Cross Country

I've always been thrilled to be a member of Chapter 75. It's more than a club, it's a team and a family - a family that made my first cross-country flight a wonderful learning experience.
I had tweaked my Hawk to a point of readiness but was unsure that my local flight practice had me ready. Our experienced members understand how a new pilot feels and somehow know when to take him under their wing before self-doubt gets too strong. When you're working toward a goal, it's not uncommon for family members to know that you've reached the goal before you know you've reached it.
Two phone calls came in on Friday night. Sunday morning, five Ultralights touched down in Antigo, their wing colors beautifully contrasting the gray sky above. Minutes later, we were airborne, enroute to Shawano via Paul Buss' strip at Eland. I was also enroute to learning more about piloting (in one day) than I could ever have dreamed. It was similar to parent eagles teaching their fledgling to fly.
I experienced strong head wind and tail wind, bumpy air, cross wind, strong mechanical disturbance, haze and snow flakes. The camaraderie was super and it enhanced my confidence in the reality of my abilities. Training + Practice = Ability.
These pilots were excellent! All I had to do was watch, to see how it's done, and the impossible became possible. Many thanks to Steve Krueger, Dean Turner, Helmut Jungermann, John Szigat, Lyle Banser, Russ Post and Paul Buss. And thank you Dan and Patty Marlenga for being our ground-support crew.
You all made my day!
JJ Smith