In the NAVY (not an Air Force tradition and may we add that they took it from the Navy), when a pilot first solos an aircraft they have a get-together of the pilots and instructors of the flight to celebrate the event. They make it an entertaining event because the student wears a tie to the party and their instructor tells the (usually comical) story how the solo day went and how well (or not so well) the student did. Depending on the soloist's success the instructor will cut a certain amount of that tie. A bad solo means the tie will be cut a lot, possibly even to the knot. A good solo results in only a little or even just the tip of the tie being cut. Here are some pictures from the fun day...
Brian and his instructor Capt. Freedman
Brian's solo story wasn't very "funny" but he was said to be a great student (second in the class!!) The instructor really had no worries about soloing with him despite the fact that he hadn't even flown with Brian before (this is very rare!!)
The official tie cutting! It's just the tip of the tie!! Good job Brian!!
After the tie is cut the student gives their name tag to the instructor so when they hang up what they cut off on their wall the student's name is displayed with it.
Capt Freedman's first Navy solo student was Brian so it was definitely going on his wall!
Brian with his solo certificate :)
After the little party and everyone's tie was cute Brian was able to take me to the flight line! But not before I got to try on more of his cool pilot equipment ;)
Me on the flight line in front of a T6 (Brian's trainer aircraft)
Some pictures of us :]
