A Little History

I’ve always been interested in flying, and as long as I can remember, I always looked up at the sound of an airplane, but never really gave learning much thought. I guess in the back of my mind I figured you learned to fly to make it a career, not just for the simple feeling of joy and accomplishment.

I’ve also never been a comfortable passenger. Yes, I was one of the passengers in the airport bar prior to my flight. I think it’s been a lack of understanding, as well as a control thing.

About a year and a half ago, my wife gave me a certificate for a discovery flight for my birthday; in part to help me to be more comfortable flying, and in part to help satisfy my curiosity. After .9 hours in a 172, with my then 14-year-old son in the back enjoying the ride, I came down hooked.
Fast forward a year and a half of putting money away in a separate savings account, forum lurking, and reading aviation books and magazines. I decided it was time to either do it or not.

With support from my wife (very important), as well as my manager at work (also important) , I found a part 61 school at Twin Oaks Airpark (7S3), about 15 minutes from work, and scheduled another discovery flight with an instructor.

The Discovery Flight – My instructor gave me the grand tour, looked over the different aircraft available, performed a thorough preflight of the 172 we were going to use (5440Hotel). We spent .5hrs in the air just getting a feel for the aircraft, and basic flight maneuvers and instruments. I was able to experience having the controls for much of the time, and left the airport again grinning, and with a feeling of exhilaration.