Sure enough, I've already realized that in fact I've had plenty of experiences to recount and share, but they're the more subtle ones, that linger like a familiar song or the smell of a fresh baked apple pie. They don't make you laugh or shudder in fear, but rather leave you feeling at peace and grateful that you're simply here enjoying this moment.
I've been doing a lot of teaching lately, and nothing makes me more happy or humbled than getting into a plane with a student (which we all were and continue to be) and watch them grow. Like many of the complex tasks we learn in our lives, flying requires patience, practice, and of course a sense of humility and humor! Maine summers are the perfect opportunity to earn the seaplane rating, and so I've had my share of glassy water landings, step taxis and beaching lessons. Nothing is quite as peaceful as slowly putting by a loon and then shutting the engine off to practice some slow sailing on the water in the formidable Skyhawk hull. How about introducing my private pilot student to his first "on top" as we climbed over a broken layer, learning that not only beautiful, it's also relatively easy to get into those stronger winds aloft and take advantage of the tailwinds (just be careful not to get stuck up there without being IFR current!)
I've even purposely poked myself into some cumulus clouds to hone my own instrument skills as I work with students. Yes, teaching is a great way to share my love of flying and to realize how different we all learn. I recall once telling one of my instructors when I was having a real hard time mastering the power off 180 landings, "I can't get this, you're going to have to explain it a different way." ANd he did and I eventually mastered it. I love trying to figure out different ways of explaining a procedure or technique and remembering that sometimes the best thing to say is nothing, or "Good job. That's better than the last few, you're making progress!" One truth I've learned in teaching is that NOBODY learns without confidence, and one thing a CFI can do is work with students for them to feel confident and see their progress. I think back on those instructors of mine who gave it to me, and how lucky I am to share it with my students.
Speaking of learning, I too went and put a dent in my wallet to continue working on my aerobatic skills in a local Citabria...what fun! My aileron rolls and loops are actually even tolerable! If you're feeling bored with your own piloting routine, spend the money and go get some aerobatic training. It will really improve your skills and what could be more fun than seeing those familiar fields around your airport from a totally different perspective (ie upside down!)
No, I still haven't flown the turboprop or the biz jet and that charter twin still hasn't shown up in our hangar yet, but let's be honest here. ANY day that I get a chance to hangar talk and go up with a friend or student and share these amazing views and adventures is a good day. And like the view from the Citabria's upside down windshield, it's all just a matter of perspective!
