The post-solo wilderness - Introduction

by Martin Boycott-Brown

After you go solo there are many new things to learn, and new goals to reach which can often seem much more distant than the magic objective of "unaccompanied" flight ever did. Sadly, many people get lost on the way, and do not receive the help they need.

These notes are not much, but perhaps they will at least provide some kind of a start.

For most people, the next important target after solo is to obtain their Bronze badge. The "Bronze" is basically a stepping-stone towards obtaining a Silver "C", for which the two most demanding requirements are to do a soaring flight of at least five hours, and a cross-country of at least 50 kms.

It takes time and practice to acquire the requisite skills. To begin with, it is often a struggle merely to stay airborne. When this becomes easier, most pilots do not know quite what to attempt next, and their local soaring becomes a little aimless. It is hoped that these notes may provide some ideas for small tasks that will make your flights more purposeful.

Bear in mind that you must never fly out of gliding range of the airfield until you have obtained a cross-country endorsement.

The first tasks have some basic warnings about airspace problems. Look at your map and see if you can spot any other potential hazards. It is as well to discuss these with an instructor. For the others, you can make your own list, but get an instructor to check it. Before you fly, ask the duty instructor for permission to carry out the planned task. If you are unsure about what to do, ask for her/his advice.