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1 Answers

Made a mistake? How bad is this?

Asked by: 1185 views
Student Pilot

Hello, 

Just to give some background I’m a student pilot with just over 60 hours. Today while solo in the pattern I made a mistake. When landing I was slightly pointed left when I touched down I panicked and slammed on my right rudder and went off the runway and took out a run way light. No damage was done to the plane and my CFI and I immediately self reported. The airport took my information (assuming to pay for the light). I know this incident doesn’t define me as a pilot and I’m beyond embarrassed that this has happened. I have aspirations of becoming a commercial pilot. How badly does this hinder by chances? And what should I expect next? 

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1 Answers



  1. John D Collins on Aug 18, 2024

    I would not expect any ramifications from the FAA or future employment. You may be asked by the airport authority to pay for the light repair. You should learn from the experience and not make drastic corrections when they are not warranted and practice proper alignment with the runway in cross wind conditions.

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