[COUPERS] New Experience

[dddoyle]

Georgia, When I initially checked into taking flying lessons, I was directed to a young man sitting at a desk.  I told him I was intested in taking flying lessons; we discussed money, ground school, the type of airplane used, and other mundane things for about 30 minutes.  Then we went out to see the plane and take a flight in the traffic pattern. I was excited just to have a ride, and then the fool put me in the left seat!  I was really going to get a flying lesson!  He talked me through taxing (I don't even remember starting the plane or actually taxing) until we were lined up on this big runway, and then off we went.  I was holding the controls (tightly) and when he said to pull back slowly, and the plane lifted off, I was hooked.  I was too overwhelmed to have really learned anything that first day, or for several subsequent flights, but it finally came together and I was able to absorb and remember after a while.  Then I was out of flying for a number of years. My reintroduction was just as intimidating, maybe worse because the instructor just assumed I could think and fly at the same time.  Even after getting my plane, it was a year of flying before I truly got comfortable again.  Now, everything happens at a more leisurely pace, or so it seems.  I think one of the best things about learning to fly is the initial excitment, even if its hard to grasp and appreciate on the first flight.  Transitioning to a new aircraft brings that excitment back each time.  Enjoy the initial anxiety--its part of the fun.   Ken Doyle Springfield, Mo Alon N5477E