The sky was transformed into brilliant shades of red and orange around me. I couldn't believe that I was getting ready for my solo flight. My stomach was bubbling with butterflies at the thought of piloting my own aircraft alone for the very first time.

 

As I went through my Pre-Flight Check, my instructor kept talking to me, reminding me of the maneuvers he would be calling out on the radio for me to perform. After takeoff, I would ascend to 600 feet and make some slow turns to both the left and right. Could I really be doing this? Just the thought of taking off was exhilarating.

I checked my lines one final time, strapped myself in and called, "Clear Prop!" The engine roared to life and as I pushed the throttle forward I felt the initial tug of the parachute as it started to inflate and catch the wind.

 

I began to move forward now, my chute not quite up to the proper place above me, I slowed down a little and then gave it more throttle. A little jerk, and the chute popped up above my head. I looked up on both sides, making sure that all the cells of the parachute were open and that my lines were straight.

 

O.K.! Everything looked good. I gave the O.K. sign as I pushed the throttle full forward. The wind was rushing past my face as I gained speed. Remembering to steer, steer, steer, into the wind as I gained speed toward that magic number, 28mph, to take off.

 

All of a sudden I was off the ground, climbing 7 feet per second. Wow, what a rush! As I realized that my left hand was no longer controlling my steering, I pull back a little on the throttle so that I slowed my ascent to about 3-4 feet per second. I could hear my instructor telling me that the takeoff looked great and reminding me to follow the left hand traffic pattern until I exited out to the fields in the distance where I would perform my maneuvers.

 

Always looking down around me for a place to land in an emergency, I also checked the sky around me for any aircraft in the vicinity. As I reached 600 feet and leveled off, my instructor told me I had done a good job. I took a moment to look out at the beautiful sunset and marvel at my accomplishment. Then, I began my turns as instructed.

Upon completion, I entered the traffic pattern at the base leg for final approach. The sun had just set and the runway lights were on. As I pulled back on the throttle I began to descend and I steered toward my chosen spot on the runway, left foot, right foot to steer the aircraft. I felt as though I were floating down on a cloud.

 

As I touched down and taxied off the runway I beamed with excitement. Off engine and pull down the chute. My husband and instructor were both there with congratulations. It was one of the most thrilling experiences of my life! Even now after many flights, it still is an exhilarating experience. I can hardly wait for that next takeoff!