Being able to solo on my sixteenth birthday was a life-changing experience. The night before my birthday, I went to sleep disappointed and listening to the wind, snow, and rain pound against my window. The next morning I woke up and was amazed to see that it was clear, sunny and there was absolutely no wind. The storm had moved through. That’s when I started getting nervous. I knew that it was going to happen now…and I wanted it to. I remember the door shutting behind my instructor, Paul, and then I couldn’t get my left leg to stop shaking. I taxied to the runway with my family, one of my best friends, and Paul watching from the side of the tarmac, and then I took off. At that point I knew there was absolutely no turning back. The plane felt like a rocket with only one person inside. It accelerated down the runway much faster than I was used to and became airborne before I even had to rotate. I taxied back to where everyone was waiting, shut down the engine and got out. I shook hands with Paul and greeted my family and friend who were there to support me. I can’t thank Paul enough for being an excellent instructor and mentor in my life. Also, I couldn’t have done this without the help and support of my mom and dad and the encouragement of my sister. It was the best day of my life.
Name: Alec Ensign
Age: 16
Event: First solo
Airplanes: Cessna 172
Place: Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO)
My training (with my father as my CFI) was divided between three airports in northern New Mexico: Los Alamos (KLAM), Santa Fe (KSAF), and Espanola (E14). The purpose of wanting to obtain my commercial certificate was so that I could fly taildraggers for hire. I received my commercial 375 days after receiving my private, and flew a total of 65 hours in that three-and-a-half-week span. Pressed for time, and learning in an aircraft which was altogether new to me, there were often thoughts of There’s no way we’ll be able to do this in such little time! It took some time but flying the Bonanza eventually clicked, and the training went smoother. Having my father as my CFI had its ups and downs, but in the end it was well worth it. We both proved something to ourselves; patience, perseverance, and persistence pays off (and so does having an amazing and supportive mom).
Name: April Fox
Age: 28
Event: Passed commercial pilot checkride
Airplanes: Bonanza BE-35
Place: Santa Fe Municipal Airport (SAF)
I decided to do more than Aunt Bea and not just solo and quit, but go for the private. My instructor is Mike Venable. I have always had an interest in flight. When I was a small boy I kept several models of planes in my room and would fly them about the room. I also read extensively about planes and flight. This fascination never stopped; however, I never thought I would have the time or money to begin training, but finally decided that if I was ever going to do this I had better get started. I would hate to go to my grave knowing that I always wanted to fly but did not. I should have done it long ago. Every flight is different and challenging. I look forward to this challenge. Flying is all the fun I thought it would be.
Name: James Jessup
Age: 69
Event: Passed private pilot checkride
Airplanes: Cessna 172
Place: Mount Airy/Surry County Airport (MWK)
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