First Flights thread

denverpilot

denverpilot

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DenverPilot
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Today looks like a good day to introduce a new person to aviation. Friend of mine wants to, in his words, "Give a bright young kid a number of new experiences to show him the possibilities available to him if he applies himself.", and today is "fly a light aircraft" day.

Will post more later but I thought, "Hey, we don't have an 'I gave someone new to aviation a ride today' thread."

Post 'em up. Photos of huge happy grins, approved!

(EAA YE flights approved of course, too... But personally I'm more interested in the non-sanctioned event variety... But they're all good!)
 
This is a cool idea Denverpilot! I look forward to reading the stories.

I'll start by saying I've given 6 people their first flight in a small plane and each have loved it! Most people love the fact that they feel a part of the experience in that they can hear the ATC, I explain what is going on, and they are able to see out the front! They all to a tee, love the views. When I took my Dad flying he said it felt like we were a bird just soaring up there and he loved that we were going slow enough to actually see things!

My most influential flight was when I took my 18 year old cousin on his first trip. At one point I told him, " hey look over there and you can see New York City, straight ahead of you is the Long Island sound, and over there is eastern Long Island.". He was literally in awe and it's still pretty much all we talk about when we see each other. He's so into it that I got him a discovery flight for his birthday/graduation gift. I really am glad I took him and I'm glad that I can share my hobby with someone else.

Aviation really does give us pilots a great way to " pay it forward."
 
The flight went well BTW. Kid is bright and very introverted. Uncle said that was the most he's ever sent the kid smile, ever. That made my day.

1.1 hours, KAPA-KFTG-KAPA with two crash and dash at FTG.

Had a full load... Four people and 45 gallons of go juice. Climb was solid but slow.

Let the kid try some turns and climbs and descents in cruise, he was very timid on the controls.
 
Like to give kids their first ride,also like to let them try flying.prefer to let kids fly over adults as kids due what you tell them without asking why.
 
This kid was asking questions the whole time... The best was after the first T&G, "Do you always have to take off again after you land here, or can you stop?" ;)
 
denverpilot said:
"Do you always have to take off again after you land here, or can you stop?" ;)
Click to expand...

There's a Bill Engvall straight line....

Good on ya Nate to provide the ride.
 
Wish I'd remember to do photos, but Uncle shot some. I'll get them from him sometime.

I tend to put photos and videos down the priority stack a ways when about to launch with three other souls on board trusting me that this contraption is safe to go wander around the sky in, on a 9000' DA morning.

I spent a lot of time looking for "alternative" landing locations as we wandered East underneath the Bravo ring. Overhanging airspace isn't always the safety panacea it's pitched as, for those of us stuck underneath it. ;) I wouldn't have minded another 1000 or 2000' AGL...
 
I've took up my cousin for her graduation/going away gift, she absolutely loved it and has started talking about pursuing her license once she's done with college.

Also took up a friend and her mom when she was in town, she was taking pictures and sending them to her dad the whole flight talking about how jealous he was going to be lol. I guess you're never too old to be a kid. :)

I think sharing the magic of flight with people has knocked earning my license to the number two spot of most rewarding things I've done.
 
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