First Solo Flight of Student Pilot Daphne Stan Ortega Pascua

As predicted, the newly reported Pre-solo student pilots who reported early this January 2018 resumed the first solo flight checks. Thus, this morning on or about 0840H, Jan 25, 2018, another flightless eaglet, Student Pilot Daphne Stan Ortega Pascua, once again coming from Lipa City made it to the elite list of 1st Soloists of Leading Edge. With pure hardwork and determination, the young female product of De La Salle Lipa and Lyceum of the Philippines University, BS Nursing, flying RP-C6932, attained the highlight of her early flying career with a bang, making just 3 good safe landings with precision, undoubtedly was the primary factor for Senior FI, Capt Philmer Powao to release her for 1st Solo. Unaware of the presence of her ever supportive parents who just arrived from Manila to witness their youngest daughter’s 1st solo flight, the performance was quite astonishing with the smooth and safe touchdown slightly overshot at Rwy 190° in-use. Incidentally, the proud father of the 1st soloist for the day, Capt Resty Pascua Jr., a member of PAF Flying School Class 85A was a former combat helicopter pilot with the 205th THW and now flying with Cebu Pacific Air. Hence, no wonder, flying runs in the blood of the brand new 1st Soloist for the day. As a word of wisdom from the old fogies, soloing is just the beginning of a very long and winding road, full of ups and downs, climb and climbing turns, power on/off stalls, emergency procedures, airworks, instrument flying, weather, etc…towards a very bright flying career.
Congratulations once again to SP Daphne Stan Pascua for successfully achieving the most memorable feat in your early flying career, the unforgettable “1st Solo Flight”. Likewise, the same goes to the very proud & ever supportive parents, Resty & Ging for rearing a well-bred daughter, a one of a kind! Have a happy and Safe flight always! Cheers & God bless!