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The Girl That Can Fly: First Solo Flight
In August of last year we shared the story of Nora Lockhart in the article, “The Girl That Can Fly“. She is now 16 years old and has been learning to fly for several years. I was fascinated that she was learning how to fly at such a young age, plus I have been able to get a better understanding of what it takes to become a pilot. I was not the only one, because her story was read by people across the globe.
Nora, completed a major milestone recently on her journey to becoming a pilot. She flew her first solo flight. I am happy to let you know that she has graciously joined us to share her experience again.
Joe at Charter and Go:
Nora, can you get us all up to speed on how your journey of becoming a pilot began?
Nora
My parents surprised me for my 14th birthday with my first lesson! My first instructor gave me a few lessons, and guided me through taking the FAA knowledge test – he insisted I take practice tests every week until I was consistently making 90’s or higher. The summer before I turned 16, I started taking lessons through Civil Air Patrol. Since I started flying with CAP, I’ve been flying about every 2 weeks, sometimes more often.
This video shows Nora’s private lessons, and closes with audio from her first solo flight with Civil Air Patrol.
Joe at Charter and Go:
For those of you that are not aware of the Civil Air Patrol, they are a public service organization that carries out emergency services and disaster relief missions nationwide. It is one of four partners of the U.S. Air Force. It has roughly 60,000 members that devote their time to protecting their community. They also promote aviation and related fields through aerospace education and helping shape future leaders through their cadet program.
Nora, can you tell us about the day you did your first solo flight?
Nora
On the day I was scheduled to do my first solo, it was a beautiful clear day, but the winds were about 40 knots at 2-3,000 feet. So instead of solo flying, I got extra practice on handling high winds. But the following Saturday, the weather was perfect. I remember we didn’t have to leave home until around 9, which is good because I got to sleep in. I don’t remember feeling nervous at all – it felt like a regular lesson.
We went up and did 3 touch and go’s while my instructor just sat there, to practice what I was going to do. We went back to the ramp and he got out. I felt nervous for the first time that day as I taxied to the runway. But once I finished my engine run up (and took a selfie), I called the tower and was cleared for take-off.
After I took off, it felt exactly the same as when I fly with my instructor. I felt confident and prepared. There had been quite a bit of traffic earlier in the morning, but once I was up there, it seemed to have cleared out. I remember my first touch-and-go was a bit bumpy, but they were smoother for the 2nd and 3rd. I remember seeing my instructor standing in the middle of the ramp, watching me and it was funny because he looked so small.
When I landed, I taxied back to the ramp and he directed me where to park. When I got out he told me I did well and he was proud of me!
Joe at Charter and Go:
Here is a fun fact about a pilot’s first solo flight. In American aviation lore, the traditional removal of a new pilot’s shirt tail is a sign of the instructor’s new confidence in their student after successful completion of the first solo flight. In the days of tandem trainers, the student sat in the front seat, with the instructor behind. As there were often no radios in these early days of aviation, the instructor would tug on the student pilot’s shirttail to get his attention, and then yell in his ear. A successful first solo flight is an indication that the student can fly without the instructor (“instructor-less” flight). Hence, there is no longer a need for the shirt tail, and it is cut off by the (often) proud instructor, and sometimes displayed as a trophy
Her Instructor was happy to take the video.
Joe at Charter and Go:
What’s next for you as a student pilot?
Nora
I need to build up hours before I can get my license after I turn 17. Most recently, my instructor and I did a cross country night flight and we used flight following. We started at KHQZ (Mesquite, TX) and then we went to KPRX (Paris, TX) and then down to KSLR (Sulpher Springs, Tx), and back to Mesquite. I am looking forward to more solo flying!
Joe at Charter and Go:
What do you see yourself doing in the future?
Nora
After high school, I’m hoping to get a degree in aviation. I’ve always been interested in the military academies, but I know they are difficult to get into. I’ve considered becoming a fighter pilot in the military, or possibly a private pilot. But, if I don’t become a pilot as a career, I’m also interested in NASA and The Space Force or anything related to aviation in general.
Nora Lockhart with legendary Buzz Aldrin
Joe at Charter and Go:
Nora, thank you again for sharing your story. There is no doubt that you have an amazing future ahead of you, and Charter and Go is going to continue checking in from time to time for updates. Good luck!
Joe Jennings – Chief Creative Offier
