Those Immortal words of “Lost” character John Locke can certainly fuel a fire when someone points that finger at you and instills doubt in your abilities before you even get started. That’s where my Aviation story begins.
Actually, it began when I was a young girl laying in the grass watching my kite dance in the wind on many a cool fall day. Dreams of soaring in the clouds and riding along airborne, free from the constraints of the ground. So exhilarating! Eyes always turned upward as the sound of airplanes passed overhead, I even went so far as to start skydiving at a small club. I’m really not sure why, at that point, I never considered becoming a Pilot even though I deeply admired the Jump Pilots at my club. Perhaps it was always considered a “man’s profession?” Hmmmm…. I don’t know. That was a long time ago.
Fast forward many years later, after having 2 kids and on marriage number 2, I win a Simulator Experience at FlightSafety and get to “fly” for the first time. What a thrill! Still, no lessons. No money, honey. Another year passes and my wonderful husband takes me on a helicopter tour. That sealed the deal. First lift off, flying alongside the clouds and I was absolutely hooked. That was it. A month later I’m doing a Discovery flight and signing up at a school to pursue my Private Pilot Certificate. The owner of the school was a big flirt but on the other hand a bit cantankerous and not everyone’s cup of tea, but I consider myself pretty easy going and more than able to hang with the big boys. Upon signing the dotted line to get my study materials, he says “I don’t think you’ll be successful. This takes a lot of time and with 2 kids, a husband and a job, you don’t have what it takes”. Game on! Don’t tell me what I can’t do, mister!
From that point on, it was my mission come hell or high water to get that Certificate and prove I have what it takes and that having kids and other responsibilities mean you might have to work harder and perhaps longer but with perseverance and fire in your heart, it can and will happen. Perhaps that was his way of kicking my butt into gear? If so, thank you!
I faced a few bumps in the road to my Private Pilot Certificate including illness, losing my kneeboard complete with my logbook and medical certificate (which luckily can and was replaced and logbook rebuilt with aircraft rental records), lots of debt, rejected scholarship applications and I even failed my first check ride. I cried, had tantrums and thought about walking away feeling like maybe I should just keep both feet on the ground and perhaps that crusty man was right. No sir! I pulled up my big girl panties and came back more determined than ever. I passed that check ride with flying colors on September 9, 2017 and now onto my Instrument Rating and enjoying that Private Pilot Certificate with my family.
We all have to start somewhere on the way to whatever goals we seek to achieve. No matter what life throws at you, catch it and throw it back – take that!