Another aviation career

My eldest son has wanted to fly since he was 6 years old (partly my fault for taking him to work). He became enamored of airplanes and has been that way ever since. In his second term of college this year, a private pilot license is part of his curriculum.

On a beautiful evening last week, his aunts, uncles, cousins, brother & I went out to the airport to watch.

Every pilot thoroughly checks out his aircraft before each and every flight. This applies to all aircraft, from the small, single engine plane you see here to the commercial jets of a major airline. This is called a walkaround inspection.

Weight and balance is very important. It is calculated with fuel tanks full and with small aircraft, it’s pretty much the same as putting gas in your car. 

 

After all the preflight inspections and preparations, it was time to wait for darkness (little did we all know it would be at least another 1/2 hour before takeoff) …Could say he was just a little excited we were all there to watch, although I think Aunt Kimmie was just as excited watching…

Engine running, navigation lights are on and time to taxi out to the runway… 

 

Hard to imagine that’s my kid piloting that aircraft, but HE’S been preparing for this since he was 6 years old…