Sorry we have been absent. We have been extremely busy. Will be posting more soon
My Father’s Day started early with a text message from my daughter. She lives in a different time zone, and the text message included a smiling picture of our grandson. It was then followed by a video chat. The chat was cute. He is not quite two years old. He does say a few words. But when he sees me he starts a whole volume of words describing what I think is how his life is.
All I can do is smile and giggle when he giggles because I have no clue what he is saying. Obviously it is important to him because he is quite animated when he is talking. Man he is so cute!!
Next was a great breakfast made by Tracy. A little sitting in the hot tub, then the shower and get ready for the rest of the day.
Off we go to Georgetown Texas to visit Genesis Flight Training Academy. Tracy bought a gift certificate almost two years ago. We have set up appointments many times, but weather conditions did not permit and had to cancel each time. Being in a small plane in bad weather is not my idea of a good time.
Saturday the weather prediction was a 50/50 chance we were going to cancel again. Tracy was on the phone twice before we left. There were storm fronts surrounding the airport. Oddly enough the skies opened up when we arrived.
We met with Chris(instructor) and went into his office to discuss the flight. We talked about the plane, the topography, and our possible flight plan. We told him we wanted to fly over our house as well.
We then went outside to inspect the aircraft. I must say, it was tiny. I had to bend over to walk under the wing. It has four seats, but I do not know how four people could fit. Tracy said the storage section for luggage might have enough room for a day bag. https://genesis-aero.com/aircraft-n1232g
Chris walked me around the plane explaining the inspection procedure. We played with the flaps, looked at the skin of the plane, tested the fuel for water. We also checked the instruments, amount of fuel and battery power. I did find a dent on the tail and asked about it. He said most likely the dent was caused by a bird hit.
Next we were inside doing the preflight check list. Headphones on, test for sound. Chris then explained what I would be doing from taking off, flying and landing the plane. He then fired the little girl up and down the runway we went.
Now I know Chris was in full control. But from here forward it felt like I was in control. Chris instructed me during the takeoff, and I did just that TAKEOFF!!. I had the throttle and steering wheel in hand. Up we went and he instructed me how to turn the plane.
We flew over Lake Georgetown and he started showing me points to look for to figure out our location. Let me tell you, it took me a while to figure out the landmarks. We flew around Leander, Liberty Hill towards Lake Buchanan. Tracy found our house and I circled around it. We then flew around Lake Buchanan and Inks Lake. It was now time to head back.
During the flight I was instructed to fly at the level of 3500. He allowed me to go above and below that level. As I said before we had small storms surrounding our area, so it was very cloudy outside. As I flew closer to the clouds we would get turbulence. I quickly figured out the best level for a smooth flight.
As we got closer to the airport the skies started to open. You could feel the heat from the sun. And because of that heat, more turbulence. Chris said he was going to land the plane. At first I was disappointed. But as we were over the runway, I was happy he did. We did bounce a lot before we were on the ground.
As we were leaving the airport, I was given a Pilot Log Book. My hour fight counted as flying time if I decided to learn to fly.
This was a thrill of a lifetime. Thank you Tracy for the wonderful Father’s Day present.
Next we were off to see our son Chris. He is an accupuncturist and has been treating me for a couple of years. What a difference he has made on my body.