Flying an Airplane ALONE at 16 Years Old

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  • Опубліковано 16 кві 2023
  • The date was October 11th, 2022, I am 16 years old and finally getting to do my student pilot first solo flight. The stakes have never been higher and the nerves are, well... nerves. This day was one that I had been dreaming of for a very long time and something that I was super stoked to finally get done. Couldn't have done it without both of my amazing instructors Jack and Spencer, the amazing aircraft from Goodrich Aviation, and the undying support from friends and family.

КОМЕНТАРІ • 252

  • @troyc333
    @troyc333 Рік тому +82

    It takes a lot more dedication, training, professionalism and maturity to fly a plane than it does a car. I doubt a flight instructor would pass a person of any age they didn't feel was prepared and capable of operating a plane in a safe manner. Congratulations Nathan! If you got there it's only because you were ready and deserved it.

    • @giovannimorrisone483
      @giovannimorrisone483 Рік тому +1

      So true, Troy C. I remember the Chief Flying Instructor who tested me for a private licence many years ago telling me that his rule of thumb was: "Would I trust this pilot to fly with my children on board?" You had to be pretty good to get a pass with this guy!

    • @someone.7303
      @someone.7303 Рік тому

      Maturity doesn't matter as long as you're rated for the plane you're flying

    • @RAVANA7
      @RAVANA7 9 місяців тому

      No sh%t old nigga it’s a plane. It flys, cars don’t

    • @jason_v12345
      @jason_v12345 6 днів тому

      Why is it not the same for driving examiners?

  • @johndunstan3875
    @johndunstan3875 Рік тому +20

    30yo in a 16yo body wish I had that maturity and confidence at his age. Well done Nathan. 😎

  • @jllee9189
    @jllee9189 Рік тому +29

    Young man, you had me in tears reminiscing of my solo many years ago. After 10 years as an Air Force Pilot, then 35 years flying for a major airline, I am now retired. Let me tell you, seeing your reaction, if you decide to pursue your aviation career professionally, you will never look back and regret it, my only regret is that my career seemed to have gone by way too fast! Good luck and Godspeed!

    • @NathanBrookhart
      @NathanBrookhart  7 місяців тому +1

      I am so glad that I helped you look back on your training. I hope you will join me for my future progress videos. No winds, Clear skies, and safe flights!

  • @groningenparanormaal3642
    @groningenparanormaal3642 Рік тому +5

    That's so funny see you totally relax during the flight and even started whistling hahahaha. Good job dude.

  • @josegonzalez9054
    @josegonzalez9054 Рік тому +2

    I'm 65 year old......
    retired Pilot......
    I got some teers on my eyes ......Bravo son....!!!!
    Bravo ...!!!!

  • @amiramyss
    @amiramyss Рік тому +52

    The CLEAR PROP killed me XD
    Great piloting and great editing! Nailed both of them.
    Brings back good memories from my first solo.

    • @cpt_anthony
      @cpt_anthony Рік тому +1

      I love screaming clear prop like that, it’s hilarious. I’m going to do my solo next month at 16 aswell so I’m excited. It’s gonna be at KVNY too, gonna be nice and busy for me

    • @amiramyss
      @amiramyss Рік тому +2

      ​@@cpt_anthonyI did it once with my flight instructor and it scared the crap out of him so I decided to stop 😅
      But yea it was hilerious.
      And break a leg! Sure you are going to nail it

    • @terryboyer1342
      @terryboyer1342 11 місяців тому +1

      I've heard a few pilots yell LOOK OUT! instead of clear prop.

  • @jalenembry2383
    @jalenembry2383 Рік тому +8

    I’m 27 years old. Playing pro ball and is currently is pilot school for my PPL. Watching this video just gave me so much more motivation. It hit me when you said, “what is life then laughed” you’re a goat bro!

  • @phillipmckenzie6095
    @phillipmckenzie6095 Рік тому +11

    Congratulations Nathan. I remember my first solo at age sixteen, I am now sixty nine. I chose to keep my flying as a hobby and had so much pleasure from it. Whatever road you choose to take embrace it and enjoy your flying.

  • @mcflyer9058
    @mcflyer9058 Рік тому +17

    Great Job Nathan! Congrats! You captured the moment beautifully! I soloed in 1978 and am still flying to this day! Unfortunately they had not invented the the Go Pro yet, so i have no images of the event… But you brought it all back to me. Thanks for sharing this genuine moment in your life. Blue skies, and keep flying whatever you decide to do in life!

  • @kimberlywentworth9160
    @kimberlywentworth9160 Рік тому +2

    Very smart kid. Wish we had more kids smart like this one.

  • @Jahdoh
    @Jahdoh Рік тому +2

    Best "CLEAR" ever! Congrats

  • @piperdakotaflyr
    @piperdakotaflyr Рік тому +5

    Great job, I didn't solo until I was 50 years old. I can't imagine doing it at 16. Blue sky's and tailwinds!

  • @barryanthonykennedy6313
    @barryanthonykennedy6313 4 місяці тому +1

    How much do I miss single engine flying! Love my job as an airline pilot but crikey watching this makes me think, “maybe it’s time to renew it and get back to having fun whilst flying”. Great video! Blue skies dude 😊

  • @Conn653
    @Conn653 Рік тому +4

    Your first SOLO is a day you'll always remember. I remember mine from August 8, 1968 🙂 HAVE FUN! 🙂

  • @DougGoodrich
    @DougGoodrich Рік тому +21

    Way to go, Nathan. Great video. Thanks for flying with us!

    • @NathanBrookhart
      @NathanBrookhart  Рік тому +6

      Thanks, couldn’t have done it without your amazing aircraft and instructors

  • @Calidus_Pilot
    @Calidus_Pilot Рік тому +12

    Congratulations, Nathan, very well done. Your landings were extremely good, even more so for being into the sun. You have a great future ahead of you - go for it!

  • @patrickr4727
    @patrickr4727 Рік тому +1

    Congratulations my friend the world of aviation is waiting for you. Very good solo.

  • @JimForeman
    @JimForeman Рік тому +1

    Welcome to the aviator fraternity. Your solo is a lifetime memory. I, too, soloed young. I soloed a sailplane on my 14th birthday and a Citabria on my 16th birthday. Memories!

  • @elbeaver0
    @elbeaver0 Рік тому +5

    Those ARE insanely good landing for first solo!!! Can't wait to do mine, hope I'll be as good as I seen here ;)

    • @elbeaver0
      @elbeaver0 11 місяців тому +1

      ... I finally made my first solo few weeks ago... I have to say I was not nearly as good as this. Congrats again

  • @d_glow
    @d_glow 4 місяці тому

    Straight off the school bus to solo airplane 👏🏼 gotta be an amazing feeling

  • @jasonbaker9862
    @jasonbaker9862 Рік тому +3

    Thanks for sharing, and congrats! Watching your first solo reminded me of mine, but I was the ripe old age of 19. Those landings were greasy! Great job!!!

  • @kevinkelly5257
    @kevinkelly5257 Рік тому +8

    Wicked! Really proud of you, Nathan. Our kids have loved watching you fly and you are getting them excited to experience it for themselves! Also, I agree that the last landing was BUTTER, just like the text swipe on the bus!

  • @CaptMoo
    @CaptMoo Рік тому +6

    Love how you went from nervous to full blown excited as you were going through the checklist in the cockpit.
    Congratulations Capt. Jer 29:11 The best is yet to come.
    PS: Shoutout to ATC and pilots that knows how to make a pilots day with their congrats.

  • @timparhamsr9598
    @timparhamsr9598 Рік тому

    Great deal ! and . . .. Continue to keep alert , at all things you do :)
    I have a feeling ...... You are truely " going places " ! and thanks for sharing !

  • @FredDavison
    @FredDavison Рік тому

    Well done! Boy, did that bring back memories. I'll never forget climbing out, turning crosswind and looking back at the runway on my solo.

  • @justplanefred
    @justplanefred Рік тому +1

    That's awesome! Hopefully I can get started with my flight training and get to my first solo too

  • @melxdan
    @melxdan Рік тому +2

    Major props to you brother, couldn’t imagine myself at 16 taking up something as serious as flying. I’m now 26 starting my flight hours next week and really wishing I started early! Good luck on your journey.

  • @casst346
    @casst346 Рік тому

    wow..how exciting! thanks for sharing! great job!

  • @bigman55434
    @bigman55434 5 місяців тому

    I love this video. I hope you are still flying! Please post more of these videos if you can. Totally love your enthusiasm!

  • @dr.strangelove7739
    @dr.strangelove7739 Рік тому

    Great job Nathan! You are a great example of aviation's future!

  • @ekspatvos6264
    @ekspatvos6264 Рік тому +1

    Well done. Proud on your behalf of your achievement. Always fly safe.

  • @UberGeek
    @UberGeek Рік тому +2

    Congrats. I too solo'd on my 16th birthday. I didn't get my drivers license until 2 months later.

  • @MrSmokehouse6
    @MrSmokehouse6 Рік тому

    Nathan, congrat's on your solo flight, you greased those landings pretty much. After watching you & your family being so close, I'm come to realize that with folks like you all, there is hope for our great country after all. You should really think about becoming a pilot after you're all done with school. Blessings to you and your family, you guys are wonderful!

  • @BrienDunn
    @BrienDunn Рік тому +1

    Excellent dude! I was cheering for you while watching the video. What an accomplishment. Excellent landings. Elite! This made my day, reminding me what peeps are capable of doing.

  • @brianduffin5405
    @brianduffin5405 Рік тому +6

    Great achievement young man, you have to make a career out of it 👍🏼✈

  • @robertparker3580
    @robertparker3580 Рік тому

    congratulations,you are a awesome individual,great job!

  • @Clarkanlana42
    @Clarkanlana42 Рік тому

    Awesome job! That was incredible!

  • @cleblanc94
    @cleblanc94 Рік тому

    Congrats man! Such a special moment. I remember my solo from 2019 like it was just yesterday. You're one hell of a pilot already! Loved how calm and collected you were. And you nailed those landings! Thanks for sharing.

  • @justaboutaviation9343
    @justaboutaviation9343 Рік тому +1

    Congratulations on your solo. Hope you enjoy the rest of your training.

  • @alaskafan21
    @alaskafan21 Рік тому

    Great job Nathan. Loved watching you do your solo. Well done sir !

  • @wd8ejc
    @wd8ejc Рік тому +1

    Congratulations Nathen, I did that at 14 in a J-3 cub. Very smooth your going to be a great Pilot. I only have 1 word of advice, Dont get feeling like you know it all, It can come to bite you quick, Just keep your head and you will go far.

    • @wd8ejc
      @wd8ejc Рік тому

      That was 50 years ago !

  • @patrickreid7548
    @patrickreid7548 Рік тому +1

    That was a perfect solo flight, love it, make flying your career you will make it.

  • @oorahharley
    @oorahharley 6 місяців тому

    Congratulations! Had me smiling the whole way through. Brought back memories of my first solo at 16 yrs old (46 yrs ago) and and that great feeling. Keep on learning and enjoy!

  • @NYBaldwin11510
    @NYBaldwin11510 Рік тому

    Congratulations Nathan, fantastic job! You are a great pilot with lots of potential!

  • @ProducerStefanSchnabel
    @ProducerStefanSchnabel Рік тому

    Awesome! Many happy landings! 🛩

  • @erichetherington9899
    @erichetherington9899 Рік тому

    So nice TY Good job! :)

  • @Tow69er
    @Tow69er Рік тому +1

    Great Job Young Man Congratulations on your solo.

  • @lesterhall5145
    @lesterhall5145 Рік тому

    Glad th÷res young people like this, dedicated who strive to accomplish their dreams. The future of america

  • @edjarrett3164
    @edjarrett3164 Рік тому

    Very impressive solo. Your piloting skills are very good and your intuition in the pattern was spot on. You are definitely on the road to success. Nice work!

  • @jamesmoore9216
    @jamesmoore9216 Рік тому

    Awesome job. When I was 15 I stared flying helicopters. My mom would drive me to the airport and I would jump in a helicopter by myself.

  • @brianwessner4108
    @brianwessner4108 Рік тому +1

    Hey Nathan...what a great adventure and a great video...also had my first solo on my 16th birthday and I remember it to this day (many years later)! Congratulations

  • @stevensaviationspotting
    @stevensaviationspotting Рік тому +4

    Well done, Nathan! I flew a Cessna 172P Skyhawk for the first time when I was younger (I’m 16 rn too by the way), I did had to fly with the Co-Pilot too instructing me.

  • @jakebeukes
    @jakebeukes Рік тому

    Congratulations! This is a major achievement! :)😁

  • @sherrilltechnology
    @sherrilltechnology Рік тому

    Man what a great video 16 and your first solo flight that is some maturity!!

  • @kaasmeester5903
    @kaasmeester5903 Рік тому +3

    Outstanding job. As someone who did their first solo as well recently (though at over 3 times your age) , I have to say you looked pretty calm and collected up there.

  • @NateDawgMsu1980
    @NateDawgMsu1980 10 місяців тому

    From the parent of a MTSU flight instructor, it was nice to see her excitement. The progression of a pilot from discovery on to their dreams is amazing.

  • @garyrasso6149
    @garyrasso6149 Рік тому

    Congrats. Well done and welcome to the club.

  • @Dominicabbate1
    @Dominicabbate1 Рік тому +3

    CleeeAARrrrrr

  • @andresrvlife1386
    @andresrvlife1386 Рік тому

    Very impressive... Great job!

  • @donnieallen5927
    @donnieallen5927 Рік тому

    congrats young man!!

  • @Checkpoint555
    @Checkpoint555 Рік тому

    how do you only have 502 subs you should have 1 million by now your a legend

  • @jimmymurphy7789
    @jimmymurphy7789 4 місяці тому

    You have everything going for you (extraordinary) to enable to succeed in anything you put your mind to do in your exciting young Life (including Aviation). You are indeed an Inspiration Lad - what Confidence you have - I envy you !

  • @glenw-xm5zf
    @glenw-xm5zf Рік тому

    I gotta have nothing but respect for any young person who goes after and gets his PPL. Well done, 'kids' Your generation aint all bad

  • @paulmckelvey3856
    @paulmckelvey3856 Рік тому +1

    Congrats on your solo. For mine the instructor stepped out, told me to bring it around to 2 touch and gos and stepped out of the Piper. You gave me more to add to mu solo!🎉

  • @diegojon8267
    @diegojon8267 Рік тому

    Nice job Nathan! Happy landings.😊

  • @user-hv9sg5pl8b
    @user-hv9sg5pl8b 15 днів тому

    Good job young man. Congratulations, a little late. I hope your plans are going just how you envisioned them. You showed very good talent.

  • @barrymackley8447
    @barrymackley8447 Рік тому +1

    keep up the good flying that was a good Landing when i was a kid your age i did some flying with my big bother

  • @zach9373
    @zach9373 Рік тому +3

    Congratulations, very awesome to see. I wish I had gotten exposure to general aviation sooner! I just finally got my PPL last year at 31 years old. Subbed!

  • @twowheelvalle
    @twowheelvalle Рік тому

    I love this video! ❤

  • @Agent_Raj
    @Agent_Raj 4 місяці тому

    Awesome video bro! You motivated me

  • @oneshot5060
    @oneshot5060 11 місяців тому

    Pilot is a lot of people's dream including me. I wish you have a great pilot on your future . Pilot is very expensive

  • @MarcelHuguenin
    @MarcelHuguenin Рік тому

    Congrats, well done!

  • @KonaMan62
    @KonaMan62 Рік тому +1

    Way to go, Nathan!!!
    I logged my first duel lessons at 14, then took a two-year break and soloed for my 17th birthday at CRQ/Carlsbad, CA. I got my PVT a few months later before turning 18, and your video brought back many fond memories. Undoubtedly, you and I belong to a very small group of teens who accomplished something big before we were old enough to drive or vote.
    You've also got a great sense of humor, I LOL'd at one point when you said, "don't want to catch a pilot deviation because...... Ugg-ush-yuk" Yep, that's about right. Your landings were buttar, but man, did I have sweaty palms too.
    CRQ was known as the Busiest Single Runway Airport in the Nation at the time and for many years after. Needless to say, the airspace along coastal California is also busy, but NOTHING like it is today.
    My landings were "okay" but not as nice as yours. The one thing I DO remember like it was yesterday was on my second lap around the pattern. A Barron was approaching from the north and told to "Follow the Cessna in the pattern, number two to land" With that, I got a VERY clear look at his underbelly as he cut me off and entered ahead of me - the controller, NOT amused by this ( he knew I was on my solo too. Back then, our instructors usually went up into the tower to watch our solo's and be on hand quick if something went sour) He came on and called me... "Cessna 5DR" Apparently, the Barron Pilot can't count or follow instructions, please SLOW to your minimum, and I'll call your base" 😱 All I can remember was first standing on, then pumping the toe-brakes, and nothing was happening!!! OH, right, brakes don't work up here... let's see, reduce power, pitch up, and I was SO happy when I started to slow. One of the most memorable days of my life; I pray the same for you.

    • @NathanBrookhart
      @NathanBrookhart  7 місяців тому +1

      I’m glad that it helped you think back on the memories of your PVT journey. It has been an absolute blast so far, and I can’t wait to keep creating and I hope you will continue to join me.

  • @gabotdf
    @gabotdf Рік тому

    Can't help it but smile.

  • @elicas0319
    @elicas0319 Рік тому

    Welcome to the skies buddy!

  • @germb747
    @germb747 3 місяці тому

    Congrats! Done like a pro.

  • @edwardstephens247
    @edwardstephens247 Рік тому

    I am so proud of your accomplishments at your age! I am jealous.

  • @danyvlasov2591
    @danyvlasov2591 Рік тому

    Completely relatable.

  • @ual737ret
    @ual737ret Рік тому +6

    I also soloed at age 16. What followed was 35 year career as an airline pilot.

    • @NathanBrookhart
      @NathanBrookhart  Рік тому +1

      im tryna get like you, my boy. Yeah that’s what i would like to be doing.

    • @Norman_Peterson
      @Norman_Peterson Рік тому

      @@NathanBrookhart it's not what you'd like that counts, it's what you DECIDE to do and why YOU COMMIT to do it. There is no chance, no luck, there is you and what you choose to do and the commitment you put into it. So plan and commit, and you succeed. Good luck boy!

  • @ita0015
    @ita0015 Рік тому

    We love you!!! From Italy 🇮🇹 🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤😊

  • @Tjlopez80
    @Tjlopez80 Рік тому

    Congrats big dog!

  • @frednel4326
    @frednel4326 Рік тому +1

    Those wer all great touch n go runs there for a first solo and so congratulations 👌, landing is always the hardest part of flying and you pulled it off pretty easly and smoothly 👍

  • @andrewbennett2582
    @andrewbennett2582 Рік тому

    What a delightful and talented young man.

  • @ciroscotto9944
    @ciroscotto9944 Рік тому

    Love this video

  • @rogerbloxham5381
    @rogerbloxham5381 Рік тому

    I’m glad to see that they haven’t lost the tradition of cutting Shirttails. I soloed over 50 years ago and I still remember every detail!

  • @daverohn383
    @daverohn383 Рік тому +1

    Great job on those landings! I remember the first time I took the controls on my own, my mouth went dry and I was terrified that I was going to make a mistake! But, I did ok. It's not an experience that I regret one bit!

  • @LukePylypciw
    @LukePylypciw Рік тому +2

    Nice video, Nathan. Congrats on this accomplishment!

    • @NathanBrookhart
      @NathanBrookhart  Рік тому

      Thanks Luke, i look up to you a ton with what you have done and continue to do.

  • @tutankhamunwhite665
    @tutankhamunwhite665 Рік тому

    Amazing ✈️

  • @lgarcia67
    @lgarcia67 Рік тому

    I just came across this video and I am happy I did. Congratulations Nathan! I am 55, love aviation and I hope I can also do my solo some time in the future. First I have to put a couple of kids a little older than you through college though. Have fun in the air!!

  • @bobninemire6859
    @bobninemire6859 Рік тому

    Congratulations !!

  • @raymoreton3184
    @raymoreton3184 Рік тому +1

    I enjoy watching young people flying aeroplanes and first solos, even if older, it reminds me of when I did my only solo unfortunately I could not afford to finish and become a full pilot, I did my back in june 94 when I had just turned turned 16 I had the same thoughts about being trusted to take an aeroplane alone in the sky and bring back safely, I was in the air cadets in england in the 90's and the first time I experienced flying was in a winch launch glider at 13 and I loved it, they do powered and gliders so when the minute I turned 16 I thought I would apply not (I chose gliding maybe because it was a little closer to home) expecting to get anything back because the amount of people trying for any flying courses was huge, but I did, just because you get on a course does not mean you will solo, it depends how good you are at picking stuff up in a week, you have to share the time with others on the course, there were a few people who did not solo but I managed to be one, I did mine at raf west malling which has closed now, I was also lucky enough to not have to pay any extra for the course, just getting down there and snacks and other personal stuff which really helped, a couple of years ago I found a possible picture of the reg number of the glider that I flew solo because I still have all the info from my time and put it on my computer desktop.

  • @user-tn9kh8np4c
    @user-tn9kh8np4c Рік тому

    He has a future in aviation. Great Kid

  • @SouthernKansasRailfan
    @SouthernKansasRailfan Рік тому

    Man this is good stuff, keep up the amazing work! I love your enthusiasm and you did this just like I would, double and triple checking everything, which is good because from what I can tell, aviation is all about safety first, and verifying stuff and briefing yourself is all telltale signs you got it. Keep it up man, new sub!

  • @michaelgiordano1004
    @michaelgiordano1004 Рік тому

    Love the "Angle of Attack" CLEAR!

  • @marktwain3531
    @marktwain3531 Рік тому

    Kid's got to be an absolute badass at school.

  • @TeezyThaKidd
    @TeezyThaKidd Рік тому

    this is wicked inspiring!! i’m basically twice your age and have been wanting to achieve exactly what you have since i was half your age! really pushes the envelope forward that if you put your mind to it - even with the ebbs and flows of life suffocating you - you can do it. i absolutely love that you coached yourself through this flight, from getting to the screechy “clear prop!” to the self-hype with that butter-glazed touchdown! i’m definitely taking notes from you 😎
    keep it up. people are paying attention to you. you’re an inspiration to me, and clearly a lot of others! i wish you nothing but continued success on your aviator journey. many blessings to you and your family!
    and most of all - CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

  • @budowens6478
    @budowens6478 10 місяців тому

    Good job kid!

  • @donovanSMMsvlog1583
    @donovanSMMsvlog1583 Рік тому

    Good luck for the future ❤

  • @MO_COOKIE
    @MO_COOKIE 11 місяців тому

    Just came across your video and I was remenecing throughout the whole video. It wasn't that long ago I got my PPL and now I am working on Instrument Rating. I can still remember the excitement for my SOLO!! And I definitely can relate to his energy going into my solo. Really awsome video I enjoyed every second of it.

    • @NathanBrookhart
      @NathanBrookhart  7 місяців тому

      I’m so glad that it brought back happy memories for you. That was part of my motivation in starting to create, To show my experiences to help motivate, reminisce, and as a tribute to my amazing journey as a young pilot :)

  • @MACF75
    @MACF75 7 місяців тому

    Congrats buddy.