Airplaning
About a year ago, I was clicking through some email and saw that there was an Intro to Flying Groupon. For 70% off, I wasn’t going to let this opportunity slide by. 11 months go by and I completely forgot I have this Groupon waiting to be used. So one week before it is set to expire, I make a reservation and pony up to play maverick.
My instructor was a really cool guy, who for his day job flies the big jet airlines. He gave me a walkthrough of all the major parts of the aircraft and a overview of all the instrumentation. Within about 20 mins, of being at the flycenter, we were already taxiing down the runway at Colorado Springs Airport. Military C-17’s and airliners were all in the same queue as we were. Doug the instructor handled the takeoff, but as soon as we were out of the airspace of the COS I took control. We flew over the Broadmoor, and then Garden of the Gods making a big loop. The flight started smooth, but as I would come to find out, turbulence kicks in in the afternoon. Doug let me handle and fight all the turbulence, as I kept the plane level while being tossed all around. The 50 min flight went by really fast and soon we were on the approach to land. Doug took over as the winds had really picked up at this time.
Here’s a video of the landing.
It was a fun experience for sure, maybe when I have more $$$ it could be a hobby. (although jumping out of planes is just as cool).
