We approach the takeoff end of the runway. I go through the preflight checks — ailerons go up and down, rudder moves freely, elevators the same. It’s 7:30 a.m. as we depart St. John’s Airport in Reserve, Louisiana. I have seven hours in the airplane. I am 68 years old and a beginner at ultralight flying. I am anxious. My instructor has more confidence in me than I have in myself.
Gene Bever Borne, owner of Air-Tech Inc, has logged more than 8,000 hours in this type of aircraft. He was one of the pioneers in powered hang gliding and ultralight flying in Louisiana. He is calm, professional, gentle with the controls and with his instructions. He announces to the airport our intent to take off on Runway 35 departing to the east.
