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Mikes Solo Flight
It’s Wednesday, August 28th. I just soloed for my first time in an ultralight the previous Friday. My new aerolite (new to me anyway) is patiently waiting for me as I arrive at the hanger. A few moments after I arrive, Steve pulls up to hanger to retrieve a winch that he had left when he moved. Steve tells me to check my plane over and then taxi it over to his hanger when I am ready for the flight test. “Hmm,” I think as I look over the plane. “I might just be flying you today.”
(Begin flashback)
Okay, for me, this is unbelievable. I have been waiting for this moment for a very, very long time. In fact, I’ve been looking to the sky for as long as I can remember. I remember creating computerized drawing of flying machines on my family’s first computer (an appleIIGS for those interested ;) and spending countless hours flying styrofoam planes bought from a local drug store. A little later in life my parents decided to get me into R/C airplanes. It was only a matter of time until I was flying for real and on a regular basis.
(End flashback)
So, this is it, this is the day that I’ve been dreaming of for so long! I’ve read my newly purchased Ultralight Flight Manual cover to cover, I’ve passed my written exam (with flying colors ;-), I’ve done my armchair flying and I’ve been mentally preparing my radio calls for the Merrill airport. Now, the time has come to live my dream. I was going to fly my plane!
I passed my flight exam without too much trouble. We did a few maneuvers, including departure stalls, an engine out and some crosswind landings. All went well and before I knew it, Steve was having me taxi back to his hanger.
“Well, do you feel up to flying your plane tonight?” Steve asks.
Earlier in the day, I was wondering how I would feel. The previous night, Nikki, my fiancée, asked me if I was going to fly my plane after the test. I said, “I guess that depends on how I feel, the weather and if I even do well on my flight test.” Well, as it turned out, I felt great, the weather was perfect and I did get the “All Clear” on my flight test!
“Sure.” I said. “It seems like it’s a good night for this.” I was a tad nervous, but I was doing a good job of keeping my cool and paying attention as Steve went over some last details.
I climbed into the seat and Steve gave me a courtesy pull. We checked radios (he was monitoring from the ground) and I was on my way, taxing out to the runway. I did my preflight, waited for a new Cherokee pilot to finish his touch and go and I was off, back taxing on one-six.
I squared up with the runway, announced that I was rolling and hit the throttle. Just like that my little plane and I where climbing like a rocket into the wild blue yonder. I was truly amazed at how comfortable and prepared I felt. Everything felt as it should be. I came in for a smooth touch and go went around again getting waves from a small three-person crowd below and a “good job!” from Steve on the radio.
I proceeded around the pattern and put her down for a full stop. Steve said I was doing great and that I have enough daylight to go up for about an hour more if I’d like. The night was looking great and after a little extra fuel from Steve I was off – completely free and on my own. I could now fly anywhere and practice pretty much anything I wanted!
I taxied out and took off for a third time and departed to the west of Merrill. I was having a blast just cruising around, enjoying the spectacular view and freedom.
“Man this is absolutely amazing!”, I thought to myself. More than once I let out a “Whooo Hooo!” as loud as I could muster. Here I am, in the sky, one day before I turn twenty three, flying around as free as a bird!
I did it! I really did it!! Thanks to the Chapter 75 club and especially Steve Krueger, my lifelong dream of personal flight has finally become a reality!
And the best part, this is just the beginning!!! |