“May 2nd, 1972. Checkout in PA-28-180 Gene Van Meter 1919837 CFII 2-74.” So reads an entry on page 10 of my first logbook, one of those small, little ones, about the size of a business envelope. I had about 100 hours under my belt back then, accumulated over the five years since I started flying. The flight in question was a local one; we had departed and returned to LOU, or Bowman field, in Louisville, Kentucky. It was my first flight with the approachable, kind, blond-headed instructor who seemed to be about the same age I was: 26 years old.
I had not done much flying since I got my private ticket in August 1967. I was in medical school — so no time. The school was in New York City — so no easy access to Teterboro Airport, which was two subway rides, a bus ride and about a mile walk to the FBO. And, oh yes, no money.
