How I Learned to Fly

TrainingAVweb readers come in all shapes and sizes. When we asked you to send us yourown tales of flight training, we were soon flooded with responses. We read them all, andthe best ones are published here. We hope you’ll get the same kick we do from readingthem!

The offer, by the way, is a standing one: Simply write a 500- to 1,500-word story abouthow you learned to fly, and submit it via email to training@avweb.com.If you care to attach a photo or three, that’s even better. If we choose to publishit, you will get your proverbial fifteen minutes of fame plus a stylish AVwebcap! Please check out the rules before submitting yourstory.

Here are the winning entries to date. Read and enjoy!

Damon MurrayA Kid’s Point of View

I cut this out of a newspaper years ago….it’s what made me decide to fly!

Harry FlynnThe Fifty-Year Ticket

It took me forty-seven years to earn my license, but it was worth the wait!

Lawrence IveyThe Cross-Country from Hell

… helped me learn that the devil is in the details.

Ned NuttMy First Solo

… scared me so much, the second didn’t come for another 28 years!

Allen BevanFirst — And Almost Last — Flight

During early WW II, in Canada, teenage members of an Air Cadet Squadron built and flew an English designed Dagling Primary Glider.

B. Keith PeshakYou Can’t Do That in a Cessna 150, Can You?

A mixed gaggle of Texas students and instructors decide to buzz the Austin tower on an early morning “Dawn Patrol.”

Capt. Bill Mauldin (Ret)Toilet Papered by a Flight School

A North Carolina radio station has its tower papered from the air, leading its DJ to become a 30,000 hr commercial pilot.

Martin IgnazitoThe Smell of Bird’s Nests

… from the J-5’s heater, cold weather, packed snow and mud on the all turf runway — but at least the price was right!

Dick PeckA Fear of Flying

… lead one businessman to conquer his phobia with knowledge, understanding, and respect.

Jerry ThomasKeeping the Ball Centered

Sometimes the lessons with the highest degree of “P-Factor” are the ones best remembered!

Loy RileyFlying, Spying, and All That Diving …

An ex-fighter-pilot-turned-CFI has an endearing but unorthodox teaching method.

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