A short rant from a newbie.
I'm here to share a story about the experiences of going through the study that is known as Private Pilot.
Flight. Aviation. What can be better than engaging 100% throttle at the base of a runway, hearing the engine roar, guiding the nose forward, and feeling the air uplift your beautiful plane off the ground into serene, limitless freedom? Nothing, really. I can't seem to find anything that can surpass the excitement and adrenaline when being in the Captain's Seat, regardless of the Plane.
How did I not know about this? Why wasn't I told?
My first introductory flight occurred at the beginning of July. I was taking a Career Development class, and the answer was stumbled upon during the first week. I can remember what my teacher told us all, "We are here to follow our dreams. We all have dreams and aspirations, you just have to look inside." So that's what I did. It took me about 30 seconds. I hear inside my head, "You were bred to be a Pilot." That is what I remember before getting into the cockpit of my first, and educational at the least, Airplane.
I fly a Cessna-152. Yes, a 152 made in 1978. This Plane has 11 years on me. I decided early on that in order to gain the fullest knowledge about the experience of becoming an experienced Pilot in this era, flying the oldest plane the school has to offer would give me the best handle on learning the basics of flight. What did I get my self into... Don't get me wrong, I love my plane. But holy ****, (sorry about the language) I set myself up for the toughest of the tough. Basic navigation, and I mean basic. If you want to know your heading, look out the window. Airspeed? might as well take a wild guess. Fuel? I have no idea how much the left wing tank has, because the gauge is done for. And my strobe light on the right wing, decides to work when in the mood. Not to mention no AC whatsoever. Just a window, (by the way, opening a window when flying on a hot day does not cool you down, it makes you irritable and look like a dumb ass on the ground). I could go on and on about this ancient Jurassic era thing that floats, but I won't.
I believe this kind of exposure brings out the best in all of us. It teaches discipline, composure, control, and respect for those who had to go through it to get to the top. For those who have experienced this, I salute you.
I don't know if I will enjoy flying in an air conditioned fighter jet, or large smooth commuter Lear. All I know is that no matter what I fly in, being able to see the horizon, feel the air affect your wings, and controlling your own destiny; there is nothing I would trade in for these experiences, and I hope my own dreams come true in the years to come. The Air Force is gonna need someone to pilot those Globemaster III's.
|
Similar Threads
Linear Mode
