There is hope! I ran into Mr. Rogers at the airport today. He runs Liberty's aviation program and when he asked how the flight training was going I was honest and told him that I was enjoying the challenge but was currently in a frustrated funk.(see previous post)
He told me that this is very common and that around flight 7-8, things would start to click, especially the landings. That was very good news as I keep trying to convince myself that this should be much easier than it appears to be.
Today's flight was in sunny but breezy conditions. Today we practiced some more power-on and power-off stalls, slow flight, steep turns, and then an emergency decent. This new maneuver caught me slightly off-guard. We climbed to about 5K feet and then Carl suddenly cut the power to idle and shoved the yoke almost into the panel. This results in a very steep dive. Seeing the ground rushing towards you at about 180 mph is a little bit worrisome. While we were screaming towards the ground, I was to pick a place for an emergency landing. Apparently closing your eyes, screaming and hugging your instructor is not an appropriate response. We descended like a stone to about 1000 feet at which point I leveled off and worked towards my selected field. It certainly gets the ticker going and I noticed I actually broke a sweat. Not from any exertion, but rather from fear or being planted into the soil at high speed.
My landing at the end of today's lesson was almost smooth. The Piper had mercy on me, or, perhaps slamming yourself into the ground repeatedly to humiliate the student gets old after awhile. The old girl is giving me hope.
Overall a fun and exciting day.
Let's go flying.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
Some Things Don't Come Easy...
Finally, after what seems like endless days of rain and fog, today we had sunshine and unseasonably warm weather. Today's flight was a mixed bag of frustration, minor victories and more frustration.
I'm used to things that come easy and I guess as I have gotten older I have consciously or unconsciously avoided those things that would be difficult to master. Although this was only my third training flight, I find myself frustrated that this new skill cannot be simply and quickly mastered. An author described smooth precision flying as a love affair with the airplane...making love. YIKES! Today's flight was more like a messy domestic dispute. The airplane and I went to war and the wind was on her side.
Today's flight was awkward and I struggled to get back in flying mode after almost a month. What is flying mode? I think of flying mode as that frame of mind where one can anticipate, react and direct the machine (airplane) to do what you (and your instructor) expect it to do. Flying mode puts every distraction out of mind for the purpose of concentrating only on precision flying. Today's flying was sloppy and anything but smooth.
The landing approaches were complicated by some random gusts that seemed intent on making my flying look confused, or possibly drunk. Just when the aircraft would be lined up properly, a gust would throw us to one side or the other. At low approach speeds, corrections must be smooth and gentle. For anyone who has met me...I'm anything but smooth and gentle. I find myself struggling and trying to manhandle the airplane into the proper configuration. This just makes everything worse. Think bull in a china shop.
I'm used to doing things that come easy. It has been so long since I felt this kind of frustration at my own ineptitude. Perhaps this is what it feels like to grow. I hope Carl can cash in some of his credits with the chiropractor.
On a positive note, low fuel prices have reduced the rental fee of the Piper Warrior to $105/hr. of frustration. (I mean flying)
Tomorrow we will go again. Must get back on this horse!
Let's go flying....smooth.
I'm used to things that come easy and I guess as I have gotten older I have consciously or unconsciously avoided those things that would be difficult to master. Although this was only my third training flight, I find myself frustrated that this new skill cannot be simply and quickly mastered. An author described smooth precision flying as a love affair with the airplane...making love. YIKES! Today's flight was more like a messy domestic dispute. The airplane and I went to war and the wind was on her side.
Today's flight was awkward and I struggled to get back in flying mode after almost a month. What is flying mode? I think of flying mode as that frame of mind where one can anticipate, react and direct the machine (airplane) to do what you (and your instructor) expect it to do. Flying mode puts every distraction out of mind for the purpose of concentrating only on precision flying. Today's flying was sloppy and anything but smooth.
The landing approaches were complicated by some random gusts that seemed intent on making my flying look confused, or possibly drunk. Just when the aircraft would be lined up properly, a gust would throw us to one side or the other. At low approach speeds, corrections must be smooth and gentle. For anyone who has met me...I'm anything but smooth and gentle. I find myself struggling and trying to manhandle the airplane into the proper configuration. This just makes everything worse. Think bull in a china shop.
I'm used to doing things that come easy. It has been so long since I felt this kind of frustration at my own ineptitude. Perhaps this is what it feels like to grow. I hope Carl can cash in some of his credits with the chiropractor.
On a positive note, low fuel prices have reduced the rental fee of the Piper Warrior to $105/hr. of frustration. (I mean flying)
Tomorrow we will go again. Must get back on this horse!
Let's go flying....smooth.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Sunshine...finally....and lots of wind.
What do we have to do around here to get some decent weather? Monday dawned clear, sunny and very cold. I happily booked a couple of hours off work and practically skipped to the airport. As soon as I stepped out of the van I realized that something had changed during the 10 minute drive from home to the airport. It was suddenly very windy. Windy as in 15-20 mph with gusts almost 30.
I went into the classroom area and immediately noticed that Carl was sitting behind a huge pile of books. Guess what? No flying today...too windy. Let's do some groundwork instead. I wanted to stamp my feet and whine like a 2-year-old. I have spend countless hours in the books over that past semester and now I WANT TO FLY!!!
Carl said that nothing worthwhile could be accomplished today with the wind so, after two hours of bookwork, I headed back to work. To protest, I refused to answer my phone or any emails for the rest of the day. I read flying blogs and planned my revenge. Not sure what that revenge will be...but it's gonna be good! I'm not even sure how you get revenge on the weather but somebody is going to pay. My first full month of flight training and I have an amazing 2.2 hrs in my logbook. At this rate it will take me over two YEARS to get my licence. Actually, at this rate I will never get my licence because my dying brain cells require me to pretty much re-learn anything after I've been away from it for a week.
I guess one positive is my flying account hasn't been hurt much. Small consolation. We will try again on Monday. Until then...
Let's go flying! (Or I'm going to hold my breath until I pass out!)
We are scheduled to meet
I went into the classroom area and immediately noticed that Carl was sitting behind a huge pile of books. Guess what? No flying today...too windy. Let's do some groundwork instead. I wanted to stamp my feet and whine like a 2-year-old. I have spend countless hours in the books over that past semester and now I WANT TO FLY!!!
Carl said that nothing worthwhile could be accomplished today with the wind so, after two hours of bookwork, I headed back to work. To protest, I refused to answer my phone or any emails for the rest of the day. I read flying blogs and planned my revenge. Not sure what that revenge will be...but it's gonna be good! I'm not even sure how you get revenge on the weather but somebody is going to pay. My first full month of flight training and I have an amazing 2.2 hrs in my logbook. At this rate it will take me over two YEARS to get my licence. Actually, at this rate I will never get my licence because my dying brain cells require me to pretty much re-learn anything after I've been away from it for a week.
I guess one positive is my flying account hasn't been hurt much. Small consolation. We will try again on Monday. Until then...
Let's go flying! (Or I'm going to hold my breath until I pass out!)
We are scheduled to meet
Monday, December 15, 2008
Rain, Fog, Clouds....
I see now that my June 9 target completion date is probably too optimistic...especially given the weather at this time of year. I have been grounded for the past two weeks. The only sunshine has been on weekends which is probably perfect for most people, but not for me. We have been busy with work, and the wedding of my second son. That's all good, but I'm itching to get back to flight training. This week looks like clouds and rain all week, with maybe a slight glimmer of hope for Friday. I'm hoping Carl will be available if the weather finally cooperates. Let's go flying! (Praying for sunshine.)
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Flight #2: Hard Landings
Today was the ultimate day for flying. I met Carl at 8am and the day was crisp, cold, and clear. There was no wind and not a cloud in the sky. A perfect excuse to burn some more time off and get in my second flight lesson.
I did the preflight and by the time we were finished the frost had burned off the wings. When those wings are all that stand between you and disaster, you quickly learn that you want nothing to interfere with the smooth flow of air over that wing that generates your lift. Even a light frost can be dangerous.
The air was as smooth as glass today...hardly a bump...unitl I started practicing some landings. Carl's other student is a chiropractor and that may come in handy if we keep landing the way we did today. Carl insists that I fly the landing while he gives encouragement from the right seat. He has this amazing ability to remain absolutely calm despite the fact that I'm dropping us onto the asphalt like a brick. I guess it just feels that way because he says I'm doing fine. Or, perhaps he's just trying to be kind.
If flying wasn't difficult, everyone would do it. It is the most challenging thing I can ever remember tackling. I'm convinced that as long as I keep practicing regularly and don't give up, I can do this.
For a student pilot, flying consumes every ounce of mental energy and concentration, leaving no time to think of anything else. I feel the same way when I'm playing hockey. When you walk away from the airplane after a training flight you are mentally exhausted, but strangely exhilarated to be back on the ground, aware that just a few minutes ago you were 4,000 ft above the earth traveling at 120 mph.
I must attend to work and a busy weekend cooking kettle corn at a parade and two football games. No time for flying. I am aiming for next Tue. or Wed. for my next flight(s). Until then..."Let's go flying!"
I did the preflight and by the time we were finished the frost had burned off the wings. When those wings are all that stand between you and disaster, you quickly learn that you want nothing to interfere with the smooth flow of air over that wing that generates your lift. Even a light frost can be dangerous.
The air was as smooth as glass today...hardly a bump...unitl I started practicing some landings. Carl's other student is a chiropractor and that may come in handy if we keep landing the way we did today. Carl insists that I fly the landing while he gives encouragement from the right seat. He has this amazing ability to remain absolutely calm despite the fact that I'm dropping us onto the asphalt like a brick. I guess it just feels that way because he says I'm doing fine. Or, perhaps he's just trying to be kind.
If flying wasn't difficult, everyone would do it. It is the most challenging thing I can ever remember tackling. I'm convinced that as long as I keep practicing regularly and don't give up, I can do this.
For a student pilot, flying consumes every ounce of mental energy and concentration, leaving no time to think of anything else. I feel the same way when I'm playing hockey. When you walk away from the airplane after a training flight you are mentally exhausted, but strangely exhilarated to be back on the ground, aware that just a few minutes ago you were 4,000 ft above the earth traveling at 120 mph.
I must attend to work and a busy weekend cooking kettle corn at a parade and two football games. No time for flying. I am aiming for next Tue. or Wed. for my next flight(s). Until then..."Let's go flying!"
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Flight #1
Most flight training blogs seem to focus on the mechanics of each lesson. After reading many of these accounts, I choose to focus less on the technical and more on the personal impressions and mental gymnastics required in flight training.
I met my flight instructor and I knew right away that we would be a good fit. He has a wealth of experience and has trained dozens of aviators. He re-started his own flight training at the age of 50 after soloing 20 years earlier. He is laid back but speaks in a way that gives you absolute confidence in his knowledge and abilities. I thought it was interesting that he said that at his age (early 70's) his medical permit could be pulled at any time, but, he would hang with me as long as possible and make sure I get handed off to a good CFI if that becomes necessary.
Our aircraft is a 1979 Piper Warrior II, a 160 HP workhorse with almost 9000 hard hours of training on her. She shows her wear in obvious places, (like the seats) but she reminds me of driving a really old tractor that has seen just about everything that a rookie pilot can throw at her. Aircraft cabins are small, so my big FOP frame encroaches a little bit on Carl who has maintained that wiry aviator physique. This aircraft is well suited to husky frames and just happens to be cheaper to rent than the common Cessna 172.
It is hard to describe the first takeoff. I guess absolute terror mixed with child-like excitement would be a good analogy. The terror comes from the rational side of the brain that says there is something really wrong with a husband and father of seven, grandfather of two, racing down a narrow patch of aspahlt and climbing thousands of feet into the air in a 30 year old piece of equipment. The child-like glee overpowers that terror as you watch terra firma shrink below you and you realize that just as you always dream...you are flying!
There is so much going on when an inexperienced pilot is at the helm, that there is little relaxing about flight at this stage. It seems like there are five things to watch and do at the same time, and everything seems strange and unfamiliar. What an amazing challenge! Landing was pure adrenaline as every fiber of your being screams "PULL UP!", and yet, you fight the urge and with the help of calm, cool, Carl, the plane is guided safely onto the ground.
1.1 hrs raced by and at the end I was mentally exhausted but exhilarated, all at the same time. I paid my bill and then asked Carl when we could do it again. He said the weather was iffy later in the week but tomorrow looked good. So...tomorrow morning at 8am we shall go for flight #2. I'll burn some more time off at work, but around the holidays is a good time to do this.
Until tomorrow...Let's go flying!
I met my flight instructor and I knew right away that we would be a good fit. He has a wealth of experience and has trained dozens of aviators. He re-started his own flight training at the age of 50 after soloing 20 years earlier. He is laid back but speaks in a way that gives you absolute confidence in his knowledge and abilities. I thought it was interesting that he said that at his age (early 70's) his medical permit could be pulled at any time, but, he would hang with me as long as possible and make sure I get handed off to a good CFI if that becomes necessary.
Our aircraft is a 1979 Piper Warrior II, a 160 HP workhorse with almost 9000 hard hours of training on her. She shows her wear in obvious places, (like the seats) but she reminds me of driving a really old tractor that has seen just about everything that a rookie pilot can throw at her. Aircraft cabins are small, so my big FOP frame encroaches a little bit on Carl who has maintained that wiry aviator physique. This aircraft is well suited to husky frames and just happens to be cheaper to rent than the common Cessna 172.
It is hard to describe the first takeoff. I guess absolute terror mixed with child-like excitement would be a good analogy. The terror comes from the rational side of the brain that says there is something really wrong with a husband and father of seven, grandfather of two, racing down a narrow patch of aspahlt and climbing thousands of feet into the air in a 30 year old piece of equipment. The child-like glee overpowers that terror as you watch terra firma shrink below you and you realize that just as you always dream...you are flying!
There is so much going on when an inexperienced pilot is at the helm, that there is little relaxing about flight at this stage. It seems like there are five things to watch and do at the same time, and everything seems strange and unfamiliar. What an amazing challenge! Landing was pure adrenaline as every fiber of your being screams "PULL UP!", and yet, you fight the urge and with the help of calm, cool, Carl, the plane is guided safely onto the ground.
1.1 hrs raced by and at the end I was mentally exhausted but exhilarated, all at the same time. I paid my bill and then asked Carl when we could do it again. He said the weather was iffy later in the week but tomorrow looked good. So...tomorrow morning at 8am we shall go for flight #2. I'll burn some more time off at work, but around the holidays is a good time to do this.
Until tomorrow...Let's go flying!
Monday, December 1, 2008
"There are no fat pilots." Part 1
My instructor in Ground School informed the class recently that there are no fat pilots. I looked around the room at the 25 other budding aviators and I had to admit that I look a little out of place. (of course they are also all in their late teens or early 20s) They are lean and trim, while I'm "husky". That's what mothers say when they describe their chubby children. I've always been husky. I've had varying degrees of success in losing weight over the years but once I left football and farming for a desk job, being husky has been a fact of life.
Today is Dec. 1 and since I have my first meeting with my flight instructor tomorrow afternoon, I'm thinking I should take some definite steps to become "less husky." I've recently read a couple books by Charles Lindbergh. The books have been great but the pictures confirm my instructor's assessment. No fat pilots in pictures here. I took hope from the old photos that these guys were all in their mid'20's back in the early 1930's and their trim physiques surely must have ballooned over time. Unfortunately, I found a picture of Charles later in life and he somehow managed to maintain that trim aviator figure. "There are no fat pilots." To be fair, I have paid careful attention during my recent commercial travels and I have seen some slightly husky commercial pilots. They give me great hope and if I wasn't worried about being perceived as a security risk, I'd love to give them a hug for their huskiness. There is hope for me!
Today I am 6 foot 1.5 inches (I've somehow shrunk 1/2 an inch) and I weigh 248.5 lbs. I'm thinking that since my flight instruction is going to require extreme discipline and concentration, I might as well try to kill two birds with one stone and utilize that discipline in my eating and exercise. Let's see...if I hope to get my pilot's licence in time for my 25th wedding anniversary (June 9), and I lost 1.5 lbs per week, that equals 1.5 x 27 weeks = 40.5 lbs. Hmmmm...that would mean that on my 25th anniversary I would weigh about 10 lbs less than I did on the day I met my wife as a senior in high school. My wife already looks better and weighs less than she did in high school, so I could look at this as a way to try to keep up with her...and keep the young studs at bay.
Sounds like a plan. Tomorrow afternoon I meet Carl for the first time and he hinted that if the weather cooperates, we may go for an introductory flight.
Let's go flying....tomorrow!
Today is Dec. 1 and since I have my first meeting with my flight instructor tomorrow afternoon, I'm thinking I should take some definite steps to become "less husky." I've recently read a couple books by Charles Lindbergh. The books have been great but the pictures confirm my instructor's assessment. No fat pilots in pictures here. I took hope from the old photos that these guys were all in their mid'20's back in the early 1930's and their trim physiques surely must have ballooned over time. Unfortunately, I found a picture of Charles later in life and he somehow managed to maintain that trim aviator figure. "There are no fat pilots." To be fair, I have paid careful attention during my recent commercial travels and I have seen some slightly husky commercial pilots. They give me great hope and if I wasn't worried about being perceived as a security risk, I'd love to give them a hug for their huskiness. There is hope for me!
Today I am 6 foot 1.5 inches (I've somehow shrunk 1/2 an inch) and I weigh 248.5 lbs. I'm thinking that since my flight instruction is going to require extreme discipline and concentration, I might as well try to kill two birds with one stone and utilize that discipline in my eating and exercise. Let's see...if I hope to get my pilot's licence in time for my 25th wedding anniversary (June 9), and I lost 1.5 lbs per week, that equals 1.5 x 27 weeks = 40.5 lbs. Hmmmm...that would mean that on my 25th anniversary I would weigh about 10 lbs less than I did on the day I met my wife as a senior in high school. My wife already looks better and weighs less than she did in high school, so I could look at this as a way to try to keep up with her...and keep the young studs at bay.
Sounds like a plan. Tomorrow afternoon I meet Carl for the first time and he hinted that if the weather cooperates, we may go for an introductory flight.
Let's go flying....tomorrow!
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Nervously Waiting...
My flight instructor is a seasoned veteran of 73 years of age, who keeps trying to retire but keeps getting pulled back into the cockpit to train more aspiring pilots. When I spoke with the director of flight operations at my local airport, he said he had the perfect instructor for a "guy like me." (Does that mean old?)
This instructor had taught numerous state troopers to fly, so another law enforcement related guy should be no problem right? Well, there was just one problem and that was Carl was recovering from minor surgery and couldn't start flying again until Dec.08. I was fine with that and for the past month I have been nervously watching the calendar anticipating my first lesson.
Why am I nervous? Well, a couple good reasons. First, I am deathly afraid of heights. I have flown commercial many times but the two times I have been in a small plane were a completely different experience...not unpleasant, just different. Lots of bumps.
Secondly, I tend to get motion sickness fairly easy. I recently purchased a bulk supply of 1 gallon Ziplock bags to stock my flight bag...I think a gallon should be enough right? I have been promised that even if I get airsick, it usually passes after a few lessons when the body adapts to the new sensations. I'm thinking I should eat light before my first few lessons. It might not be fun to yack at 4,000 ft. and I'm not looking forward to being known as "the old guy that puked in the Piper".
Let's go flying!
This instructor had taught numerous state troopers to fly, so another law enforcement related guy should be no problem right? Well, there was just one problem and that was Carl was recovering from minor surgery and couldn't start flying again until Dec.08. I was fine with that and for the past month I have been nervously watching the calendar anticipating my first lesson.
Why am I nervous? Well, a couple good reasons. First, I am deathly afraid of heights. I have flown commercial many times but the two times I have been in a small plane were a completely different experience...not unpleasant, just different. Lots of bumps.
Secondly, I tend to get motion sickness fairly easy. I recently purchased a bulk supply of 1 gallon Ziplock bags to stock my flight bag...I think a gallon should be enough right? I have been promised that even if I get airsick, it usually passes after a few lessons when the body adapts to the new sensations. I'm thinking I should eat light before my first few lessons. It might not be fun to yack at 4,000 ft. and I'm not looking forward to being known as "the old guy that puked in the Piper".
Let's go flying!
A Word About Costs...
Is flying expensive? I would answer yes...and no. Yes, flight training is time consuming and everything associated with airplanes is expensive. Flight time costs about $2/minute plus $35-40/hr for an instructor. With an average training period of 50-60 hrs of flight time, plus instruction, plus ground school, you can easily see how $5000-$8000 could easily be expended in pursuit of this dream. In comparison, what will $5000-$8000 buy you?
A downpayment on a golf membership or approximatly 50-60 rounds of golf at a quality course (yuck!)
Lawyers fees (more expensive than flight time) if you find yourself in legal difficulty (divorce, IRS, or arrest).
A modest used car.
A downpayment on a very nice car.
5-7 months of groceries at our house.
5-7 mortgage payments at our house.
Two sets of braces. (Ouch...paid for one set already)
So, yes I know that this SEEMS like a lot of money but when you figure that for the price of a pretty average used car, you can join the ranks of Charles Lindbergh, Billy Bishop, Chuck Yaeger, and the Red Baron...it seems pretty cheap, don't you think?
Let's go flying!
A downpayment on a golf membership or approximatly 50-60 rounds of golf at a quality course (yuck!)
Lawyers fees (more expensive than flight time) if you find yourself in legal difficulty (divorce, IRS, or arrest).
A modest used car.
A downpayment on a very nice car.
5-7 months of groceries at our house.
5-7 mortgage payments at our house.
Two sets of braces. (Ouch...paid for one set already)
So, yes I know that this SEEMS like a lot of money but when you figure that for the price of a pretty average used car, you can join the ranks of Charles Lindbergh, Billy Bishop, Chuck Yaeger, and the Red Baron...it seems pretty cheap, don't you think?
Let's go flying!
That Four-letter Word
I'd love to _________(insert dream here), but I'm too BUSY. I have noticed over the past years, as my life has gotten more and more busy, that this particular word is the first excuse used by just about everyone to justify why they simply can't do something.
After becoming particularly sensitive to this dreadful word, I recognize it quickly and am amazed at the vast variety of people who claim to be "too busy."
I have a philosophy that everyone from the President of the United States, to the bum on the street is busy. We are all busy doing something, only we can determine what our "busy-ness" entails.
I am busy raising a large family, working a full-time job, building a part-time homebased business, going to school with a full-time course load of studies, playing hockey when I can, and now I want to fulfill a lifelong dream to learn to fly. But...I'm too busy right?
Absolutely NO! But, I am too busy to watch TV, too busy to play golf or watch NASCAR, or football, too busy to watch movies, too busy to read garbage magazines or pointless books....but, I'm never too busy to engage in real life activities with kids, or with my wife, or to learn a new, life-enriching skill (like flying). As we get older, it is new challenges and experience outside of our comfort zones that enrich our lives! God has created each one of us for a specific purpose to advance His kingdom. By narrowing your focus and getting stuck, you limit the opportunities for God to use you.
As an example, I recently took a few days off to take a trip to the Dominican Republic where I learned how truly blessed I am and how fantastically wealthy North Americans are, in comparison to the 80% of the world who are poor. I lived in the midst of a sugarcane field in a shantytown of Haitian immigrants. I met some amazingly joyful people who love Christ and have nothing materially. The richness of their faith and their trust in the goodness of God changed me and convicted me of my selfishness and materialism. I suddenly understood how incredibly blessed we are in North America and the responsibility I have to make every day count. For the vast majority of the world, this dream of learning to fly could never come true. We are so blessed! Perhaps God is preparing me to one day use my in-born interest in aviation to further His kingdom, somewhere like the Dominican Republic. This (pilot's licence) will be one more tool that I will offer to God to be used in His service.
So, when people tell me that they are "too busy", I'm often tempted to ask..."Too busy doing what?" If most of us would simply kill our multiple TVs, we would have an abundance of time for the really enriching things in life.
So I commit to avoid the use of this four-letter word, and instead I choose to be thankful for health and the endless opportunites that allow us to live a life the rest of the world only dreams of.
Of course, I haven't even started flying yet, but, based on my history, if the Lord continues to bless me with good health, I have every reason to believe I will be able to do this and live this dream.
Happy Thanksgiving Day.
After becoming particularly sensitive to this dreadful word, I recognize it quickly and am amazed at the vast variety of people who claim to be "too busy."
I have a philosophy that everyone from the President of the United States, to the bum on the street is busy. We are all busy doing something, only we can determine what our "busy-ness" entails.
I am busy raising a large family, working a full-time job, building a part-time homebased business, going to school with a full-time course load of studies, playing hockey when I can, and now I want to fulfill a lifelong dream to learn to fly. But...I'm too busy right?
Absolutely NO! But, I am too busy to watch TV, too busy to play golf or watch NASCAR, or football, too busy to watch movies, too busy to read garbage magazines or pointless books....but, I'm never too busy to engage in real life activities with kids, or with my wife, or to learn a new, life-enriching skill (like flying). As we get older, it is new challenges and experience outside of our comfort zones that enrich our lives! God has created each one of us for a specific purpose to advance His kingdom. By narrowing your focus and getting stuck, you limit the opportunities for God to use you.
As an example, I recently took a few days off to take a trip to the Dominican Republic where I learned how truly blessed I am and how fantastically wealthy North Americans are, in comparison to the 80% of the world who are poor. I lived in the midst of a sugarcane field in a shantytown of Haitian immigrants. I met some amazingly joyful people who love Christ and have nothing materially. The richness of their faith and their trust in the goodness of God changed me and convicted me of my selfishness and materialism. I suddenly understood how incredibly blessed we are in North America and the responsibility I have to make every day count. For the vast majority of the world, this dream of learning to fly could never come true. We are so blessed! Perhaps God is preparing me to one day use my in-born interest in aviation to further His kingdom, somewhere like the Dominican Republic. This (pilot's licence) will be one more tool that I will offer to God to be used in His service.
So, when people tell me that they are "too busy", I'm often tempted to ask..."Too busy doing what?" If most of us would simply kill our multiple TVs, we would have an abundance of time for the really enriching things in life.
So I commit to avoid the use of this four-letter word, and instead I choose to be thankful for health and the endless opportunites that allow us to live a life the rest of the world only dreams of.
Of course, I haven't even started flying yet, but, based on my history, if the Lord continues to bless me with good health, I have every reason to believe I will be able to do this and live this dream.
Happy Thanksgiving Day.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Crazy Dreams...
Those who study dreams (Oneirologists) tell us that dreams of flight are extremely common in humans. They report that these dreams seem to recur often in all cultures and seem to be prompted by the simple fact that they are fun...the human body longs to break free of gravity and fly.
My particular journey into actual flight began many years ago. As long as I can remember, I have looked longingly at small airplanes as they have flown overhead and dreamed that one day I would be a pilot. I should also admit that I am dreadfully afraid of heights. For 43 years now, flying has simply been a dream.
I started working on my BA via online distance learning about 7 years ago and have slogged through some simply brutal courses that have contributed very, very, little to expanding my horizons. It's not that anything was wrong with these courses of study...it just really is uninspiring stuff, especially when you are middle-aged (yes...I admit it)and realize how useless some (not all) of this information is.
This past September I suddenly realized that I only had one required course left for my degree and yet I still had 12 credit hours of electives I was required to complete. I picked up the course catalogue and was completely depressed...until I stumbled into the aviation section.
Ever so slowly, a plan began to take shape in my mind. Could it really work? Could I use my last 12 hours of required electives to obtain the training necessary for a private pilot's licence?
A quick email to the Dean of the Aviation Program and some begging found me registered for Introduction to Aviation, Airline Operations, and Ground School I for the Fall Semester. As we are now at the end of this semester, I can say that I am completely in love...with aviation and for the first time in my life I'm enjoying mathematics!
Liberty University has an amazing staff of instructors for a program that is only a couple of years old. They offer specializations in Commercial, Military, Missions or ATP (mechanical side of aviation). Since I'm an older guy simply seeking my private pilot's licence, I have been welcomed into the program to take those classes that I need. My fellow students are budding military aviators, corporate/commercial pilots, or missionary aviators. They are an exceptional group of young people and have been most helpful.
I have completed Ground School 1 and will take Ground School 2 next semester, leading to the all-important FAA written exam. I have obtained my FAA Class 2 medical despite the fact I'm about 20 (okay...30)pounds overweight. This medical also serves as my Student Pilot Licence and is valid for 2 years. I'm on my way!
This is definitely a crazy dream. I have seven children (five still at home), that range in age from 2-22. I have two grandchildren and a wife who, although she often questions my sanity, blesses me with support for just about every crazy scheme I have ever suggested. So, how on earth is this ever going to work?
This blog is simply a way to document my journey and, pass or fail, I want to have a record of this adventure. I also fully expect to see how God will eventually use this in-born desire to further His plan through my life.
You are most welcome to follow along and see how this crazy dream works out. I honestly don't know what is in store but I am more excited than a kid on Christmas morning to have the opportunity to explore this dream. Your comments and suggestions are most welcome. Let's go fly!
My particular journey into actual flight began many years ago. As long as I can remember, I have looked longingly at small airplanes as they have flown overhead and dreamed that one day I would be a pilot. I should also admit that I am dreadfully afraid of heights. For 43 years now, flying has simply been a dream.
I started working on my BA via online distance learning about 7 years ago and have slogged through some simply brutal courses that have contributed very, very, little to expanding my horizons. It's not that anything was wrong with these courses of study...it just really is uninspiring stuff, especially when you are middle-aged (yes...I admit it)and realize how useless some (not all) of this information is.
This past September I suddenly realized that I only had one required course left for my degree and yet I still had 12 credit hours of electives I was required to complete. I picked up the course catalogue and was completely depressed...until I stumbled into the aviation section.
Ever so slowly, a plan began to take shape in my mind. Could it really work? Could I use my last 12 hours of required electives to obtain the training necessary for a private pilot's licence?
A quick email to the Dean of the Aviation Program and some begging found me registered for Introduction to Aviation, Airline Operations, and Ground School I for the Fall Semester. As we are now at the end of this semester, I can say that I am completely in love...with aviation and for the first time in my life I'm enjoying mathematics!
Liberty University has an amazing staff of instructors for a program that is only a couple of years old. They offer specializations in Commercial, Military, Missions or ATP (mechanical side of aviation). Since I'm an older guy simply seeking my private pilot's licence, I have been welcomed into the program to take those classes that I need. My fellow students are budding military aviators, corporate/commercial pilots, or missionary aviators. They are an exceptional group of young people and have been most helpful.
I have completed Ground School 1 and will take Ground School 2 next semester, leading to the all-important FAA written exam. I have obtained my FAA Class 2 medical despite the fact I'm about 20 (okay...30)pounds overweight. This medical also serves as my Student Pilot Licence and is valid for 2 years. I'm on my way!
This is definitely a crazy dream. I have seven children (five still at home), that range in age from 2-22. I have two grandchildren and a wife who, although she often questions my sanity, blesses me with support for just about every crazy scheme I have ever suggested. So, how on earth is this ever going to work?
This blog is simply a way to document my journey and, pass or fail, I want to have a record of this adventure. I also fully expect to see how God will eventually use this in-born desire to further His plan through my life.
You are most welcome to follow along and see how this crazy dream works out. I honestly don't know what is in store but I am more excited than a kid on Christmas morning to have the opportunity to explore this dream. Your comments and suggestions are most welcome. Let's go fly!
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