After the checkride: Blue-sky thinking

While I was excited to get that temporary piece of paper from my designated pilot examiner a few weeks back, it didn’t hold the same weight (figuratively or literally) of the card I now held in my hand.

With that achievement also came a question: Now what?

I remember back to my school days when it was much harder to write a paper on any topic than to be given a specific theme. We’d stare at that page and draw blanks. Going through my flight lessons and through the checkride, it was easy to follow instructions. I am back to starting at that blank sheet, ready to write the first chapters of my flying career. But, where? When? With whom?

It’s always been a goal to fly and see family in New England and New York, where I caught my aviation bug. Beyond that, my plans center on seeing friends around the country, sporting events that are too far for the car, bucket-list airports, the few states I still need to check off the list, food, and, of course, meeting up with my fellow aviators. I can’t wait to sink my teeth into that first $100 burger.

There are so many possibilities to seize and challenges to face. While I once stared at a map and dreamed, I now plan.

One thing I love about the aviation community is that we’re not shy with suggestions. Posts, stories, videos. Great ones. I’ve been devouring those and creating some destination plans, near and far. Soon and for down the road. Pilots are passionate about where they love to fly, and for good reason.

I’m taking it a bit measured and will be expanding my rings of distance as I go along. But I also know that flying is a perishable skill. We need to exercise our flying muscles, and I am excited where this will take me. Keep the suggestions coming!

Now I know why they call creative brainstorms “blue-sky thinking.”