jared4271987

Haha that's why there's the 8 seconds throttle to bottle rule. Just be sure to bail out with a good whiskey or rum. The water will keep it nice and chilled. Promise.

RmTrice

As a student pilot who's logged only 20 hours, I can tell you I get nervous, too. You're definitely not alone. See, the interesting thing about me is that, even though i have almost zero flying hours logged, i have hundreds of hours of experience flying with my father since i was 3. He isn't a CFI so I couldn't log the hours as dual. So, just like you, i know my way around a plane. He's an incredibly skilled aircraft mechanic (now a mx manager for an airline), too, so i've seen the inner workings of everything from cessnas to 747s.

Honestly i find it wierd that i was cool, confident, and relaxed on my first solo, but terrified on my 3rd when i left the traffic pattern for the first time. I knew what to do, i'd been doing it and watching it get done my entire life. But the "What if's" always got to me. I couldnt bring myself to do stalls because i kept worrying about messing up.

On my final landing of my 3rd solo, i was too focused on slowing down to remember to keep the nose up. As a result of too much weight on the nose n too much speed, the front nosegear vibrated something awful when i tried to brake. Luckily i remained calm, pulled back on the wheel, then lightly tapped the brakes. I got off the runway in time, but used up wayyy too much runway for my own good.

What i think we should do is, like everyone says, just keep soloing. Also, make sure you're flying the plane, and don't let the plane fly you. I'm looking forward to restarting flight school in a few weeks so I can start practicing more. Good luck! You'll do just fine.

Riverside

Only time you'll get nervous is when you take your girlfriend for a ride.

Cappy

Having recently turned 14,000 hrs on the time it was interesting to reflect on your post. I can recall the exact same feelings when I was learning in '90. It was so bad I often had...the big "D" before each flight. What helped me was planning well before each flight and getting up there...just do it!

I think you might be confusing fear with respect for your lack of experience. That's is NOT a bad thing! The first time I soloed I can still remember how comforting it was to know that my instructor was still on the ground watching me. Yes, we've all been there.

Through the years my nervousness for type rides began to really bother me. but after doing enough of them I find that a quick study the night before or the day of is all I need. But that will take time for you to develop. Fear not. Respect always.

Fly safely.

Mike

clydefastly

I think I had some uneasy feelings when I was at the same flight experience. It would be a bad thing if you think you are invincible and know it all.

Most guys have been in your shoes at one time. Just keep on keeping on!

Like everyone else says, go do some more solo flight, that should help. Confidence comes with experience.

When I was instructing, my #1 rule for all students at all times was
ALWAYS FLY THE AIRPLANE. Don't let distractions get the best of you.

Safety first makes for later.

Roll Inverted and Pull

Hey Bud..it`s perfectly natural at your stage in the game to feel that way. BTW, engines always run rough at night and in the weather.

badtransam97

Yeah..it sure seems like they do! I'm gonna try to step up the frequency of my flights, because right now I only get to fly about 2 to 3 hrs a week or less...money's kinda tight! I'm ready to get back up there though, thanks guys, for easing my mind and letting me know I'm not the only one who has these thoughts!!

ubeflyer

Take a break from your usual routine. Go get a tailwheel endorsement if you havn't already. Fun, easy, and it'll make you a better pilot. Big confidence builder. Aerobatic instruction, gliders, seaplanes, multi-engine ect... Just an hour or two could make a big difference. Did for me!

atpwannabe

I start my training in November and I'll be damned if I haven't had the same thoughts as badtransam97 & RmTrice.

I'm reading & will listen to the advice that's being given.




atp

Ja189

Keep flying, build some confidence in yourself! If it is meant to be it will come. Critical you break those fears though especially if you want to go CFI! Very important that you don't freak out your students because they see you freaking out!