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From Terror to Triumph

Benjamin hangs out at Bryce Canyon Airport. Credit: Pia Bervquist
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Despite an early fascination with airplanes, the author's son, Benjamin, developed an intense aversion to flying in actual planes.
  • Benjamin's perspective on flying began to shift after experiencing its practical benefits, such as significantly reduced travel time on family trips.
  • A multi-day flying adventure to Oshkosh, including visits to national parks like Bryce Canyon and Mount Rushmore, further transformed his attitude, leading to moments of genuine enjoyment.
  • Ultimately, while Benjamin hasn't fully embraced his mother's passion for aviation, they have created numerous cherished memories through their shared flying experiences.
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I have loved airplanes since I was a little girl. So when my son arrived, I was excited to share my passion with him. The early days seemed to indicate that he shared my fascination with flight. One of the very first sounds Benjamin uttered as a baby was a crowlike “cra-cra,” which he excitedly made, while pointing to the sky, any time he saw an airplane. As he grew older, Benjamin made funny noises as he swooped toy airplanes around in aerobatic flight patterns.

As a toddler, Benjamin was not one to throw a fit. He would never scream and roll on the floor at Target because I wouldn’t buy the toy he desired, as some kids do. He wouldn’t cry if I refused to buy the tub of ice cream he wanted at the grocery store. However, if I said we were going flying, all hell broke loose. “I hate flying! I don’t want to go flying!” he would scream as soon as I told him we were heading to the airport.

Pia Bergqvist

Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.

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