The Home Stretch

I feel I've accomplished a lot. I'm on my way to being a pilot. The steps I've taken so far are the most important as they were the planning steps. Gathering information, getting my medical, covering costs, signing up for lessons, getting my course materials, finding my way around and finally taking lessons.

If I had something to do different I would have rather taken this course when I did not have so many other things I had to do. WISE took much longer then a regular English class and second semester senior year was busy for me. Studying the flight books, researching, meetings and actual lessons and time at flight school was so much to fit in with trying to get into college, lacrosse and all my other classes. As far as my project I don't think I would have done anything differentially. Learning to fly is deadly serious and cannot be rushed.

I'm proud I'm actually flying. Not many people, kids or adults have gotten as far as I have. Someday I will have my pilot's license and join a club that not many people ever belong to. I'm disappointed I had to spend so much time on research rather then studying at flight school. I felt this took away from my focus rather then adding to it. I could have used the time I spent researching getting closer to my pilots license.

My research was reading articles from magazines. newspapers and watching airplane movies. The focus from my proposal was to learn more about the whole picture of flying. Some was interesting like learning about electric engines and private space fight but none helped me towards my goal of being a pilot. I would rather have researched my flight school books and movies only.Research showed me different types of flying opportunities, different places to get air related jobs and how big the field is.It did not change my focus but did inspire me to look at ROTC seriously. In college I'm going to take Air Force ROTC. I was unsure of this before WISE so I guess that is how research helped me the most. I would not have made that decision without all the reading I did.

Hands On I am flying. I've taken a discovery flight and two lessons.
In my lessons I control the plane with help and completely at times. I clear with the control tower, take off, maneuver and watch landing. Often I am flying the plane alone and in total control. Flying lessons also include pre checks where the pilot looks over the plane and learning about the facility and air field.I spent many days at the East Hill flying club studying and learning.

WISE was good. I did not know it was going to take up so much time. I'm glad I choose to blog as I like it better then journaling. I think it is more fun to read so people will be more interested. I love that I am on my way to being a pilot and don't know how I will continue this - in college or summers, but I know I will continue and someday be a pilot. WISE helped me get started on the path.