my first night time/ifr flight!!! WOW!!!

Well, being a PPL and thoroughly interested and fascinated by aviation
generally, I jumped at the opportunity when a friend offered me a seat to
accompany him on a mission interstate. Ive likewise been fascinated by IFR
flight but of course knew Id never bother to get the endorsement because it
needs currency and is expensive - and given the amount of flying I do, its
of no real use.

ANYWAY.

Sitting in the front seat (as opposed the sideways seat in a jet) taking off
into wet/cloud/darkness is a totally different feeling. I was so impressed
the way his eyes were fixated on the instruments, he didnt even bother
looking outside - it was so cool!

Later on at 10,000 we ended up being night VFR on top with the sky and stars
and the odd blinking jet far above in the distance. It was a totally
liberating experience. Even though I still wont ever get the rating myself,
it was great to be a part of it and helps novice pilots like me understand
how exciting but how dangerous it can be. Our descent was into heavy rain
with cloud cover at 1200 - the joys of a precise ILS approach! I could see
the rain pelting the wings as the strobe blinked and the cloud made for
interesting viewing - then all of a sudden, the runway appears! COOL!!

Thats really it, but I ust thought Id share my story for those interested! I
love flying!