When I was about 8 - 10 years old we had a pastor, Herb Masters, who offered a challenge at bible school to bring more of our friends. The prize was an airplane ride in his personal airplane. I was one of the recipients. I can remember always wanting to learn to fly from that moment. That has been a goal of mine since that time. Many years ago I made a commitment to myself that I would, with the Lords help, learn to fly in my forties. When I delivered mail, out on route 3 which went right by the airport, I would dream that I would someday be taking off in an airplane at that airport. Well, not only have I taken off from that airport many times this last year, but Tuesday evening I accomplished the first step of my goal. My instructor and I did a couple of take-offs and landings where he was just along for the ride. After the second landing, when we got back in the air, he told me he had all faith that I could take-off and land that plane by myself and ask if I was ready. Because my instructor is the best and God had helped me with my confidence, I agreed. We landed, he got out, I taxed down to the north end of the runway, made my call, "Woodward traffic, Cessna 5453 mike, departing one-seven, west Woodward," proceeded to the run way, wound it up, and off I went. Stayed in the flight pattern, which is left-crosswind, left-downwind, left-base, and final. Then I set her down on that runway. My first SOLO! What an awesome experience! Thanks to Randy Schultz(my instructor), my family and friends and most of all, to God.
