Dear Mrs. Patheal

Well old gal this is the big letter. After six hours and three minutes of dual instruction, I soloed. Today I flew the ship all by myself for 35 minutes. During that time all I did was land and take off. Yesterday, I shot landings all period and every time I'd do the least little thing wrong he would jump on me. He bitched at me all the time in fact. Well today I was the third to fly so we started out by shooting landings again. Well he didn't ride me but every time I did something wrong he would yell. Well after about five landings he had me taxi up to the line and then he said, "Well, you take her around by yourself this time." I grinned and out he climbed. I taxied down to the take off strip XXX and checked the air. I lined her up and gave her the gun. I let her wobble a bit for I didn't correct enough for torque. Well I lifted her up all right, and started around the pattern. First I climbed straight for two hundred feet, made a 90 degree turn and climbed to three hundred, made a 90 degree turn and climbed to four hundred. I made my downwind leg, made a 90 degree turn - judged the field and cut the throttle - assumed a gliding angle, made a 90 degree turn and came down. I broke my glide at about 15 feet and stalled her with about a three inch drop. Well I taxied over to the instructor and he said good landing go do it again. Well next time I broke my stall too high and bounced about 20 feet in the air so I hit the throttle and went around for another try. The next try was all right. In fact he said both landings were good and that I made a good recovery from the bounce.

Well since I've been here I've thought about what my solo would be like, but I sure was surprised. When he got out I didn't even have a doubt. I just listened to what he said and taxied off. From the time I took off until I landed I didn't think of him once. I was too darn busy flying to think of anything. Even in the landing I didn't have a doubt even when I had to go around again. The main difference between flying a plane and driving a car is that flying takes constant concentration.

Well I came back to the cabin after flying was over and got dressed for chow. I was just going out the door when my two roommates (in their shorts) grabbed me and started for the fire hydrant. A couple more guys piled on and they held my one pant leg over the opening and turned it on. Boy, was that water cold. Next they filled the other leg and they got my face in it. Well, needless to say I was thoroughly wet - shoes, hat and all. That is the standard treatment when a guy solos.

Say I sure did get a slew of letters Monday. Three from you, one from Robin, Em, Doris. I got the cookies from Auntie and the envelopes from you. Say, I haven't mailed that squadron picture yet but I will soon as possible.

Well that's all the news so better get ready for bed now.

Love,
Rae