Yesterday, I took the day off to celebrate Brian’s birthday. It was a great day, and it all started here:
Brian was an aerospace engineering major in college and has wanted to fly since he was about 5, so I thought an introductory flight was in order. We met flight instructor Sue Ballew at Palo Alto Airport. Sue started Brian’s flight lesson with a discussion of the local airspace:
We then headed out to the tarmac for pre-flight inspection (and instruction):
Then Brian got himself strapped into the pilot’s seat: (Sue took co-pilot and I rode along in back)
During the flight, Sue explained the whys and wherefores of sight piloting, turns, instruments and more. And Brian steered us in level flight and for some turns. Good times!
Of course, I sat back and enjoyed the views. Right after takeoff, we flew above the salt flats. So colorful!
We then flew up to the Dumbarton Bridge and turned west to cruise over the 101, 280 (below) and the mountains. The coast was fogged in but we caught a quick glimpse of Half Moon Bay.
At the end of the flight, Sue snapped a quick picture of us and then spent some time explaining the details of flight training, what Brian would need to get started, approximate costs, etc. Very cool!
Happy birthday, my love! And thank you to Sue for a great experience,
