Blown Tire On First Solo

Ever had an emergency? Probably only a few people can answer yes to that question. What about have an emergency on your very first solo? Even fewer people can answer yes to that one. Watch how my student Gray handles getting a flat tire on his very first solo flight.

Watching this video makes me beyond proud of Gray. Even in a stressful time such as his first solo, he didn’t forget the core fundamental principle of flying: Aviate, Navigate, Communicate. After touching down and realizing there was a problem, he successfully maintained control of the plane, he formed a plan to navigate the aircraft off the runway, and effectively communicated his intentions to ATC. In that order! A friend of mine who used to work in law enforcement shared this powerful quote with me:

“We fall to the highest level of our training.”

This is why emergency procedures are drilled into student pilots. This is why you always hear your instructor repeat: “Aviate, Navigate, Communicate!” The age old saying is that practice makes perfect, but reality is this:

“Practice makes permanent.”

Never stop practicing emergency procedures. Never become complacent in believing it won’t happen to you. Train like it could happen at any time and any place.

Stay safe up there fellow aviators.