7. Private Pilot Checkride

I still have an insatiable desire to learn more of the world of aviation. As I prepared for my private pilot check-ride, I thought back to the first lesson I had with Kurt, and the moment he opened the door to the left seat and told me to get in, being so full of doubt. And, look where I am at now! I'm ready to jump in a 230 horsepower C182 with a constant speed prop, or a simpler C172. I know my own weather minimums and how to make safe choices. I landed the airplane on real short field grass, on remote backcountry airstrips snaking low and slow through the valleys with the rocks towering up beside me! I can land crosswinds! I can forward slip that airplane! I know what I can do better every time. I can feel confident with my new skills but also know that I have so much to learn still now and always, and the discovering new skills and knowledge is so exciting. It makes me feel like Superwoman to overcome my fears and to hear my instructors with each success calling me a great student, a “Rockstar,” and “Wizard” at the flight controls (ATC might have different thoughts on those descriptors!). I'm just so overwhelmed with so much gratitude for the many pilots who have and continue to welcome, encourage, and guide me in my pursuit of aviation.

Sometimes, just as I’m waking up in the morning I think I had such a beautiful dream that I could fly airplanes and I should sleep some more so it doesn’t stop. Then, when I wake and remember that it’s real, I get butterflies like being in love. I’ve never felt as alive as when I’m flying an airplane. As I turned my shiny new private pilot certificate card over in my hands I knew beyond a doubt that I must make this a big part of my life and press on through my ratings so that I can carve out a career in aviation, maybe have my own airplane one day. One way or another I know that my dreams will become reality, and I will use my enthusiasm and example to encourage others to pursue their dreams.