared me so i became a controller instead.

[@Simpelll]

The tower controller has all my respect! Well done both!

[@MarcosMark2011]

Holy molly I could feel the stress and im only on my couch listening to this! Props to the parts involved, everyone did an awesome job

[@hyer339]

That was amazing. Way to stay calm and reassuring. Thanks for all you do ATC and Instructor

[@josecuervo1747]

Amazing grace under pressure for the tower. 👍🏼

[@AV4Life]

10/10 job on that Controller maintaining a cool and calm voice… Whenever I got nervous on a solo, I just realize I’d done this exact thing dozens of times either with an instructor or in a simulator.

[@int666h]

Well done by everyone! This is what a properly handled situation sounds like. Great job everyone, especially the ATC! ❤

[@HobbitHobbit]

WOW! Great team work and communications. This could have ended very differently. A life was likely saved today, Thank You!

[@badgerallen]

Couldn’t have asked for a better outcome for that situation. I feel like you can hear the moment her resignation sets in. Glad the tower and instructor were able to get her back in the game.

[@volleyballjerry]

The first rule in an emergency is DON'T GIVE UP! That is what separates those who live from those who do not.

[@user-cr4sc1ht9t]

Seems almost like this pilot basically don't screw up anything whenever or wherever this instructor isn't around

[@BetweenTheBorders]

It was heartbreaking to hear her confidence plummet over a go-around, but when she mentioned she thought she needed more power because she was sinking, I felt quite a bit better about her future. She noticed an issue and decided on a correction, despite not being in a great headspace. It's hard to remain calm while you're gaining your experience and despite everything, she aviated and landed safely. And may have bought doughnuts. All in all, well done. If she feels more confident next flight, I'd say it was a very good day of training.

[@Morpheen999]

She just shut off, Not a good habit for a pilot.. She couldn't even realize just how much that controller helped her.. Didn't even say thank you

[@sanjivbill2701]

@@Morpheen999 more info came out I saw in another comment. the pilot was 14, I put the blame on the instructor here, I have known another pilot that hadn't done go arounds nearing her solo, though this is speculation, it could be a similar situation where the CFI didn't like go arounds so when it happened it caused panic for the young pilot. another thing is there were heavy crosswinds that day so she shouldn't have been up in the first place, CFI shouldn't have let her.

[@samomiotek7210]

@@Morpheen999 She was bordering on resignation there, but she ultimately didn't shut off - she flew the plane.

[@Airman_Fu]

She landed the plane instead of landing on the NTSB website.

[@Anon-fw5qy]

​@@sanjivbill2701you can't get you student license until 16

[@alanwright5492]

Great teamwork there, top notch! So hope the student was able to carry on with her flying. She was scared, as most of us have been at some point when flying solo early in our training, but she done so well to keep under control to land safely. Way to go young lady!

[@TaberBucknell]

Outstanding work by the controller including calming the student pilot, stabilizing the situation, and crisp clear relays of the instructor’s directions.

[@baron1405]

To add to the kudos to the tower ATC, it amazed me how his tone was sympathetic and calming but at the same time professional. This is a fabulous demonstration of highly competent leadership. Enlisting another person to follow your instructions at a time when they are scared and doubting their ability to function. A truly inspirational exchange and a tribute to the ATC profession.

[@Manuel-9-]

Impressive work from the tower managing a difficult situation. That was a full blown panic attack, it’s not easy to get the person to do the right thing in such a situation.

[@naomischayek8988]

I literally teared up hearing the student and how amazingly the ATC and the instructor handled this tough situation. So glad you are safe girl. Good job everyone 🙏

[@TheMyrakkel]

This ATC guy was amazing! I would hope all controllers would have this much patience and valor. Well done indeed!

[@ag9617]

Must've been a terrifying go around and when you're not getting the performance you expect with little experience it can be extremely frightening. Glad everyone made it out of this safe.

[@kentreg1]

Nice job ATC! So many times you hear arrogant controllers but this guy was great.

[@marc770]

Absolutely love how supportive everyone is.

[@tonybullock5570]

Having gone through a failed landing and the subsequent panic while going for my private license, I felt every bit of this. Hats off to the controller, instructor and student. Thanks for the upload.

[@dafox0427]

I hope she tied down the aircraft, walked into her flight school, and quit after that.

[@VASAviation]

Why should she?

[@AzureAlliance31]

​@@VASAviationBad instructor

[@zipper46ful]

Pilots cant panic and quit when things get stressful. Lives are at stake this isn't a game@@VASAviation

[@VASAviation]

She didn't quit

[@notyayo]

Pulled on my heart strings, I felt her panic. But everyone did so amazing. Glad she's okay.

[@user-qk8dj7bg2n]

That was great teamwork indeed! Awesome job!. Well done to the the ATC..

[@Ws-tc5jb]

What a level of professionalism from ATC and instructor !!!! Brilliant teamwork !!!!! State of the art cooperation....this should be used in universities and flight schools even airline companies.... Im sure that the student will find her way soon and will become super strong pilot after what she did...she did one of the most toughest things...beeing stressed and land an aircraft ....congratulations...this was it easy under these circumstances and you did it !!!

[@elwyrick]

As a pilot and as a licensed professional counselor, I'll say the controller did a great job. On the other hand, the instructor needs some instruction how to respond to someone having a panic attack. The instructor was totally tone-deaf. A confident, "you're going to be okay." from the her could have made a huge difference. I'm wondering if the instructor was having a panic attack herself. Kudos for the controller for attending to the young lady's emotional state.

[@kaylapreciousprincessarmst785]

She did not have time to molly coddle her. During an approach, it's all business, and any pilot knows this. The instructor did not have time to sit and talk her through a panic attack. For the pilot's safety and the safety of those on the ground, the priority HAD to be landing the plane, and that is her job as an instructor. She isn't a mental health professional, she's a pilot, so how do you expect her to behave as if she had a degree in your field? On top of that, if you really are in that field yourself, you should know that dwelling on an attack can sometimes make it worse. Distraction can sometimes help. I've lived with GAD my entire life and I can tell you that it's nice to be comforted by someone, it very often doesn't stop the attack or make anything different. The attack has to play itself out. We also do not have the entire conversation here. I am sure the instructor, at some point, was supportive. It was also vital the instructor showed confidence and leadership so the pilot would feel more in control. The instructor was not panicking, but she had a job to do and a very important one. Landing comes first, always.

[@elwyrick]

@@kaylapreciousprincessarmst785 A confident " you're going to be ok." is not molly coddling. It is critical for the instructor in that situation attend to the affect. It would be good for all instructors to have some instruction on how to handle panic attacks. A simple statement of reassurance would have helped calm her down. But, in this situation while she was on an approach, she didn't have to be. It didn't sound like she was running out a fuel and attending to her panic should be one of the priorities. The instructor doesn't have to be trained to be a therapist, but, as I said, training to handle a panic attack should be part of instructors' training much like teachers are CPR. Panic kills pilots.

[@thetruth7386]

She was in a panic no matter what. Her head was gone. First and most important thing was to get that aircraft on the ground as quickly and safely as possible. Landing is business time and the most dangerous part of flight.

[@elwyrick]

@@thetruth7386 and to do that as safely as possible, as you said, the panic needed to be dealt with first.

[@SommerAdric]

Wow that’s incredible, great work to all involved

[@MattyCrayon]

Awesome teamwork and good on the student pilot, for hanging in there to get the plane on the ground. I hope she gets back up there and doesn't let this stop her ❤🛩

[@concky9907]

I fly out of CYOO never thought I would see it on this channel. I don't think this was her first solo I have heard this student on frequency before practicing circuit's she made some mistakes missing radio calls and some trouble with landings but who hasn't done that when learning. the controllers did a great job and I hope she doesn't let this stop her from flying. and the aircraft is a 152 for anyone wondering.

[@littlegreenman1]

I think this student needs to be done and find another hobby/career/whatever. Airplanes are not the place for that temperament.

[@HaroldBien]

I disagree. As others pointed out, she landed safely ultimately by herself. She just needs to build up more confidence. Perhaps several low approaches will help build her confidence in setting up for landing and go arounds. Honestly, I get that she's wants to get down but perhaps a low pass might've built up more confidence for the ultimate landing.

[@zachshaner]

This is heartbreaking, but I hope she looks back on this in a few years as something huge she overcame on her way to a lifetime of happy flying. I just soloed for the first time last week, and I had to do a go around too after ATC asked me to do a very short approach and I ended up with too much sink and touched down nose wheel first and briefly panicked. But training kicked in, go around was easy, and the next two landings were great. It's so humbling to be up there the first time by yourself, knowing only your inputs will keep you alive.

[@Ninjahalfbreed1]

awesome communication between the tower and instructor! good landing!!!!!!!!!

[@LtGunz]

my first solo my knees were shaking 😁 these ATC are incredible kudos to them 👏

[@lindagarner1320]

I live in Oshawa so I had to look twice when I saw Oshawa on the thumbnail. I just got hooked on your videos the last few days. At 2:08 the instructor referred to buildings with blue roofs. There are 2 long term care facilities southest of the airport and I used to work at one of them. Great job by all involved. My late Mom took flying lessons out of Barstow Daggett airport years ago. How did you find this audio?👏🇨🇦