| There is nothing like the feeling of sliding into a Cessna | | | | What a rush! But, flying . . . now there is freedom and |
| 172 or Piper Cherokee 180 and heading off into the | | | | peace. Have you ever thought about becoming a pilot? |
| sky. The sense of freedom is enormous, and | | | | It's not hard at all, and is not too expensive . . . and the |
| whatever worries or problems you may be facing, just | | | | joy it brings is immeasurable. Only if it is two or three |
| fade away. It is an incredible feeling! | | | | hours a week or several hours a month . . . the |
| Nearing my 22nd year of professional truck driving, | | | | rewards are great. |
| nothing can clear my mind or ease my spirit as much | | | | At 3500 feet or 8500 feet, all the stress and worries |
| as flying. The sound of the engine, lowering the flaps, | | | | of daily life seem to disappear. It makes you realize |
| full rich mixture and power and the aircraft shooting | | | | that we are very small creatures inhabiting this planet! It |
| down the runway and then . . . lift off! Now this is cool. | | | | brings your perspective of things back to a normal |
| This is more than cool . . . it is totally awesome! | | | | realization. If you are one who's entire life is bound by |
| After CDL training, the stress of trucking can wear | | | | trucking, like so many drivers are, (I know, I've been |
| you down sooner or later. Trucking will take over your | | | | there), and you are considering a "hobby" of some |
| life until you have no life . . . if you let it. After a hard | | | | sort, consider attaining your Private Pilot Certificate. |
| three or four-week run, all a driver wants to do when | | | | Discover the joy of general aviation. You won't regret |
| they make it home, is rest. In a few days they will | | | | it. |
| have to head out, and start it all over again. It is | | | | I am planning my first flight to Freeport in the Bahamas |
| imperative that someone who lives the life of a | | | | and will be flying a Piper Cherokee 180. I received my |
| trucker, has hobbies that they can enjoy when they | | | | Private Pilot License in March 1985 and still have the |
| are home. It is very important to be able to do those | | | | same enthusiasm today as I had on my first flight. I |
| things for relaxation to mend the mind and body, | | | | have about 15 hours to go in attaining my commercial |
| before having to jump in the truck again. | | | | instrument rating . . . always learning and always |
| Many will enjoy a movie out with their families . . . a | | | | discovering new things. Although it is only about 246.5 |
| fishing trip . . . time out on the boat . . . a motorcycle ride | | | | nautical miles and will take roughly two hours and forty |
| . . . whatever it is, a driver should set aside that time at | | | | minutes to make it to Freeport, with approximately |
| home for rest and enjoyment. Life is too short to | | | | thirty-eight minutes of "ocean" flying . . . it's going to be |
| spend it always in a truck. Most trucking companies | | | | the best two hours and forty minutes of my life! |
| don't understand this. The only thing that exists in life is | | | | Don't let trucking control your life. Whatever it takes . . . |
| the freight. Forget about the freight for a while . . . and | | | | whatever hobby you choose . . . make it work for you. |
| enjoy life when you can before it's gone. | | | | If you've never thought about flying, consider it now. |
| I look forward to riding my Harley every chance I get. | | | | Trust me . . . you'll be glad you did. |