By Natalie Miles, EAA 1478672
After all the time I have spent studying and working toward gaining knowledge and experience for my private pilot certificate, I earned the privilege to fly solo. I completed my second progress check at United Aviate Academy and received endorsements for my solo and solo cross-country. If you have your pilot certificate, you know the feeling of when you first fly solo. It is a feeling you will never forget. So many nerves, emotions, anxiety, and thrills are running through you. It is the most exciting feeling, to trust in your training and prove that you are a safe and capable pilot.
First Solo: My first solo was one lap in the pattern at Phoenix Goodyear Airport KGYR. I started the lesson flying three laps in the pattern, each a full stop and taxi back, with my instructor verifying that today will be the day and I will be safe in executing a solo flight. My solo was even more memorable because one of my good friends and classmates at the Academy was soloing the same day. We both were able to progress in our training and solo at the same time. After we completed our three landings, we taxied back to the ramadas and parked the Cirrus. We had a fan club of friends and classmates waiting for us both to park. Everyone was cheering and waiting for our instructors to get out of each of our airplanes. I put on my white solo shirt that everyone signed and drew on. My instructor gave me a few last words and wished me well. For the first time, I was in the airplane all by myself and started the engine start checklist. I raced my friend to the run-up area and to the staging area, giving Goodyear tower a call saying I was doing one lap in the pattern, student solo. My friend, Jalen, was directly behind me doing his solo. When we landed all of our friends ran to our airplanes and picked us up to put us in the “solo cart.” We both managed to fit in the cart together and were pushed to the pool. We gave a speech and thanked everyone for coming. The tails of our shirts were cut and we both dove into the pool.
My solo to the practice area was a few days after my first solo. I navigated to the practice area and practiced steep turns and slow flight. I also practiced using the G1000 Perspective+ avionics that the Cirrus SR20 is equipped with. After my solo to the practice area I was endorsed for my solo cross-country. My cross-country was to Avi Suquilla Airport (P20) with a stop at Buckeye Municipal Airport (KBXK). The flight was incredible. I really enjoy flying cross-country because if you manage your time wisely you can appreciate the view and the beauty of flying. Although my cross-country was fun, I did miss my instructor — but only for the conversation. Listening to Phoenix Approach talk on the radio gets to be a little one-sided.
My solo experience was incredible. I could not have asked for anything more. As I prepare for my private pilot checkride I will continue to write and share my story. I appreciate everyone who has helped me along the way and all who continue to support my journey.
Natalie Miles, EAA 1478672, is currently pursuing her aviation dreams at the United Aviate Academy. She will be updating her progress on a regular basis as a scholarship student in the flight training program, where she has just completed her first month. Natalie received a joint scholarship at The Gathering 2022 from the EAA Aviation Foundation and United Aviate Academy. United Aviate is a major supporter and sponsor of the AeroEducate program.