The author takes his friend Dan, whose lifelong dream of becoming a pilot was thwarted by his height, on his first small plane flight in a practical Grumman Cheetah.
Witnessing Dan's profound enjoyment and renewed spark for flight, the author reflects on the difference between merely flying and experiencing the "music" of the sky.
The author later flies a Decathlon, realizing its superior views and immersive, "motorcycle-like" handling would have offered Dan a far more inspirational and visceral connection to his old dream.
Despite wishing for a more "fun" aircraft, the author ultimately treasures the memory of seeing Dan's pure joy and excitement during their flight, a moment he wouldn't trade.
The graceful, curving point of Half Moon Bay is moving closer in the windscreen, and the airport runway there is now clearly visible. “I can take the controls back, if you want, to get us around the airport,” I offer to my friend Dan, in the right seat. He answers without taking his eyes off the horizon in front of him.
“Actually, I’d like to keep flying, if that’s okay.”
CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT
Sign up to keep reading
Create a free account to continue. Already a member? Sign in below.
