First flight

When I first started flying lessons, I knew it would be an ongoing battle to justify the expense with my better half when we could put the money toward other items and necessities. The only way learning to fly is cheap(er) is if you own your own plane, and one that meets the requirements to fly in all airspace up to "B" classification, i.e., the busiest airspace like around Atlanta. Well, my 1938 Aeronca is about 50 years behind the technology curve and is still in need of a lift strut in order to return to flight so it wasn't a choice.

After several years and countless dollar bills thrown at meeting the FAA's private pilot requirements, I earned one of the things I wanted most: a license to soar on the wind among the clouds and see the earth from above. Its pretty cool being able to go hop in an airplane, take-off to fly in 3-dimensional aspects, and go nearly anywhere you want. What's even more cool is taking the one you love along.

On Wednesday November 25 at 10:25 am, I was able to take Diana up for our first flight together without the need for another licensed pilot along to make it legal. It was just us on a cold, crystal clear day with light winds. A perfect day to fly because you can see several hundred miles in every direction and it wasn't too bumpy. For me, it was pretty special and it was my hope that she would feel the same. Although she was fighting off a cold, I guess she enjoyed herself during our short flight.

We didn't go anywhere in particular like the beach, mountains, or to visit anyone in far off places, but I did take us on a aerial view of a house we're interested in buying. It sits on 21.5 acres, has hilly enough terrain to justify building a mountain bike trail, and it just happens to have a short grass strip of just over 1,100 feet that might have potential to be lengthened.

Here's a view of the house and property from above:

Upon return to the airport, my landing was less than perfect and Diana was reaching for an "oh-shit" handle when I performed a slip on final approach, but we were able to walk away and the plane can be used again. Mostly.

It was a good day. Maybe not the justification needed, but that'll come soon enough...