Latest Work Completed Mantua, New Jersey
Original Site:
September 2004
E-mail: usav8or@yahoo.com
Through the eyes of a new flyer.
First time up.
I've been flying since I was 15. The newness of flying never
wears off for me but there is a special moment for all flyers
that they'll always remember. That first time they broke the
bonds of earth to experience life as it was meant to be,
flight..... unlimited.
At the time, Denise and I had been going
out for about 8 months. I hadn't been up flying in a LONG
time. Life decided to get in the way and time just flew by.
On a beautiful Sunday morning in November she decided that she wanted
to surprise me with... wait a second, I'm getting ahead of
myself here. I'll let Denise tell the story.
Flying
in a small plane wasn’t something that I ever thought I would
do for enjoyment or recreation. Having traveled many times
on commercial planes, I never gave much thought to flight
or those that fly the planes. I viewed it as more of a chore
or job than ever thinking it would be enjoyable. I have a
different opinion now & I look at flying in a new light. My
first experience in a small plane was awesome. I wasn’t one
passenger out of 50-60 people packed in a large tin can that
could only see clouds. I was a passenger in a Cessna Skyhawk
4-seater with views of South Jersey that were incredible.
My first flight was a surprise. A surprise that I set up for
Jerry and wound up a passenger.
I always admired his passion for flying (although I didn’t
understand it all yet) and wanted for him to get back up in
the air after two years. I was very excited to experience
this new world. There wasn’t an ounce of fear or doubt when
offered the opportunity to be a passenger. I had total faith
and belief in Jerry’s flying skills. I now feel bad for those
that are too scared to fly and will never share this experience.
I experienced pure joy. Flying over South Jersey in a small
plane was a “wow” experience. I could see the horizon in the
distance. The ocean was endless. Seeing it from that view
was almost breathtaking.
The peace that I felt is indescribable. There were no thoughts
running through my mind, there were no worries or problems
that I was trying to solve. It was pure peace. I was in the
sky. Again, it’s indescribable. I would have to say it was
therapeutic. I went from being so excited (with butterflies
in my stomach) for Jerry & for myself to just total peace.
Enjoying what was there and thrilled that I had this opportunity
to be in the sky with spectacular views. There were moments
that I felt “alone” just me and the views of the city, that’s
my definition of the “wow” factor. It was spectacular.
I’m still learning about smaller planes and I have my own
understanding of the thrill of flying. I can’t say that I
want to learn how to be a pilot tomorrow, but I have a new
learned respect for flight.
I hope to be in the air again soon and experience the joy
and peace of the views of many cities.