- Contributed by听
- RAF Cosford Roadshow
- People in story:听
- Ronald Aspey
- Location of story:听
- Yorkton Saskachewan Canada 23EFTS
- Background to story:听
- Royal Air Force
- Article ID:听
- A2721214
- Contributed on:听
- 08 June 2004
A Pilot never forgets the exhilaration of his first solo.
As I had completed nine hours and was full of confidence but my instructor Flying Officer Cardiff wasn't. He wanted me to do three perfect circuits before he would let me solo. So he decided that I should have a solo check with the C.O. of B flight, Flying Officer Barry, who incidentally was an ex bush pilot.
We took off and I completed a circuit. As I was taxiing round the perimeter, I could hear the C.O. undoing his harness. He then said "Right lad you are on your own" and promptly got out after saying "Pick me up on the way back".
I then took off, climbed to 1,000 feet and turned my head round to make sure there was no one in the back seat. After climbing to 2,000 feet I completed the circuit, landed, picked up the C.O. and taxied back to the crew room.
It was drinks all round in the evening when we retired to the Hostess Club (similar to our NAAFI)
From then on I had no problems and before long had completed ninety hours flying time to the end of the course and I passed out as average
After a graduation dinner, which was called 'Last of the Many',the war with Japan had finished, I had finished flying, so I did not in see any military action, only a few "Doodlebugs" whilst stationed at St Johns Wood.
I did in fact have an ENJOYABLE WAR.
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