THE moment the wheels of my Cessna 152 lifted off the ground for my first solo flight, a sudden thought rushed through my head.
The only way I would be able to land safely was by my own hand.
Looking over at the empty seat next to me where my instructor Nicky usually sat, ready to take control when required, only confirmed that for this flight the buck stopped with me.
After these initial doubts, I fell into my rhythm and before I knew it, I was on the final leg of my circuit and preparing to land.
I don’t think I have ever concentrated so intensely as on my final approach to Jandakot Airport’s runway Number 24 Right.
Airspeed 60 knots, right where it should be; altitude, looking good and angle of attack, not too bad.
Then, before I had even had a chance to think about what it was that I was about to do, the aircraft was over the “piano keys” at the start of the runway.
All that was left was for me to “round out” the aircraft to fly level, close the throttle and then ease back on the column before I heard the squeal of tyres on tarmac.
I had made it!
While flying is exhilarating enough at any time, landing an aeroplane solo for the first time, knowing that you can bring almost one tonne of metal safely to the ground, was a thrill I will never forget.