“The engine is the heart of an airplane, but the pilot is its soul.” –Walter Raleigh
“The engine is the heart of an airplane, but the pilot is its soul.” –Walter Raleigh
When I was 5 years old, I asked my parents if I could fly for my birthday. Forgoing a birthday party with cake and presents, I dreamed of flying high above the Dallas skyline at night. My parents contacted the Addison Airport to schedule the flight.
I will never forget the day we pulled up and I walked into the small terminal. I was wearing my favorite red cowboy boots, blue jeans and striped sweater. I felt like I was going to be the best pilot ever.
I shook the pilots hand and looked him in the eye. I was serious. We walked around the plane to do systems check. He talked, I listened...a little. I couldn't wait to take off.
We loaded up in the Cessna and one last systems check and a conversation with air traffic control and then the sound of the engine started. Then the humming sound of the propeller vibrating the plane.
The plane began making its way onto the runway. I could hear air traffic control talking in my headset, "Clear for take off."
Those four words ignited a passion in aviation for me. As we sped down the runway to lift off, I held my breath, this is my favorite part of flying. As you lift off from the ground you feel free.
We flew from Addison to Downtown Dallas and around Reunion Tower. The night sky was so clear the stars blended with the bright lights of the city.
As we began descending to the runway to land, I knew the flight was over. All I knew is that I couldn't wait to fly again. I wanted to feel free!
Copyright © 2019 Lucas Barnes - All Rights Reserved.
Website designed by CB Marketing