Our son's first flight lesson

[Jay Honeck]

Scary (impossible?) though it may seem, that little baby that I held
in my arms moments after birth (hell, I cut his umbilical cord!) is
scheduled to take his first flight lesson tomorrow afternoon...

It seems like just yesterday I was changing his diaper, or teaching
him to tie his shoes. And it was just a few days ago that I was
helping him drive a nail for the first time, and showing him how to
throw a baseball.

It's remarkable how quickly the years have flown by. He's really a
young man now, stronger, faster, and smarter than either of his
parents. And with 1500+ hours in the air in GA aircraft, he's
probably more comfortable there than any student in history.

After much searching, we've found the perfect flight instructor for
Joe -- a semi-retired pilot of classic aircraft, with many thousands
of hours doing tail-wheel mountain flying. He's one of the nicest
gentlemen we've ever met, and, along with his wife, has become a close
friend after a year of hanging out on "Movie Nights".

Still, despite all this...I'm terrified. Letting -- no, encouraging
-- my boy to launch himself into the wild blue yonder is weighing
heavily on my soul, and -- as much as I desperately want him to know
the freedom of flight -- this is really scary.

I don't think anyone will be doing much sleeping tonight...
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Maxwell]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> Scary (impossible?) though it may seem, that little baby that I held
> in my arms moments after birth (hell, I cut his umbilical cord!) is
> scheduled to take his first flight lesson tomorrow afternoon...
>
> It seems like just yesterday I was changing his diaper, or teaching
> him to tie his shoes. And it was just a few days ago that I was
> helping him drive a nail for the first time, and showing him how to
> throw a baseball.
>
> It's remarkable how quickly the years have flown by. He's really a
> young man now, stronger, faster, and smarter than either of his
> parents. And with 1500+ hours in the air in GA aircraft, he's
> probably more comfortable there than any student in history.
>
> After much searching, we've found the perfect flight instructor for
> Joe -- a semi-retired pilot of classic aircraft, with many thousands
> of hours doing tail-wheel mountain flying. He's one of the nicest
> gentlemen we've ever met, and, along with his wife, has become a close
> friend after a year of hanging out on "Movie Nights".
>
> Still, despite all this...I'm terrified. Letting -- no, encouraging
> -- my boy to launch himself into the wild blue yonder is weighing
> heavily on my soul, and -- as much as I desperately want him to know
> the freedom of flight -- this is really scary.
>
> I don't think anyone will be doing much sleeping tonight...

What are you going to do the first time he says, hey Dad, can I borrow the
plane?

[Shirl]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
> > Still, despite all this...I'm terrified. Letting -- no, encouraging
> > -- my boy to launch himself into the wild blue yonder is weighing
> > heavily on my soul, and -- as much as I desperately want him to know
> > the freedom of flight -- this is really scary.
>
> > I don't think anyone will be doing much sleeping tonight...

"Maxwell" > wrote:
> What are you going to do the first time he says, hey Dad, can
> I borrow the plane?

He'll have his license by then. He'll be with an instructor tomorrow.
How are you going to sleep when it's time for his first solo?

[smf]

I understand!
Two summers ago my son was 19 and asked to borrow my GlasairII to go down to
Key West. He went and had a great time. He graduated a few weeks ago and
just this week started a new job. He will start in the right seat of a Lear
55.
Oh...I did happen to drive up to the airport for his first Solo. Boy was I
greatful for that lift, thrust concept!
It's nice to have an "inhouse" instructor around.

Steve


"Maxwell" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
> oups.com...
>> Scary (impossible?) though it may seem, that little baby that I held
>> in my arms moments after birth (hell, I cut his umbilical cord!) is
>> scheduled to take his first flight lesson tomorrow afternoon...
>>
>> It seems like just yesterday I was changing his diaper, or teaching
>> him to tie his shoes. And it was just a few days ago that I was
>> helping him drive a nail for the first time, and showing him how to
>> throw a baseball.
>>
>> It's remarkable how quickly the years have flown by. He's really a
>> young man now, stronger, faster, and smarter than either of his
>> parents. And with 1500+ hours in the air in GA aircraft, he's
>> probably more comfortable there than any student in history.
>>
>> After much searching, we've found the perfect flight instructor for
>> Joe -- a semi-retired pilot of classic aircraft, with many thousands
>> of hours doing tail-wheel mountain flying. He's one of the nicest
>> gentlemen we've ever met, and, along with his wife, has become a close
>> friend after a year of hanging out on "Movie Nights".
>>
>> Still, despite all this...I'm terrified. Letting -- no, encouraging
>> -- my boy to launch himself into the wild blue yonder is weighing
>> heavily on my soul, and -- as much as I desperately want him to know
>> the freedom of flight -- this is really scary.
>>
>> I don't think anyone will be doing much sleeping tonight...
>
> What are you going to do the first time he says, hey Dad, can I borrow the
> plane?
>

[john smith]

Shirl wrote:
> "Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
>>> Still, despite all this...I'm terrified. Letting -- no, encouraging
>>> -- my boy to launch himself into the wild blue yonder is weighing
>>> heavily on my soul, and -- as much as I desperately want him to know
>>> the freedom of flight -- this is really scary.
>>> I don't think anyone will be doing much sleeping tonight...
>
> "Maxwell" > wrote:
>> What are you going to do the first time he says, hey Dad, can
>> I borrow the plane?
>
> He'll have his license by then. He'll be with an instructor tomorrow.
> How are you going to sleep when it's time for his first solo?

Even better questions:
Does he go on the insurance policy as a named insured?
How is your annual rate affected?

[Jay Honeck]

> Even better questions:
> Does he go on the insurance policy as a named insured?

Not yet. He's training in a C-150, not Atlas. (I'm crazy, not
stupid...)

> How is your annual rate affected?

Won't know till he's done.

All that lost sleep for nothing -- it's storming to beat the band
here, and predicted to continue all day.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Gig 601XL Builder]

Jay Honeck wrote:
>> Even better questions:
>> Does he go on the insurance policy as a named insured?
>
> Not yet. He's training in a C-150, not Atlas. (I'm crazy, not
> stupid...)
>
>> How is your annual rate affected?
>
> Won't know till he's done.
>
> All that lost sleep for nothing -- it's storming to beat the band
> here, and predicted to continue all day.

Back in 1980 I was 18 and added to an policy on an Archer. I had a few more
hours than the ~40 year old owner (about 100 total) and it had there was no
increase. At least back then they looked more at expereince than age.

[Jose]

> He's training in a C-150, not Atlas.

How's he going to learn to fly in =that=? When he transitions to the
Atlas, he'll have to fly upside down!

Jose
--
You can choose whom to befriend, but you cannot choose whom to love.
for Email, make the obvious change in the address.

[Matt Whiting]

Jose wrote:
>> He's training in a C-150, not Atlas.
>
> How's he going to learn to fly in =that=? When he transitions to the
> Atlas, he'll have to fly upside down!

At least he'll know how to fly a real airplane!! :-)

Matt

[[email protected]]

On Jun 21, 9:58 pm, Jay Honeck > wrote:
> Scary (impossible?) though it may seem, that little baby that I held
> in my arms moments after birth (hell, I cut his umbilical cord!) is
> scheduled to take his first flight lesson tomorrow afternoon...


I dream of the day when one (or both) of my sons does the same.
They're 9 and 13, so I have a little time yet...

[Montblack]

wrote)
> I dream of the day when one (or both) of my sons does the same.
> They're 9 and 13, so I have a little time yet...


You think?

Start the 13 year old in a glider, now - solos when he's 14. <g>


Paul-Mont

[Kingfish]

On Jun 22, 10:24 am, Jay Honeck > wrote:


> > Does he go on the insurance policy as a named insured?
>
> Not yet. He's training in a C-150, not Atlas. (I'm crazy, not
> stupid...)

It's only a matter of time before he's storming around the pattern
making carrier landings in Atlas : )

"Grab a three-wire, Mav!!"

[El Maximo]

"Kingfish" > wrote in message
ups.com...
> On Jun 22, 10:24 am, Jay Honeck > wrote:
>
>
>> > Does he go on the insurance policy as a named insured?
>>
>> Not yet. He's training in a C-150, not Atlas. (I'm crazy, not
>> stupid...)
>
> It's only a matter of time before he's storming around the pattern
> making carrier landings in Atlas : )
>
> "Grab a three-wire, Mav!!"
>

Negative ghostrider - the pattern is full.

[Jay Honeck]

> >> He's training in a C-150, not Atlas.
>
> > How's he going to learn to fly in =that=? When he transitions to the
> > Atlas, he'll have to fly upside down!
>
> At least he'll know how to fly a real airplane!! :-)

Well, I don't know how "real" a 150 is -- but I don't care which side
the wing is on, just so long as his training doesn't occur in *my*
plane...

;-)
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Gatt]

"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
oups.com...
>
> Still, despite all this...I'm terrified. Letting -- no, encouraging
> -- my boy to launch himself into the wild blue yonder is weighing
> heavily on my soul, and -- as much as I desperately want him to know
> the freedom of flight -- this is really scary.
>
> I don't think anyone will be doing much sleeping tonight...


Great post, Jay!

-c

[Gatt]

"smf" > wrote in message
...
>I understand!
> Two summers ago my son was 19 and asked to borrow my GlasairII to go down
> to Key West. He went and had a great time.

Ah, the rough life! :D

-c

[Rick[_1_]]

Jay Honeck wrote in message
om>...
>> >> He's training in a C-150, not Atlas.
>>
>> > How's he going to learn to fly in =that=? When he transitions to the
>> > Atlas, he'll have to fly upside down!
>>
>> At least he'll know how to fly a real airplane!! :-)
>
>Well, I don't know how "real" a 150 is -- but I don't care which side
>the wing is on,

*The* wing? I'd kinda hope there's one on the left and one on the right!

>just so long as his training doesn't occur in *my*
>plane...

- Rick

[Rick[_1_]]

Jay Honeck wrote in message
. com>...
[snip]

>I don't think anyone will be doing much sleeping tonight...

I read in another post that you let him fly down to 30 AGL with the whole
family on board. Sounds like he'll be a superb student.

- Rick

[Dudley Henriques]

On 2007-06-21 22:58:48 -0400, Jay Honeck > said:

> Scary (impossible?) though it may seem, that little baby that I held
> in my arms moments after birth (hell, I cut his umbilical cord!) is
> scheduled to take his first flight lesson tomorrow afternoon...
>
> It seems like just yesterday I was changing his diaper, or teaching
> him to tie his shoes. And it was just a few days ago that I was
> helping him drive a nail for the first time, and showing him how to
> throw a baseball.
>
> It's remarkable how quickly the years have flown by. He's really a
> young man now, stronger, faster, and smarter than either of his
> parents. And with 1500+ hours in the air in GA aircraft, he's
> probably more comfortable there than any student in history.
>
> After much searching, we've found the perfect flight instructor for
> Joe -- a semi-retired pilot of classic aircraft, with many thousands
> of hours doing tail-wheel mountain flying. He's one of the nicest
> gentlemen we've ever met, and, along with his wife, has become a close
> friend after a year of hanging out on "Movie Nights".
>
> Still, despite all this...I'm terrified. Letting -- no, encouraging
> -- my boy to launch himself into the wild blue yonder is weighing
> heavily on my soul, and -- as much as I desperately want him to know
> the freedom of flight -- this is really scary.
>
> I don't think anyone will be doing much sleeping tonight...

Just a word of caution Jay. Knowing the way you think I'm fairly
certain you have thought of this already, but just in case;
I'm sure you and Mary thought long and hard about your choice of a CFI.
He sounds like a good one from your description.
Be ESPECIALLY CAREFUL you don't fall into the trap of the parent/pilot
myself syndrome.
A very common problem we instructors run into on occasion with a pilot
owner as involved in flying as you and Mary are when they turn a
youngster over to us for formal dual is that as parents you might THINK
you see something that is in conflict with our methods and procedures.
Remember, the CFI is seeing your son as a student ONLY, and gearing his
instruction to your son the way HE believes will be the best way to get
the job done.
This of course, from time to time, might very well conflict with the
way YOUmight be presenting something to your son. If this happens and
you intervene, you might innocently create a confusing atmosphere that
could hinder rather than help your son.
Keeping normal parental "worries and concerns" in the right place, when
and if this occurs, and it probably will :-)), my suggestion is to say
nothing to your son, but discuss it directly with the instructor.
I've been through this with a few "anxious parents", and found the
issue important enough to include a pre-first lesson interview between
instructors and parents in your position as a suggested procedure for
every CFI taking on a student through this path.
I mention it to you only peripherally really, as I'm sure you and Mary
are "wise old owls", but as well for new CFI's out here who might be
entering this scenario someday.
Wish your boy the best of luck from me. I know he'll do fine.
Dudley Henriques

[Gatt]

"Dudley Henriques" > wrote in message
news:2007062220131116807-dhenriques@rcncom...

> I've been through this with a few "anxious parents", and found the issue
> important enough to include a pre-first lesson interview between
> instructors and parents in your position as a suggested procedure for
> every CFI taking on a student through this path.
> I mention it to you only peripherally really, as I'm sure you and Mary are
> "wise old owls", but as well for new CFI's out here who might be entering
> this scenario someday.

Another one for my increasing archive of useful usenet posts. Thanks,
Dudley!

-Chris Gattman
Troutdale, OR

[Dudley Henriques]

On 2007-06-22 20:31:58 -0400, "Gatt" > said:

>
> "Dudley Henriques" > wrote in message
> news:2007062220131116807-dhenriques@rcncom...
>
>> I've been through this with a few "anxious parents", and found the issue
>> important enough to include a pre-first lesson interview between
>> instructors and parents in your position as a suggested procedure for
>> every CFI taking on a student through this path.
>> I mention it to you only peripherally really, as I'm sure you and Mary are
>> "wise old owls", but as well for new CFI's out here who might be entering
>> this scenario someday.
>
> Another one for my increasing archive of useful usenet posts. Thanks,
> Dudley!
>
> -Chris Gattman
> Troutdale, OR

You're very welcome. If I understand correctly from another thread, you
are considering a CFI rating. Best of luck with that.
DH

[Jay Honeck]

> Just a word of caution Jay.

<Big snip of lots of good advice>

Thanks, Dudley. We're very much aware of this potential problem, and
will try to avoid it at all costs.

That's another (serious) reason I wanted him to train in a Cessna
150. It's different enough from our our plane that EVERYTHING will be
different, from the pre-flight checklist to the sight picture on final
approach.

That way whatever he's learning will be in a different context from
what he's seen in Atlas, and there can be no conflict. (At least
that's the theory.)

As far as his CFI, we have truly found a gem. He's an older
gentleman, deeply involved in flying and restoring classic aircraft
(he barnstorms with a 1929 Travel Air, and has participated in the
National Air Tour, as well as the American Barnstormers Tour), has
flown wildlife flights in the mountains in a Maule, and is genuinely
one of the nicest, most even-keeled guys I've ever met.

He's not building hours, and he doesn't need the money. He's just
doing it because he loves it -- and that's what Joe needs.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Dudley Henriques]

On 2007-06-22 22:03:27 -0400, Jay Honeck > said:

>> Just a word of caution Jay.
>
> <Big snip of lots of good advice>
>
> Thanks, Dudley. We're very much aware of this potential problem, and
> will try to avoid it at all costs.
>
> That's another (serious) reason I wanted him to train in a Cessna
> 150. It's different enough from our our plane that EVERYTHING will be
> different, from the pre-flight checklist to the sight picture on final
> approach.
>
> That way whatever he's learning will be in a different context from
> what he's seen in Atlas, and there can be no conflict. (At least
> that's the theory.)
>
> As far as his CFI, we have truly found a gem. He's an older
> gentleman, deeply involved in flying and restoring classic aircraft
> (he barnstorms with a 1929 Travel Air, and has participated in the
> National Air Tour, as well as the American Barnstormers Tour), has
> flown wildlife flights in the mountains in a Maule, and is genuinely
> one of the nicest, most even-keeled guys I've ever met.
>
> He's not building hours, and he doesn't need the money. He's just
> doing it because he loves it -- and that's what Joe needs.

Sounds like you have the perfect combination going there Jay.
Your pick of a CFI sounds like just the right one for you.
The choice of the 150 is also in my opinion a good one as opposed to
the Cherokee.

I know you love Atlas and I have absolutely nothing against Cherokees
having taught in them many times, but for primary students,IF a choice
of a tricycle gear airplane is an option, I have always leaned heavily
toward steering people into the small Cessna's for initial training .
I have always liked the control setup on the Cessna's as opposed to the
Cherokees strictly when talking primary dual. I've found over time (a
lot of time really :-) that time spent in the control sensitive/ wind
sensitive 150's and 152's in the beginning has paid big dividends down
the line for students who learn in these airplanes, THEN transition
into the Cherokees .
Dudley Henriques

[[email protected]]

Jay Honeck > wrote:
> Still, despite all this...I'm terrified.

http://www.monkeydyne.com/rmcs/dbcomic.phtml?rowid=7194

> Letting -- no, encouraging -- my boy to launch himself into the
> wild blue yonder is weighing heavily on my soul, and -- as much
> as I desperately want him to know the freedom of flight -- this
> is really scary.

Congratulations, your parenting systems are nominal. :)

Matt Roberds

[Carl Orton]

Even better is when he asks, "Dad, what's the Mile High Club?"


"Maxwell" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
> oups.com...
>> Scary (impossible?) though it may seem, that little baby that I held
>> in my arms moments after birth (hell, I cut his umbilical cord!) is
>> scheduled to take his first flight lesson tomorrow afternoon...
>>
>> It seems like just yesterday I was changing his diaper, or teaching
>> him to tie his shoes. And it was just a few days ago that I was
>> helping him drive a nail for the first time, and showing him how to
>> throw a baseball.
>>
>> It's remarkable how quickly the years have flown by. He's really a
>> young man now, stronger, faster, and smarter than either of his
>> parents. And with 1500+ hours in the air in GA aircraft, he's
>> probably more comfortable there than any student in history.
>>
>> After much searching, we've found the perfect flight instructor for
>> Joe -- a semi-retired pilot of classic aircraft, with many thousands
>> of hours doing tail-wheel mountain flying. He's one of the nicest
>> gentlemen we've ever met, and, along with his wife, has become a close
>> friend after a year of hanging out on "Movie Nights".
>>
>> Still, despite all this...I'm terrified. Letting -- no, encouraging
>> -- my boy to launch himself into the wild blue yonder is weighing
>> heavily on my soul, and -- as much as I desperately want him to know
>> the freedom of flight -- this is really scary.
>>
>> I don't think anyone will be doing much sleeping tonight...
>
> What are you going to do the first time he says, hey Dad, can I borrow the
> plane?
>

[Carl Orton]

Jay:

Seems like it was only yesterday with my own son.

He started flying in December of his Junior year in HS - lessee, that was
Dec '04. He flew a bit, but school kept him busy. That summer (now June
'05), he solo'd. I've always seen it advised that parents / friends / ???
should not be present, just to avoid the jitters. So, I arranged it with the
flight school, and showed up after he was already in the air with his
instructor. I parked in an inconspicuous place, and brought the camera. He
never saw me until he was taxiing in after his solo. Best pictures I ever
took. ;-)

Anyway, he knocked out most of his training that summer, but still had a bit
to go - 1 more x-c, some night flight, hood time, etc. He'd squeeze in an
occasional flight now and then so that he didn't get too rusty. School took
a lot of time since he played in the marching band (very competitive here in
TX). He took his checkride about 2 wks after his graduation. Again, I showed
up while he was in the air.

He's now just finished his freshman year at Embry-Riddle / Prescott, and now
has his multi. He is so pleased that he has a rating that his dad doesn't
have....

Regarding your plane, at the time of his training, I had a '67 172H, which
I've since sold. I used rental aircraft exclusively for his training. Both
C-150 and C-172SP. I could add him onto my policy AS A STUDENT for only
$200/yr more than what I was paying. They said it would drop lower once he
had his certificate. Interesting point, though, is that while *he* would be
covered, the INSTRUCTOR would not be covered. So, if something happened
like the engine seizing and they landed in a field, insurance would pay. If
the insurance company determined that an off-field landing (or worse)
happened, and they could tie it back to something the instructor did, they
would not pay. I could have added the instructor, but it would have been
much much higher, since it would have been for "commercial purposes."

I slept fine each and every time - I, too, knew the instructor, and while he
*was* building time, he just clicked with my son.

Carl


"Jay Honeck" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> Scary (impossible?) though it may seem, that little baby that I held
> in my arms moments after birth (hell, I cut his umbilical cord!) is
> scheduled to take his first flight lesson tomorrow afternoon...
>
> It seems like just yesterday I was changing his diaper, or teaching
> him to tie his shoes. And it was just a few days ago that I was
> helping him drive a nail for the first time, and showing him how to
> throw a baseball.
>
> It's remarkable how quickly the years have flown by. He's really a
> young man now, stronger, faster, and smarter than either of his
> parents. And with 1500+ hours in the air in GA aircraft, he's
> probably more comfortable there than any student in history.
>
> After much searching, we've found the perfect flight instructor for
> Joe -- a semi-retired pilot of classic aircraft, with many thousands
> of hours doing tail-wheel mountain flying. He's one of the nicest
> gentlemen we've ever met, and, along with his wife, has become a close
> friend after a year of hanging out on "Movie Nights".
>
> Still, despite all this...I'm terrified. Letting -- no, encouraging
> -- my boy to launch himself into the wild blue yonder is weighing
> heavily on my soul, and -- as much as I desperately want him to know
> the freedom of flight -- this is really scary.
>
> I don't think anyone will be doing much sleeping tonight...
> --
> Jay Honeck
> Iowa City, IA
> Pathfinder N56993
> www.AlexisParkInn.com
> "Your Aviation Destination"
>

[Jay Honeck]

> I know you love Atlas and I have absolutely nothing against Cherokees
> having taught in them many times, but for primary students,IF a choice
> of a tricycle gear airplane is an option, I have always leaned heavily
> toward steering people into the small Cessna's for initial training .
> I have always liked the control setup on the Cessna's as opposed to the
> Cherokees strictly when talking primary dual. I've found over time (a
> lot of time really :-) that time spent in the control sensitive/ wind
> sensitive 150's and 152's in the beginning has paid big dividends down
> the line for students who learn in these airplanes, THEN transition
> into the Cherokees .

Agreed. I love Atlas, but compared to a 150 its a transport-class
plane. Big, nose-heavy, and -- with a pretty short wing -- not
terribly forgiving in slow flight. It'll slide around the pattern on
rails.

A 150, on the other hand, is like a butterfly, requiring constant
input. It'll teach him a lot, methinks.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

[Dudley Henriques]

On 2007-06-23 09:52:40 -0400, Jay Honeck > said:

>> I know you love Atlas and I have absolutely nothing against Cherokees
>> having taught in them many times, but for primary students,IF a choice
>> of a tricycle gear airplane is an option, I have always leaned heavily
>> toward steering people into the small Cessna's for initial training .
>> I have always liked the control setup on the Cessna's as opposed to the
>> Cherokees strictly when talking primary dual. I've found over time (a
>> lot of time really :-) that time spent in the control sensitive/ wind
>> sensitive 150's and 152's in the beginning has paid big dividends down
>> the line for students who learn in these airplanes, THEN transition
>> into the Cherokees .
>
> Agreed. I love Atlas, but compared to a 150 its a transport-class
> plane. Big, nose-heavy, and -- with a pretty short wing -- not
> terribly forgiving in slow flight. It'll slide around the pattern on
> rails.
>
> A 150, on the other hand, is like a butterfly, requiring constant
> input. It'll teach him a lot, methinks.

You're right. It's the same reason the Air Force still uses the T38. If
you perfect your basic skills in an airplane that taxes your skills, it
forces you into a higher skill level as you progress through the
basics. The bottom line on this type of thinking is that if you can
handle the more sensitive aircraft, what comes afterward is a lower
learning curve.
It works!
If he can fly the 150 well, he'll LOVE Atlas!!
Dudley Henriques

[Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe]

> wrote in message
ups.com...
> On Jun 21, 9:58 pm, Jay Honeck > wrote:
>> Scary (impossible?) though it may seem, that little baby that I held
>> in my arms moments after birth (hell, I cut his umbilical cord!) is
>> scheduled to take his first flight lesson tomorrow afternoon...
>
>
> I dream of the day when one (or both) of my sons does the same.
> They're 9 and 13, so I have a little time yet...
>

Just a comment.

Talking to my brother the other day he commented that one mistake he made
was not keeping his CFI current - his son is now flying right seat in a King
Air and the big thing holding him back is the number of hours logged. If my
brother had kept his CFI, his son would probably could have an extra 1000 or
so hours logged - a big boost in his total time (even if it would have been
dual).

Just something to think about iff'n your young'ns look like they might go
down the aviat'n path...

Oh, he started flying right seat in dad's T-18 before he was tall enough to
see over the IP - even with a booster seat he had to look out the side
windows. And his first lesson (logged) was at about age 12 or so - in a
Pitts S2- first lesson was spins, rolls, loops, inverted flight, etc.

--
Geoff
The Sea Hawk at Wow Way d0t Com
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