Hub #11 - I Believe I Can Fly - Part II

I love to fly. From the time I took my first lesson (really even before then, as I began to think of the immense possibilities of me in the left seat) until this day, there is just something about flying that has become a passion for me. When I look into the azure skies and see a plane, albeit a jet or a single engine, I think of the wonders and to be sure the miracle of flight. I also see how we can learn so much from the process and procedures of flying that will empower us in our every day living.

Even though you may not be a pilot just go with me on this adventure and see if you can find some ways to enjoy your journey through life just a little bit better. There are some principles of flight that we can glean from. For the sake of our time together now, I want to focus particularly on the pilot and his/or her plane. As a pilot, the ultimate goal is to arrive at your destination of choice safely and without incident. But, also, you want to be able to handle any sudden emergency with a proficiency and professionalism that will optimize the odds of you getting from Point A to Point B successfully. To be sure, your passengers would greatly appreciate that.

1. Plan

The journey begins with the plan. I've heard it said (I don't know where it originated or I would most certainly give them credit), "If you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there." Anything of value is worth taking the time to plan properly. How many tragedies would have been averted and useless distractions disarmed if only there had been the time taken to plan. The success or failure of any endeavor begins or ends with planning. Don't shift the responsibility of this to someone else. One thing I always loved about my father was when planning for a vacation, a concert, or another important event, though it was work, he would always make it fun. The planning may be tedious at times but find creative ways to make it enjoyable.

2. Prepare

Once you have the plan in place, then the next step is "working the plan." Putting it into play. That means preparation. For the pilot that means many things. One of which is, make sure your flight bag has all the proper equipment needed for the trip. Such as maps, flashlight, kneeboard, headset (I use David Clark), logbook, medical certificate, etc. Make sure you've filed a flight plan. Also, make sure you have plenty of water, snacks that would make the trip pleasant for you and your passengers. Of course, the amount would be dependent on the time you would be in the air. Just think about the implications, if you fail to prepare - some hungry and thirsty passengers (Not to mention you.)

3. Preflight

This is one of the most critical and vital parts of flying. Again the success of the journey depends on you linking all of these important pieces of the puzzle together properly. Pre-flighting the plane is rather involved but time must be given to this most expedient endeavor. It starts with checking the weather. You don't want to fly into a storm when you could have avoided it. Then calculating the weight and the balance is imperative. The plane is only built to carry so much weight and when luggage, for example is added, it was must placed properly to create the proper balance. If this is not done correctly or if it is omitted, it is an accident in the making. Again, making sure the flight plan has been filed and the proper papers (AROW) are on board is also a necessary part of the preflight procedures.

With the flaps extended and the master switch on you begin to test certain instruments such as the pitot heat, the stall indicator, the lights, and the fuel gauges. Then you turn the master switch off. Examine the fuel quantity and quality, check all the drains, caps and the vents. Never did I dream I would learn to check the engine (I'm not a mechanic but there are some things in training you learn that are extremely valuable to a successful flight). Check the oil. Make sure they are the right levels. You make sure that there are no obstructions in the air intake or cowling, no dings in the propellor, the antenna are in place and secure, the tires and brakes are in good condition, the baggage door opens and closes properly, the ties and chocks are loosed, then you do the final walk around. Now you've just completed (Hope I didn't leave anything out. If I did check your pre-flight check list and follow it to the "t.") the exterior part of pre-flighting your plan.

O.K. you say, "What does that have to do with life?" Everything. Before you can ever reach the goals you have set, a detailed assessment is critical to your success. For example, if any one of those things I listed above is not done, or does not function properly there is a great possibility that, however small it may seem, sooner or later it can cause a tragedy no one thinks could ever happen to them.

Then comes the interior phase of the preflight where you brief your passengers and your check your instruments. You make sure (if you're flying a piper warrior, for example) that your fuel is on the proper tank (You also have to keep track of this during flight.) You check your circuit breakers, your alternate static and make certain that your ELT is armed (You pray it never has to activate and if it does they can find you in one piece.) You, then, check your brakes by using the pedal test. On a Cessna 157 or 172 (those are the ones I've also flown) you check the rudders.)

I like this part. You open the window and shout out "Clear Prop." I don't know really why I like this part so much. The only thing I know, nobody wants to be anywhere near a prop when you get ready to start the engine. I'm going to somewhat abbreviate this next part for time (I hope your drawing your own analogies and life-learning principles), but in your pre-flight don't take any short cuts. At this point, I make sure my seat is properly set and locked, my seat-belt on, the avionics temporarily off, the carb heat off and then I turn my beacon on. O.K. for you preachers that will preach and for you teachers that will teach - make sure the beacon is on. Pull the throttle out slightly, set the brakes, turn the master on, fuel pump on, mixture full rich, prime (if necessary), and start the engine.

Now it's time to get those avionics on and set them to the proper frequency, put the flaps up, put the transponder temporarily on stand-by, check the ATIS/AWOS, make sure your altimeter, your attitude indicator, your turn coordinator and your heading indicator and compass are functioning properly. Don't skip the run-up where you throttle up and make sure the flight controls, instruments, etc. are functioning at optimum. Then bring the throttle to idle. If everything checks out, you are ready to fly. For me, the excitement begins to mount as I know I'm getting closer to defying gravity and taking off in that marvelous invention called an airplane. Move over Wright brothers and Amelia, Diane is on her way.

IV. Power Up

Taxi out (with permission, of course) to the active runway and get clearance for take-off. Once that is done and you hear the words, "Clear for take off", it's time to power-up. Go full throttle (This is my favorite part). As you begin the take-off roll, check the gauges making sure you're in the green (such as oil pressure, etc.) and when you reach the appropriate speed (in the Piper Warrior it's 52 knots - that's 60 mph) gently pull back on the yoke and rotate. Soon you will be airborne. You will be a part of the miracle of flight as power and speed overcomes weight and drag.

As you begin to climb, the thrill of doing what only here-to-for birds were able to do begins to to be a reality for you. It's more than a destination, it's a dream. It's more than a piece of machinery, it's a mission. It's more than an impossibility, it's a probability as you leave the surly bonds of terre firma and soar into the blue skies. The song "I Believe I Can Fly" becomes more than notes and lyrics, it becomes you.