Wings

The steady rumble of the reciprocating engine, muffled by green headsets, fills the tiny cockpit. The pre-takeoff check is complete. One hand on the yoke, another on the throttle, I gently aim the airplane down the run way. I push in the throttle and watch the airspeed indicator needle. I tap softly on the right rudder to re-align with the center. Then I pull back on the yoke and break the chains of gravity.

There is nothing like it, no comparison. Flying is a unique experience and I can't match it up to anything. Its a drug. Once you take it, you have to come back again. And there is nothing that can replace it. You and the airplane become one entity and take on the empty skies. Its an exhileration like no other.

And its a challenge. At any given second, the pilot has about ten things to do. Check the checklist, watch the airspeed indicator, the vertical speed indicator, the altimiter, the tachometer, the heading indicator, the GPS, the horizon, the attitude indicator, the turn coordinator and a few other instruments, not to mention keeping his hands on the yoke and throttle and feet on the rudders. Any event, such as straight and level flight, requires constant attention and concentration. In fact, I think there is even a checklist for the checklist! And thats just in the cockpit. As a student, a pilot has plenty of studying to do. I personally have four books to read, "Cessna Information Manual" "Private Pilot Maneuvers" "Airplane Flying Handbook" and the "Private Pilot Textbook." There are sectional maps to study, checklists to familiarize, more checklists, and a whole lot more to it than just fiddling around with a yoke. Flying is an art.

It takes experience. Pilots are rated in hours. A pilot who has flown less than another pilot is almost always inferior. Airplane flying takes coordination which is a learned art that can only be developed through practise.

This is a skill I will treasure for the rest of my life.

In other news, college life is interesting, much better than high school. Much more freedom of movement. I can do what I want, even skip classes and not worry about being punished (but I'll prolly fail). The hours kind of suck sometimes, but hey, I get to fly three times a week and that makes it worth it.

"eagles may soar but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines"

J Kuhl Signing Off