Flying: It isn't always easy.

Flying: It isn’t always easy.

Lane Wallace

Monday, October 31, 2005 at 10:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The article likens owning an airplane to an "awkward, arranged marriage," highlighting that true, long-term relationships, even with an inanimate object, involve commitment, evolution, and challenges beyond initial romance.
Over seven years, the author developed a deep, unique comfort and intimacy with their plane, the Cheetah, through countless shared experiences, both solitary and adventurous.
True affection is demonstrated when convenience ends; the author chooses their familiar, imperfect plane over a more glamorous alternative and perseveres through mechanical issues, reinforcing that enduring bonds are forged in difficulty.
Despite life changes and challenges, the author expresses no regrets for this profound and lasting connection with their airplane, valuing the comfort and magic it still provides.

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The 90°F June sun is beating down on me, and beads of sweat are running down the sides of my face as I strain to pull my Cheetah back up the taxiway. What was I thinking, buying an airplane that was so flippin’ heavy? I stop for a break, wiping the sweat out of my eyes and scanning the 500 feet of tarmac remaining to my tie-down. Maybe if I pull the plane behind me. I turn around, grasp the handle of the tow bar with both hands behind my back, and bend to the task.

“You are so lucky I like you,” I mutter to the plane as I resume my plodding up the taxiway, hair askew and sweat dripping onto the tarmac.