As a part of my 30 by 30 list, I’ve decided to learn how to fly! More on the how and why in my Learning to Fly posts.
So, yes, I’m still taking lessons. I didn’t give up the first week, so that’s a good sign, right?
I’ve been taking 2 or 3 lessons a week at the urging of my husband. He recommended doing it as often as possible to make the most of the training. (Can you tell that Patrick is a little bit Type A?)
Even though it has some stressful moments, and the thought of flying by myself leaves me frozen in terror, it’s actually starting to be a kind of fun, too!
The last few lessons, we’ve been focusing on stalling the airplane, which is just basically when there’s not enough airflow over the wing to keep it flying.
Sounds scary, but it’s really not too bad. Patrick showed me my first stall when he got his private pilot’s license at age 17. I am now beginning to wonder, though, why my parents let me go up with a 17 year old pilot!
Want to watch it in action? We created another video using the Nflightcam. We’ve cut it down to just a few minutes, but I find it really helpful to go back and watch my whole lesson. I pick up on things I missed the first time.
Practicing Stalls from Patrick Carter on Vimeo.
Did you notice that goofy grin I get when he says we’re going to do a stall? Apparently I have a small slice of adrenaline junkie in me. It’s just overshadowed by Patrick’s hobbies.
Not exactly sure what’s next, but I’ll be sure to post again next week!
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
How do you like the 162?
I like it pretty well! My CFI has to sort of eat his knees, but it’s perfect for someone little!
Oh, and I forgot to add, Patrick was actually the very first person to fly the one I’m training in!
Looks awesome! Such a great ambition!
Thanks Claire!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: *YOU* are a rock star!
Hmmm… don’t know about that, but I’ll take it…
I thought piloting an airplane enough would be terrifying, but I think purposely stalling would actually be worse. And you sound so calm! I was going to ask what kind of plane you were flying, so I’m glad to see it was in the video! Do you know if you’re going to be learning to fly other types of planes, too, or are you going to stick with the Cessna 162?
Hi Annie,
You know, I think it just sounds worse than it actually is! But it is a *little* nerve wracking.
I’ll probably stick with the 162 at least until I solo so I don’t get confused switching airplanes, but after that I could go with other types.
I loved learning to fly … so much fun and such good stimulation for the brain in the beginning where you’re trying to process a million things at once. Keep up the great work and keep at it .. it will be one of the most rewarding things you’ve done!
Yes, it’s definitely overwhelming, but I’m pretty excited too.