First Flight

I had my first lesson on Friday, April 24, 2015. I was so nervous, excited, petrified, and overwhelmed. Studying beforehand gave me a little idea of what I was getting into, but also scared me to death.

When I was entering junior high school, I was so scared that I would never graduate high school. I didn't know how to write research papers, I didn't know calculus, and I certainly couldn't pass the ACT. And high schoolers all knew that stuff, so I'd have to fairly soon. What if I couldn't learn it? I couldn't see it as a learning process that would take six years, I only saw the end goal and it terrified me.

So I still have those tendencies. It's daunting. How can I possibly learn everything I need to know in such a short amount of time? Just studying won't cut it, I need fly time, but how nerve-wracking to be in command of an aircraft without knowing everything! I knew enough to be scared, though.

Before getting to the airplane, we spent about an hour discussing basic physics of flight, and how to control the airplane in light of the forces acting on it. Very interesting stuff, but I really wanted to get up and put the theories to the test.

Then it was time for actual flight. Which means pre-flight. I loved the exterior inspection, and even more so, the pre-flight checklist inside the plane. Checklists! I can't forget something because I have a list right in front of me! Way cool.

Then we started her up. I have no idea how Jeff has the nerves to allow new students to even touch his plane - I seriously thought I was going to drive her right off the taxiway. Two things were really hard to get used to - the brakes on top of the rudder pedals, and the 40-ft wingspan. I have to pay extra attention to where the wings are, and drive down the center. I kept trying to drive on the right.

Jeff taught me how to announce my intentions over the radio, and then we powered up and were off! Amazing! I love the feeling of liftoff in general, but I was doing it this time. We mainly followed roads, practicing turns, and climbs and descents. I think I did pretty well, for a first-timer. About 40 minutes into it, I suddenly felt sick. Jeff took over completely and brought us back to the airport. I was highly embarrassed, but he said it's normal and will go away eventually. I hope so, but I ordered motion sickness bands and barf bags when I got home.

All in all, a great first lesson in my mind. I can't wait to continue! I still feel completely overwhelmed, but I am confident that I will learn. I am also confident that Jeff will be extra careful with this plane.