I now have thousands of hours in my logbooks, but despite my best efforts, none represent a perfect flight. Many come close, but there was always something I could have done just a little bit better. So I reflected on the opposite type of flight entry: Which one represented my worst flight? That would be easy. Hands down, it was my first solo flight in the first airplane I ever owned.
I Learned About Flying From That: My Worst Flight
Key Takeaways:
- The author recounts their "worst flight," which was their first solo in a newly purchased, challenging 1947 Cessna 120 tailwheel aircraft, marked by a dangerously mismanaged takeoff.
- During the flight, the engine twice quit due to pilot error: once at 300 feet after an incorrect fuel tank selection, and again on final approach due to fuel starvation caused by a prolonged crosswind sideslip.
- Despite these multiple near-disastrous events, the pilot and plane landed safely, profoundly teaching the author the importance of meticulously analyzing and learning from every flying mistake.
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