Solo!

My first solo was absolutely breathtaking. Me and Joe flew to the Lapeer airport to do some pattern work and to my surprise, he jumped out of the plane after the first landing and said “Give me three goes around the pattern.” I will admit, that was a little scary when he took me by surprise, but after that I was very comfortable. It’s super peaceful being up there by yourself and just enjoying the sky. I had a smooth hot day with no traffic and light wind. This made for some smooth flight and some smooth landings.

Now its time for me to start doing some more studying and get ready to do that solo cross country. Thank you FMA for getting me to solo! I will forever be thankful for all of the help and resources you guys have offered me. It’s so wonderful to be a part of this community.

Published by

Nathan Nothelle

"I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.” – Thomas Jefferson My name is Nathan Nothelle and I’m a 17 year old senior from Imlay City Michigan. My passion in music goes way back to the four stringed guitar I found in my barn when I was five, and has only escalated since I learned to play when I was 10. My real musical career began in 2010 when I picked up a trumpet for our beginning elementary band. I played trumpet all the way through middle school and learned the real meaning between passion and determination. Going into high school, I auditioned for our top band and began my real study. I was placed lead and section leader in my marching band and concert band my sophomore year. Since then I’ve taken great pride in tutoring students of all ages in all of the brass instruments I’ve learned including trumpet, horn, euphonium, trombone, and tuba. Some of my favorite experiences over the past four years have been playing in 14 various college honors bands, playing for my high schools concert band and wind ensemble, playing for many jazz ensembles, community bands, and so many more that I could go on forever. This year I’ve completed 51 performances so far! My passion in aviation dates back to when I took a flight down to florida when I was 9 and I was stunned by the absolute beauty of being up in the sky. Since that moment, all I ever want to do (besides play horn) is be in the air. My goal in aviation is to fly search and rescue missions with the United States Coast Guard. To reach my career goals, I am currently working on receiving my private pilot license from Flight 101 at KPTK to gain knowledge and accelerate my career. Before I apply to become an officer, I plan to complete a bachelor's degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology from Western Michigan University. While attending school, I’ll devote as much time as I have available to the USCG Aux Air as I’ve recently joined as an observer. Currently, my line of work before I ship off to school includes my day job as a custom fabricator for a local diesel and body shop, my night job as an equipment maintainer for a farm, and my many students that I continue to try and inspire with music as it's inspired me. Happy flying!

7 thoughts on “Solo!”

  1. Now you’ve tasted true freedom, You’ll never be the same. I have enjoyed many years of flying and still do.

  2. Good job!!! You’ve got a great attitude and your passion and hard work will take you far. I especially like your choice of AMT schools. Having the technical background will serve you well regardless of your career focus.

  3. Congratulations, Nathan. We are all so very proud and happy for you. Your determination, perseverance, and dedication has paid off. The small part FMA played hopefully set a firm foundation for your continued progress. Please continue to keep us informed as your journey continues.

    Oh… Happy Birthday too!

  4. Congratulations! That first solo take off and landing is a thrill like none other! Keep up the good work?

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