Over the years, I never forgot the thrill of those early flights. I kept a secret dream of someday learning to fly, but a career and an acquired fear of heights seemed to keep it from happening. Finally, in 2004, a gradually improving salary and a desire to confront my fears allowed me to take the plunge. I began serious flight training and, at age 56, got my private pilot certificate. I know that Dad would have been proud, and I also know that it might never have happened without that family connection.
Chuck Dome
Orlando, Florida
I really enjoyed AOPA Flight Training's November article, "All in the Family." I'm an aspiring young aviator myself, coming from a family of pilots. I felt a connection to the article as I realized we all have our "family flying stories." I remember the tires whizzing down the runway and communicating with ATC as I took to the air at a young age. I recall years ago, my preschool class taking a field trip to my second home--the airport--where we toured the King Air B200 that my dad used to fly and continued to fly for many more years, and visited the Westchester County (New York) air traffic control tower. My grandfather and father both being pilots really encourages me to continue my passion: flying. I will always have the memories of hopping in my grandfather's Beech Bonanza and dinner discussions about landings and ILS approaches with my dad.
I have been bitten by the flying bug and will fly as much as I possibly can and plan to solo on my sixteenth birthday. My classmates at high school always find my passion interesting despite the witty aviation T-shirts that I wear to class. I always get many questions from them and hope to soon answer one in particular, "Can you go by yourself?" I can see the goal in the not-so-distant future, and when the day comes, I'll be proud to say, "Yes I can!" I will likely make aviation my occupation, although air traffic control has been quite intriguing to me in recent years. It has become difficult in the past few years for young pilots because of costs and other restrictions, but it is manageable if you keep your mind set to it and, as they say, "have the right stuff."
Jason Herman
Wilton, Connecticut
Flying while you're out of town
Let me start by saying I am 65 years old and just started my flight training in April 2005 at Flight Services of Medina at Medina Municipal Airport in Ohio. I've been an AOPA member from the very beginning.
My youngest son lives in Covington, Georgia, and my wife and I travel once a year to visit him and his wife. We then go on to Savannah for a week. With the encouragement of my wife I packed my logbook and headset.
When we got to Savannah, I called Savannah Aviation to see if I could get some practice time with a flight instructor. Lynnette of Savannah Aviation was very positive and helpful, even though I explained that I was a student pilot and had no experience flying into or out of a towered airport. She set up an afternoon lesson with Robert Stewart, who is also an FAA designated pilot examiner. Mr. Stewart was delightful, positive, and extremely patient. He gave me a lot of pointers and helped me to improve my landings, which up to then were really bad. I hope to fly with Mr. Stewart again on future trips to Savannah.
Savannah Aviation operates out of Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. The Savannah tower and approach control were very helpful and patient with this student pilot. They even gave me clearance to make several passes over the city of Savannah where I was able to take aerial photos.
Thanks to Mr. Stewart, Savannah Aviation, and the people in Savannah/Hilton Head control towers, I had one of the best experiences of my life.
William E. Clark Jr.
Medina, Ohio
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