Took my two sons, 8 & 6, for their first small airplane ride today. As providence would have it, I happen to be a Certified Flight Instructor, so their first flight could also be a first lesson.
We arrived at the aerodrome a bit early, hard to keep any of us away from airplanes. After pre-flighting the Warrior (and emptying tiny bladders), we mounted up. 6 took the pilot’s seat, with me next to him. 8 agreed to ride the bench for the first half.
God blessed us with a nice day. Light winds, straight down the runway, greater than 10 miles of visibility and no clouds below 12000 ft. So, we pointed our nose to the wind and put the coals to it.
As we neared rotation speed, I told 6 to ease back on the yoke. With a little assist he raised the nose and away we went. Before to long we were above the pattern, and he banked us left toward the Big Lake.
As we motored northward, 6 was mesmerized by the vast array of gauges before him, occasionally peering out the window. We’ll have to work on that. A few minutes of straight-and-level had us at the beach, where I talked him through a few level turns–while pointing out some of the sights he might recognize.
Back over dry land, his time was up. He happily moved to the rear while 8 took his place behind the wheel. Then it was off to Nana’s house.
After a few minutes of trying to recall exactly which road Nana lives on, I pointed 8 in the general direction and he pointed teh Warrior. Soon enough we were abeam the house and I helped 8 through a steep turn, so that he and 6 could peer down from 2500 ft upon the 7 acres of heaven they love to run around through.
Before you know it, it was time to head back to teh barn. So, I pointed to where we were going and 8 took us there.
Now, once we were in the pattern, I knew I needed to be the one flying. 8 can see over the instrument panel, but just barely. And those feet? They can’t really move the rudder a whole lot. So, with him assisting me, I showed them both what’s involved in returning this wee Warrior to the ground from which we came.
Or, at least I thought I showed them both. After 3 touch-and-goes we taxied back to the ramp, only to find 6 sound asleep in the rear. I guess if you aren’t doing the flying its no different than driving.
So, all in all both boys had a blast and did a great job! Now Dad has to get ’em both logbooks to commemorate their first flight. Lord willing there will be many more in their future.