Steven’s first flight lesson
I finally got it right!
I finally got Steven a decent Christmas gift!
Yes, Christmas was *cough* four months ago, but in classic Kim-style, I got Steven something he had to wait to use – an introductory flight lesson and ground school at Chicago Executive Airport.
Steven’s been interested in getting his pilot’s license for a very long time*. We cannot exactly afford going all out getting his license, BUT! this awesome Groupon showed up for an introductory lesson… just in time for Christmas! Score!
So we redeemed it yesterday. Wow! We had perfect weather! Clear skies, not too windy… our instructor (who was younger than both of us but very knowledgeable) showed us how to check the weather, do a ground check,
and in less than 30 minutes we were off! Steven handled the lift or something while the instructor took care of the rudders,
then Steven did all the flying! We were in the air for an hour. We went east to the lake, south down to the city, did a 180° back north, then headed west back toward the airport. I should mention, I was in the backseat, and we paid a small fee for me to ride along.
We had to stay 2000 feet away from the buildings, but the view was still breathtaking (click to see larger)!
It was a surprisingly smooth ride (and I mean because of turbulence, not Steven’s flying, which I was not worried about) until we headed south back toward the airport, then it got a bit bumpy.
The instructor handled the landing, we got out and set up the wheel chocks, took the obligatory picture,
and after a quick debriefing (and short spiel on getting a pilot’s license) we were done. We spent an hour in the air, and what seemed like less than an hour on the ground. It was really fun for me, and I was only riding along! I think Steven liked it, because he thanked me for his “awesome gift.” I excel at getting him dud gifts (no, really, I do) so I am happy he enjoyed it so much!
We did not sign up for additional lessons for Steven (yet?), but would like to someday! It would be awesome to fly to Guttenberg, IA, in the summers, to see my family!
Do you have any interest in getting your pilot’s license? Have you ever flown in a small plane like this before?
*It highly interests me too, but it only makes financial sense to have one family member be interested in it!
Themocracy
What an awesome gift! I am looking forward to catching up on what I have missed the past week plus. 🙂
I love the second video, haha – John looked up just in time to see you with your tongue out 😛
I gave E a gift certificate for a helicopter lesson for his birthday right before we broke up. I have no idea if he ever used it–and don’t wonder enough to ask. 😉
Awesome gift! So fun.
My best friend’s dad is a pilot. He actually lives in a fly-in community in FL. I went to visit a few years ago and we flew a few times. He even let me be in charge of steering (or whatever it’s called) for a while.
It’s amusing because my friend is not as into flying (she hates the dropping feeling) but grew up in a family of pilots. It was also crazy to see a community where everyone has their own hangar and can just taxi to a small runway.
The man made “island” in Guttenberg right next to where my family has cabins has a grass landing strip in the middle – so sometimes you walk there and sew a few airplanes out there. I wonder if that is what the community is like where your friend’s family lives, only x 129098.
That is an awesome gift! You got some great pictures of the city! 🙂 I flew in a plane that size when I was little (probably 5 or 6 years old) and of course only remember bits and pieces of it.
Yay for Steven liking his gift!! I’ve never been interested in learning how to fly, but knowing someone who could fly me somewhere without having to go through all the airport craziness would be lovely 🙂
Kim, as a private pilot with and instrument rating, I highly recommend running as fast as you can away from flying lessons. It is a really fast way to blow a lot of money and accomplish nothing.
A flight here and there is fun, but getting a licence is not all it’s cracked up to be. Email me back or ask Pete Hanson how great (not) it is.
Sorry to be a downer, but I’m sure you would like honesty.
Thanks for the input! We can’t afford to get a license, so it’s just a fun dream we like to talk about from time to time. Someday, you will have to tell me what a nightmare it is.
All hobbies cost money, but flying is nuts. Flying professionally seems romantic and mysterious, but it is a really tough and low paying job.
The flight instructor who took you guys up makes less than 30k/year and most of the instructors who I know need to get second jobs.
What a great gift! The pictures of Chicago are breathtaking.
Thank you 🙂
I went in a little plane like that when I dated a guy who was a pilot. He let me steer for awhile, and my job was to stay on the red line on the GPS – anytime I thought I had it right, he’d tell me to look out the window, and the nose of the plan would either be pointing straight down or straight up! It adds a whole new dimension to driving that I’m apparently not yet prepared for!
I bet I would be TOTALLY the same way if I tried to steer! I was content sitting in the back and taking pics and enjoying the ride 🙂
So fun! Your pictures are awesome! I have a hard time getting Robert gifts. He changes his mind a lot.
Just 3 words: Full Of Awesome
Wow! What a fun experience for you both! I have ridden in a small plane like that before, but have no desire to be the pilot. How exciting for Steven though!! What a perfect gift.
That’s so cool!! I’ve seen groupons for them out here, and I want to try it but I’m also kind of nervous. Glad you guys had a good experience!
That is so cool!!! I really enjoyed the video – I think the Chicago skyline is so gorgeous, how awesome that Steven got to fly right by it!
That is SO COOL! When I was little I always thought it would be fun to do this but now that I have my ear issue and flying hurts like crazy to do I would probably not want to do it anymore. You guys always do such fun things! All I did was study this weekend.
First, what an awesome gift for Steven. I think I’d be less excited to join in on the ride, but the views really were breathtaking! Also, have you ever watched the show, Flying Wild Alaska? It’s about a family who owns a small plane business in Alaska. Not only are the views astounding, but you get lots of insight on what it’s like to fly small planes in rough conditions!
Ooo, thanks for the recommendation! I should tell Steven about that show!
That is absolutely amazing! (Being a pilot has been a dream of mine for almost my entire life!) Steven must have LOVED it, and it must have been the most fantastic experience for you to ride with him while he was flying! You’re such an awesome wife to give him such an incredible gift!