My First Flight
by TARA SHAWDE' BROWN
There is nothing like flying on a smooth, crisp, morning in a glider, and looking behind you while realizing you are all alone! I was 14 and independent, and felt one with the wind and the plane. I was flying over all outside societal pressures. All my stressors were gone the minute I took flight!
My first flight (Top L) and my favorite yellow glider. My first passenger, my dad (Bottom R)
My first Flight ever : formation flying in powered sailplanes - my Father's best Christmas gift ! My first flights and first passenger was my dad.
My Father got me my first introductory flight in a Katana Extreme Powered sail plane. I was 12 then and very excited. He was in another airplane so that he could take pictures of me!
Seen in the picture, is my favorite yellow glider on which I took my first solo flight at the age of 14. I flew solo in the yellow glider early one morning, while my Father was out of town. It was quite a rush! When he got back, I took my him up tandem as well. Since then, I flew every weekend !
It’s my favorite pastime to fly any type of plane, but gliders are special to me : the truest form of flight. Whenever I fly a glider, I feel like an eagle soaring amongst the clouds and thermals.
I admire any aviator / aviatrix who can fly a glider. It is the truest form of flight requiring amazing piloting skills. Some of the best landings performed by glider pilots! Just look at Captain Sulley
First time flying in Class B airspace / IFR - instrument rating / over Phoenix Sky Harbor