Dear Mother and Dad,
I soloed-yes sir I took it up all alone-gosh! What a feeling- My legs were really shaking for a while but after my first takeoff and landing I went O.K. -my instructor took pictures (movie camera) of my landings and takeoffs. He was so darn happy-by the way I was the first in my instructors group to solo. I was lucky-my landings were perfect-my instructor even congratulated me. He has never said a kind word before. Soloing doesn’t mean I’ll make this flying game-but it is a step toward the goal. Gosh! When you’re up there-way above everything-I found some thoughts run through your mind. The motor, in reality, sounds the same but, you imagine something’s wrong. They stress, here at Rankin-more than anything-looking around at all times-we must clear ourselves from other planes before every maneuver-even the simplest turns. Rankin is very strict but has very few accidents because of their thorough teaching of precautions in the air. I hope I continue my good work-I realize I have just started the flying game. It is very fascinating way up in the atmosphere.
I had plans to send a telegram but I just haven’t any money. We haven’t been paid since we left Santa Ana. I suppose I could’ve borrowed some but I don’t like to get in debt to anyone. I hope you don’t think I am stingy.
Well darlings, be careful-take care of yourselves-don’t worry about me. I’m a man now-
Love Jim