Tristar
Pattern Altitude
Many of us have gotten the opportunity to take kids up on airplane rides. The "oos" and "aaahs" warm your heart each time. You start remember what that was like and the kid in you comes out too. At least that's why I do it.
A few days ago a gentleman called us and asked if we would be available to take him, his son, and his nephew on discovery flight. He went on to tell me that this would be very special for his nephew since he's always wanted to go on a small airplane ride. His dad was going to take him, but his dad died of cancer last week. My heart sunk for him and his family. The little boy is 8 years old. I couldn't imagine what it would be like to loose a dad at that age, or any age for that matter. I gladly obliged and was determined to make it a pleasant flight.
The flight yesterday evening couldn't have gone more perfect. The turbulence and high winds of the afternoon seemed to have understood the importance of this particular hour. Uncle brought the two boys out to the airport and asked, "do you know what we're here for?" "No but I think we're going for an airplane ride!" (with a huge grin). We walked out to the airplane and I taught them all about how to sump the tanks and looking for big dents. We agreed the airplane was safe to go so we jumped in.
After the runup, we received our clearance for takeoff and just like..well maybe not JUST like...a private pilot student, I talked them through it. "Now we're going faster and faster and faster....and UP!!" From the other seats I heard,"Whooooe!!! that was fun!" We headed towards their houses on the east side of town. "look at all the people, they look like toys!" The kids had their eyes glued to the window.
Once we found their houses we did a couple circles. Thankfully they lived in the country so it was easy to point out which one was which. "I see it, I see it!" His sister was outside playing basketball and waved at us. We wiggled our wings back which he loved! Just before heading back in, I let him try flying a little bit. Although, its difficult to fly when you can't see over the dash! So we did a modified straight and level with a turn or two.
The sun was just about to set as we headed back into the airport. I had to make this landing good, I had 2 of the harshest judges and an uncle! Thankfully I greased it. After shut down I asked, "so what do you think?" "that was fun!"
After we walked inside and started to check everyone out to leave, I handed the boys two brand new miniature blue angels I had secretly picked up from walmart before they got there. I was hopeful that this day would be especially special. It can't make up for what has happened in the last week but I sure hope it would help. Of course that was the icing on the cake. They immediately ripped the package apart and started playing dive bomber. The uncle was pretty impressed."Wow, you didn't have to do that, this is above and beyond." "I was actually worried about your landing, the other instructor said you were great and you sure proved it, thanks so much!" This is just one of those flights that make you feel great that you can make someones day, especially an 8 year old with a beginning love of aviation in such a rough time.
A few days ago a gentleman called us and asked if we would be available to take him, his son, and his nephew on discovery flight. He went on to tell me that this would be very special for his nephew since he's always wanted to go on a small airplane ride. His dad was going to take him, but his dad died of cancer last week. My heart sunk for him and his family. The little boy is 8 years old. I couldn't imagine what it would be like to loose a dad at that age, or any age for that matter. I gladly obliged and was determined to make it a pleasant flight.
The flight yesterday evening couldn't have gone more perfect. The turbulence and high winds of the afternoon seemed to have understood the importance of this particular hour. Uncle brought the two boys out to the airport and asked, "do you know what we're here for?" "No but I think we're going for an airplane ride!" (with a huge grin). We walked out to the airplane and I taught them all about how to sump the tanks and looking for big dents. We agreed the airplane was safe to go so we jumped in.
After the runup, we received our clearance for takeoff and just like..well maybe not JUST like...a private pilot student, I talked them through it. "Now we're going faster and faster and faster....and UP!!" From the other seats I heard,"Whooooe!!! that was fun!" We headed towards their houses on the east side of town. "look at all the people, they look like toys!" The kids had their eyes glued to the window.
Once we found their houses we did a couple circles. Thankfully they lived in the country so it was easy to point out which one was which. "I see it, I see it!" His sister was outside playing basketball and waved at us. We wiggled our wings back which he loved! Just before heading back in, I let him try flying a little bit. Although, its difficult to fly when you can't see over the dash! So we did a modified straight and level with a turn or two.
The sun was just about to set as we headed back into the airport. I had to make this landing good, I had 2 of the harshest judges and an uncle! Thankfully I greased it. After shut down I asked, "so what do you think?" "that was fun!"
After we walked inside and started to check everyone out to leave, I handed the boys two brand new miniature blue angels I had secretly picked up from walmart before they got there. I was hopeful that this day would be especially special. It can't make up for what has happened in the last week but I sure hope it would help. Of course that was the icing on the cake. They immediately ripped the package apart and started playing dive bomber. The uncle was pretty impressed."Wow, you didn't have to do that, this is above and beyond." "I was actually worried about your landing, the other instructor said you were great and you sure proved it, thanks so much!" This is just one of those flights that make you feel great that you can make someones day, especially an 8 year old with a beginning love of aviation in such a rough time.
