To Infinity and Beyond...

14:12 - Wow.  I have no words.  Exhilaration.  Complete Freedom.  At peace.  I have never experienced anything as wonderful as flying an aircraft.  Like the Pheonix rising from the ashes, I have been born anew.

My new passion has been revealed.

I arrived at Royal Air in Shreveport, Louisiana feeling very much out of my element and apprehensive about this new venture.  Walking into lobby of Royal Air, I had a feeling that I had entered a "Boys Only" club of aeronautics.  However these pre-conceived notions, I discovered, were clearly unfounded.  I was welcomed with open arms into this brave new world.  After conversing with a few fellow male students, my instructor arrived to "show me the ropes."  Losely translated, this means "Lindsay, you will be flying the plane today." 

"Huh?!?!"  (Have you SEEN me drive?)

Aileron.  Rudders.  Pitch.  Yaw.  Horizon.  Mixture.  Throttle.  Oh yeah, fuel.  After a brief overview of the Cessna instrument panel, it was time for taxi and take-off.  (Taxi and take-off? That's it?  Apparently, we will be studying more "in-depth" at my next lesson...)

I digress.

Now, I hop my 5'10" frame into the cramped cockpit of the Cessna.  Oh yeah, the air-conditioning system = the window.  Goodbye semi-ok hairday.  Next, I gingerly put on my headphones.  "Zero Two Niner Poppa, you are cleared for takeoff" and all that jazz. 

Whilst on the ground, one steers the aircraft with one's feet.  This "feet" (feat) is a bit more complicated than one might think.  However in no time, I opened the throttle, pulled back on the yoke, and voila!  At a maximum altitude of 5,000 feet, I have never felt so incredibly comfortable and peaceful.  It is hard to believe, but one is not even bothered by the turbulence whilst in the cockpit.  Truly, it is the most remarkable experience.

My instructor landed the plane.  (Thank you)

I'm now back on terra firma and ready for more...LOTS MORE.  I purchase my pilot's bag full of books, map equipment, compasses and DVD's.  Due to incliment weather, I will begin my first official in-depth flight lesson next week. 

Stand-by....