Today me and my friend
went out on our first experience flying a plane. It was cold day (around
45 deg f) and partly clouds. After small briefing about key
aircraft instruments and practicing for about half an hour on simulator, we
were ready for our maiden flight. With trainer on the side and my friend
on the back seat, I took control of small 4- Seater around 40
year old Piper PA -28 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piper_PA-28).
Starting from Van Nuys airport for a short 40 mins flight, we passed around LA
downtown, Hollywood sign, Griffith park, and Pasadena to finally land at El
Monte airport.
Personally, the take off
was most scary of all. With takeoff speed around 60 knots - approx 70 mph which
is not all that fast, and no horizon in sight for few mins (seemed much longer)
and the plane gaining fast elevation, matched only by rising heart rate, the
sheer exhilaration of takeoff was very soon replaced by the
doubt and fear of placing trust on small and not so powerful and old piece of
machinery. It made me wonder if this little escapade was well worth the risk
and this adventure was nothing but a big
mistake. Fortunately, once we leveled off around 2000 ft, the
flight was much smoother and enjoyable. Sitting in small box floating in the
air, it was strange feeling of freedom and helplessness, excitement and anxiety
that hard to describe in words. Still occasional shake and slide of
the plane would bring back the worst of fears.
