What a rush....
I had been talking to Steve for a while about learning what it takes to get up in the air on my own. Talked about what he likes and how he actually became a pilot. Everything he spoke of had me intrigued.
I received an email with a name of a FAA certified flight school and an encouragement to call if I were really interested. I was then speaking with Nicky a little and he told me to go for it.
A little while later. I did call to find out more information and make an appointment.
April 10, 2008 was the day. My appointment was set for 12pm. I figured that high noon would be a good time as the sun would be directly overhead and I wouldn't have to worry about being blinded on my first time out. For all you pilots out there.
I left my house a bit early not wanting to miss my appointment....and for those of you who know me. This was a task, as I seem to be late for most things lately.
Got out to the school and went inside....of course I had to go inside. Met with Neil...he's one of the people who do the scheduling. And then George who would be my instructor for this flight. George took me around the school (not a very big campus) and explained some technical stuff. I am going to have to actually go to the school to remember and understand just exactly what he said. He also told me that the plane we were going to use today was out and we were waiting for it to come back in.
Finally.
When we got to the plane....there were quite a few things to check. I learned a bit about why planes don't take off on time. The pre-flight check was in depth. Happy to have experienced it first hand. Maybe after 30 - 40 minutes we were in the plane and asking the control tower for permission to get on our way and UP IN THE AIR. One last thing. Before we could fly....we needed to do a run-up. Just one last check to make sure we could lift off and stay up in the air. It is great to know all this happens just to keep us safe.
Finally, done with the check and permission granted....we wait for a commercial jet to get off and then we are up in the air.
It is a different world in the sky that we take for granted.
After we were up in the air and George did some talking to the control tower. He explained a few more things to me and then said that I was on my own. He did give me a course in what to do. Just didn't want to explain all of what he said on this blog. And, I took over. It was so awesome to be in control and work together with mother nature.
The plane was mine for at least 20 minutes. The only thing that I didn't do was talk to the towers to radio position while in the air.
And, George did take off and land the plane for me.
I can't wait to go back in the air!!!
Last comment....George, my instuctor said that is probably the most documented training session he has ever done.
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