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Lawrenceville, GA – March 31, 2009 –
By Robert Bruce, Young Eagle and EAA #766558
February 24, 2009 I have always loved airplanes and usually played with model airplanes instead of cars when I was young. This week, on February 26, 2009, I plan to take to the sky for my first solo flight on my 16th birthday. I do not know where my fascination from airplanes came from, perhaps its genetics – my great grandfather was a test pilot, WWI flying ace who flew a Sopwith Pup and Camel, and even fought the Red Baron! My great uncle was a U.S. Marine pilot in WWII.
At seven years old, I wanted a Delta Airlines themed birthday party. My next aviation milestone was a Young Eagles Flight at 11 years old with Mr. Larry Bishop (EAA Chapter 690) who flew me in his Mooney Ovation 2 and that experience was most inspiring. I received a Discovery Flight from my parents soon after, and this was most exhilarating. By this time, I also learned about the next best thing to flying – Flight Simulator. Since my first flight lesson at age eleven, I slowly accumulated hours, until the last couple of months in which I have flown much more often and have loved it! One of my favorite flights was on a cold night flight. At night, with the airplane lights up, the ground becomes illuminated, and the one can see an unobstructed view of the cosmos.
When I think about my flight experiences, I have to mention EAA 690 for their camaraderie and support over the years. Various members have taken me on flights, including a cross-country flight with Mr. Bishop. I was also given the opportunity to fly in the “Aluminum Overcast” B-17G bomber from Georgia to Mississippi. Through EAA 690’s generous sponsorship, I was able to attend EAA’s Air Academy Camp twice. This camp is extremely enjoyable and educational.
In the future, I hope to continue flying and obtain advanced ratings. I also hope to attend Georgia Tech or MIT for an Aeronautical Engineering degree. Maybe I can design the next generation of spacecraft and aircraft as well as fly them!
February 26, 2009 On my 16th birthday, I achieved my dream of soloing. This was the earliest possible date for me to solo a powered aircraft without an instructor sitting in the right seat of the Cessna 172P. After three practice landings, my flight instructor Lars, said, “Drop me off, you are going to fly solo.” I was thrilled. I was unsure if the weather would cooperate since the clouds were only at 1,800 feet, but my instructor endorsed my flight. I took off from Gwinnett County- Briscoe Field Airport in Lawrenceville, Georgia at 12:47 pm. Usually after takeoff, the aircraft ascends about 675 feet per minute. However, being all alone in the aircraft, I climbed over 1,000 feet per minute. It was funny looking over at the other seat and not seeing anyone there with me.
The airport became quite busy during my solo flight. On every landing, I was at least second for the runway with King Airs and other very nice aircraft ahead of me. I thoroughly enjoyed every second of the flight. I did three takeoffs and landings and my solo was complete. I wish I could have flown more.
People asked me if I was nervous before the flight but I was not. I knew I was ready. It was also comforting to see some of the EAA chapter members there to cheer me on during the flight including my Young Eagle pilot Mr. Larry Bishop—he thought I did well.
After the flight, my flight instructor awarded me with the cut out back of my solo shirt with my name, the date, his name, artwork and the word “gratulerer“, which is congratulations in his native Norwegian language.
Afterwards, we celebrated at the EAA 690 hangar with a post solo party, which doubled as a 16th birthday party. I considered it as the day of my first solo and secondarily, as my birthday.
Currently, I am hoping to obtain my Private Pilot certificate at 17, Commercial/ CFI at 18, and ATP at 23. My parents are looking nervous…I am not sure if it is about the flying or the costs involved!
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Flight instructor Lars Borkus (l) and Robert Bruce following Robert’s solo flight. Lars continues the tradition of presenting “solo shirt” with his name, the date, the instructor’s name, artwork and the word “gratulerer“, which is congratulations in Lars’ native Norwegian language.
Some of Robert’s “fans” who came to cheer him on during his solo flight on February 26, 2009. From left; Ernie Schnaak, Duane Huff, Larry Bishop, Greg Jannakos, Robert Bruce, and Lars Borkhus.
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