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!