I don't understand why there are so many negative comments discouraging
high time solo students. First and foremost, not everyone aspires to be
a professional pilot, some people like to fly for enjoyment and are not
rushed into any deadlines. Second, some things involved in flying are
like learning to ride a bicycle - you have to just get it, and it may
take 2 hours or 70 hours. There is nothing wrong with 75 hour pre-solo
pilot, as long as they are enjoying what they are doing.

Personally, I will admit I have not soloed until 37.4 hours of dual
(just looked in my logbook). It took me a while to *get* a feeling for
landings. At the same time I had to deal with different instructors
with very limited schedules. On the other hand, by the time I soloed I
had some cross-country time, confidence to fly with 4 other airplanes
in pattern on my solo day, and handle 15kt crosswinds (came in *very*
handy for a cross country 2 weeks after solo).

I have a great deal of respect to all pilots that have soloed in 5 or
10 hours. But I'm disappointed that some of those people will use their
accomplishments to put down efforts of others with the same love for
aviation. It takes a lot of effort and money to fly, it makes no sense
to insult people without knowing their goals, learning situation, and
capabilities.

Artie

Ron Lee wrote:
"Andrew Sarangan" wrote:

This is exactly the type of comments that makes me sad to hear from
pilots - 'not everyone is cut out to be a pilot'. This attempts to make
the point that pilots are some kind of superior being.

Actually it is a correct statement. I am not cut out to be a doctor,
basketball player, jockey, lawyer, etc. Such is life. It does not
mean that people who are those professions are superior than me.

Ron Lee