We all had dreams of what we wanted
to be when we grow up. Things we were so passionate about, enjoyed it because
of the sheer fun and fulfilment it brought to our soul and wasn’t yet another
chore to complete. Remember those days?
I have always been fascinated about planes and the very thought of flying on open skies, being in control of a jumbo jet, travelling to different countries excited me. Needless to say my dream was to become a pilot.
As with all elite courses there are pre-requisites that you need to meet to become a pilot. One such requirement was to do Maths at ‘A’ levels. It was definitely not my strong suit and had failed in couple of tests leading up to the final exams. I could have taken a risk and carried on or take a safe bet by removing Maths as one of my subjects. Not wanting to take the risk at crucial stage of my education I chose the safe option effectively ending my dream of being a pilot.
From there on my career had taken a different turn and have since established myself as a seasoned IT professional. Though I may not be able to fly a commercial aircraft, I could have still become a pilot. I had convinced myself that it was a failed dream and never thought of taking it any further. No matter how much you try to suppress certain feelings never leave you.
The dream was rekindled when my lovely wife surprised me with a gift of one hour flying lesson and an annual membership to a flying club. Words can’t describe how excited I was to receive such a thoughtful and amazing gift. I booked my lesson at their first available date in mid-April.
I could barely sleep the night before with excitement and was literally like the kids in the Disneyland advert. On the day, I tried to remain calm as much as I could. I was going to fly a two seater Micro Light Aircraft woohoo!! Arrived at the airfield a whole hour early to complete all the necessary paperwork and safety briefing. I just couldn’t wait to get on the aircraft.
It was time to fly. I was all strapped in the aircraft and was given a crash course on all the different controls. Thankfully there were only a handful and was easy to remember. Having the headphones on and talking to ground control about air traffic, clearance to taxi and choosing the runway for take-off was one of the most amazing moment. The instructor guided me for take-off and once we were airborne was taught more about keeping the flight stable, making smooth turns, adjusting altitudes etc., the hour had just flown by and it was time for us to land. It was one of the most thrilling and magical day of my life.
Getting my hands on that plane for an hour gave me the much needed push. It reminded me that it is not a failed dream after all. I may not become a commercial airline pilot I once desired to be. However, actively continuing with my lessons I will one day be a proud owner of a pilot’s license. I’ve since booked my second lesson and cannot wait to fly again.
It took me only 18 years to realise this…always remember It’s never too late to follow your dreams….
Had similar experience in life? Please share your thoughts by commenting on this blog!!
I have always been fascinated about planes and the very thought of flying on open skies, being in control of a jumbo jet, travelling to different countries excited me. Needless to say my dream was to become a pilot.
As with all elite courses there are pre-requisites that you need to meet to become a pilot. One such requirement was to do Maths at ‘A’ levels. It was definitely not my strong suit and had failed in couple of tests leading up to the final exams. I could have taken a risk and carried on or take a safe bet by removing Maths as one of my subjects. Not wanting to take the risk at crucial stage of my education I chose the safe option effectively ending my dream of being a pilot.
From there on my career had taken a different turn and have since established myself as a seasoned IT professional. Though I may not be able to fly a commercial aircraft, I could have still become a pilot. I had convinced myself that it was a failed dream and never thought of taking it any further. No matter how much you try to suppress certain feelings never leave you.
The dream was rekindled when my lovely wife surprised me with a gift of one hour flying lesson and an annual membership to a flying club. Words can’t describe how excited I was to receive such a thoughtful and amazing gift. I booked my lesson at their first available date in mid-April.
I could barely sleep the night before with excitement and was literally like the kids in the Disneyland advert. On the day, I tried to remain calm as much as I could. I was going to fly a two seater Micro Light Aircraft woohoo!! Arrived at the airfield a whole hour early to complete all the necessary paperwork and safety briefing. I just couldn’t wait to get on the aircraft.
It was time to fly. I was all strapped in the aircraft and was given a crash course on all the different controls. Thankfully there were only a handful and was easy to remember. Having the headphones on and talking to ground control about air traffic, clearance to taxi and choosing the runway for take-off was one of the most amazing moment. The instructor guided me for take-off and once we were airborne was taught more about keeping the flight stable, making smooth turns, adjusting altitudes etc., the hour had just flown by and it was time for us to land. It was one of the most thrilling and magical day of my life.
Once the euphoria had settled
down and had come to terms that I had actually flown a plane, it was time to
relive and reflect on the whole experience. When life throws a curve ball and
have to take a path that puts our passion in back burner it doesn’t mean we
have to abandon it completely. All we need to do is find that little spark that
will reignite that passion.
Getting my hands on that plane for an hour gave me the much needed push. It reminded me that it is not a failed dream after all. I may not become a commercial airline pilot I once desired to be. However, actively continuing with my lessons I will one day be a proud owner of a pilot’s license. I’ve since booked my second lesson and cannot wait to fly again.
It took me only 18 years to realise this…always remember It’s never too late to follow your dreams….
Had similar experience in life? Please share your thoughts by commenting on this blog!!
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