Pilot Life

There’s a loud noise as a field plane passes right over your house. You run as fast as possible to stare out of the nearest window. You get there just in time to catch sight of the tail of the plane right as it disappears. That individual was me not so many years ago, and even though I don’t like to admit, I still do that sometimes. We all have this ideal picture of a pilot, for many it is a tall, well built man with the look of authority.

Then there are pilots like me

I open the door of my flight school and suddenly smell the strong aroma of bacon. I know I should have ate more for breakfast. I walk swiftly through the narrow hallway and chuckle when I see the mechanics all eating at the small table of the kitchen to the left. I give a quick wave before arriving at my final destination: the room with no name. No, I’m not kidding, it doesn’t have a name. I plop down on the comfy coach and breathe a sigh of relief. I made it just in time.

As soon as I see the bright orange t-shirt of my flight instructor (Will), I know it’s go time. Not just because he always says “you ready”, because I’m super excited to risk my life for an hour of pure bliss once again. Did I mention that I’m one of the shortest people there. I’m proud of my 5 ft 4 inches but not when those around me are giants. I just smile and hope I don’t get crushed. I’m just kidding; some of the people there are the nicest people I know, and I know a lot of people.

I follow my CFI (certified flight instructor) to his office and plop into yet another comfy and reasonably big chair. I love the person who choose the furniture. Will starts out by briefing me on our lesson and looking at the notes of previous lessons I did with him or another CFI. We also go over any information I need to be aware of, and I do the standard procedure of telling him about the weather, NOTAMS, and other ATC info I know. When we finally finish, he tells me to go ahead, get the dispatch, and preflight the plane. I walk at a normal pace back to the front desk area (in my mind I am running). I get my necessary equipment and I head out for another flight.

Did I ever tell you guys about the time I forgot to bring a pen? That’s a story for another day. All I’m saying is don’t EVER forget to bring a writing device to lessons! That’s when flying gets really scary. Although, I can’t say flying and scary can be in the same sentence. Let's just say, I'm living differently.