In our Iowa Living magazines in May (www.iowalivingmagazines.com), we will share the stories of local pilots. Some flew in the military, others for commercial airlines and some for pure hobby. Their perspectives are entertaining reads for those of you who are fascinated by air travel and for those of you, like me, who prefer to have your feet on the ground. Look to the website each week for new stories that will be posted from the various communities we cover.
These stories got me thinking about the first time I was in an airplane. I was 20 years old and a junior in college. It wasn’t some fancy commercial flight either.
My friend, Brian, had his pilot’s license and offered to take me up in a small plane with another buddy. I reluctantly agreed. Filled with anxiety, I carefully stepped into the hangar where the plane was located. Brian opened up the gas tank, shrugged his shoulders, and said, “That ought to be enough.” I mumbled and bumbled my words more than Mel Tillis at this point, and Brian turned his back on me and walked away, holding in his laughs. I wasn’t laughing.
This was a high-pressure moment for a young man of limited experiences who just recently dropped teenager status.
Before long, we were in the air, and I was viewing the rural Iowa scenery, floating among the clouds, listening to the hum of the plane engine — until the hum disappeared, and the plane started falling. The sweat beads were forming on my forehead, and that summer tan I had was nowhere to be seen as my skin turned milky white. Then, amidst the silence, I heard the engine hum again. My prankster pilot friend laughed some more and then proceeded with a myriad of airplane acrobatics.
When we finally landed, I said a quick thank you to Brian and spent the next 10 minutes in the bathroom. That was more than enough flying for my stomach.
Later that year, I went on my first commercial flight on a Boeing 747 and was amazed at the smooth ride, a much different experience than I had with my friend, Brian.
The last I heard, Brian was a commercial pilot for a major airline. I doubt that he is pulling his practical jokes on the crew and passengers of an Airbus A380. As for his jokes on me, well, that ought to be enough.
Have a marvelous Monday, and thanks for reading.
Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com | 
