Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake. – Henry David Thoreau
Only we alone decide what has meaning – or doesn’t – in our lives.
May showers have made it difficult to find suitable weather to fly. This morning I was concerned about the weather, but low and behold, there was a window to fly so instead of doing cross country training, we did short field takeoffs and landings. I also learned how to land over obstacles. We did these in close proximity to the Virginia Tech airport. Flying to other airports nearby wasn’t an option.
I truly love learning new things, new techniques. Roger is such a phenomenal instructor. He has a way of talking that makes you feel totally relaxed. He walks you through the steps, then he starts testing how much information you gained, so he can help you fill in the gaps of what you missed. He adapts his teaching style to you and your way of learning. Let me give you an instance of what I learned today: for the short field takeoffs, you give the plane 10 degree of flaps, line up efficiently on the runway (short distance, keeping as much runway in front of you as possible), put on the brakes, give the plane full power, wait for the power to build, your takeoff roll begins, keep your elevator neutral preventing unneeded drag, until you’re ready to rotate. when you approach your rotation speed, you lift off (which is quite different from normal takeoffs). You take off having used only a short length of runway. Everything takes practice.
Now to the photos from this gorgeous area. In all the years I’ve worked here, I don’t think I’ve ever taken its beauty for granted. I also never take my instructor for granted, he truly is one of a kind. I think Garth Brooks probably said the way I feel best: “You aren’t wealthy until you have something money can’t buy.” No amount of money could buy the happiness that I feel.
The first photo you’ll see below is Burruss Hall at Virginia Tech.
