My Return to Flying
On 3/30/2010, I returned to where it all started. I took to the air for the sole purpose of flying. Not to get anywhere, or because of someone’s schedule, but for the pure joy of the act.
I took off from Dallas Executive Airport, RBD, headed south, climbing to 2500’. There I took in the spectacle that is the VAST TX countryside. I saw wooded areas starting to turn to green of various shades. Young and old trees. The old ones responsible for the young ones being. The fields that spread before me as far as the eye could see were a palette of colors. Various stages, from the most parched to the vibrant green of young growth to the dark browns of newly plowed soil.
As I cruised along at an astounding 100 knots following this strange thing called a “propeller” I tried some old skills not used in the past 21 years. Steep turns and a few stalls. What is this strange thing called “P factor?”
After a short practice, I headed for an “Uncontrolled Field,” to practice the lost art of “Touch and Goes.” After a half dozen or so, I pointed the nose of the aircraft on no particular heading, for I just decided to “Follow the Road,” I believe it was RT 67, till I saw I-20, and low and behold I actually found the field I had departed from 1.4 hours ago.
I called the Tower, my 4th radio transmission of the day, and entered downwind for RWY 17, turned left base to a “Short Final” and landed. The winds for the day were around 190-210@15G24. A sporting day to say the least. As I taxied to the tie down, I had a smile that would not leave for quite a while. For I had returned to “Flight” as it was meant to be enjoyed. Flying for the sake of just that. For the sheer pleasure of being one with the wind and the sky. To enjoy the earth from a vantagepoint where life can be treasured. I have often said in the past that “I have spent 17 years at 35000’ doing Mach .80 and now I wanted to see it all from 3500’ doing 80 knots.
I began that journey on 3/30/2010. The “Head is Clear, the Mind is Free and the Muscle Memory is Intact.” My “Friends in Flight,” take the time to enjoy flying for what it was meant to be.
Blue Skys and Tailwinds,
Captain Billy