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!