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Unusual Attitudes: A Flight Instructor's Memoir

Jared Powell

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Unusual Attitudes: Flight Instructor Memoirs

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	32953 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	528 pages

When I first started out as a flight instructor, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I thought it would be a fun and easy way to make a living. Boy, was I wrong.

Flight instructing is one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs in the world. It's a roller coaster ride of emotions, from the exhilaration of solo flight to the tragedy of losing a student. But through it all, I've learned some valuable lessons about life, love, and flying.

Chapter 1: The Thrill of Solo Flight

There's nothing quite like the feeling of taking the controls of an airplane for the first time and flying solo. It's a moment of pure freedom and exhilaration. I remember my first solo flight like it was yesterday. I was so nervous, but also so excited. I couldn't wait to get into the air and experience the freedom of flight.

I took off from the runway and climbed into the sky. As I leveled off at 1,000 feet, I looked around and realized that I was all alone. There was no instructor in the right seat, no one to tell me what to do. It was just me and the airplane.

I felt a sense of peace and tranquility that I had never experienced before. I was in control of my own destiny. I could go wherever I wanted, whenever I wanted. I was free.

Chapter 2: The Tragedy of Losing a Student

Losing a student is the worst thing that can happen to a flight instructor. It's a tragedy that can haunt you for the rest of your life. I've lost two students in my career, and both times it was devastating.

The first time, I was instructing a young woman who was just a few hours away from getting her pilot's license. We were on a cross-country flight when the weather suddenly turned bad. We got caught in a thunderstorm and the plane went down. My student was killed instantly.

I was devastated. I couldn't believe that she was gone. I had known her for only a few months, but she was like a daughter to me. I felt like I had failed her, like I hadn't done enough to keep her safe.

The second time, I was instructing a young man who was just starting out. He was a talented pilot, but he made a mistake and the plane crashed. He survived, but he was badly injured.

I was angry and frustrated. Why had this happened? Why had I lost another student? I felt like I was cursed, like I was never going to be able to be a good flight instructor.

Chapter 3: The Power of Forgiveness

After losing two students, I was ready to give up. I didn't want to fly anymore. I didn't want to be a flight instructor. I just wanted to go home and hide.

But then I realized that I couldn't give up. I had to keep going, for my students and for myself. I had to forgive myself for what had happened. I had to learn from my mistakes and move on.

Forgiving myself was the hardest thing I've ever had to do. But it was also the most important thing. Once I forgave myself, I was able to start healing. I was able to start flying again. And I was able to start teaching again.

Chapter 4: The Joy of Teaching

Teaching is one of the most rewarding things you can do. It's a chance to share your knowledge and experience with others. And it's a chance to make a difference in someone's life.

I've been teaching for over 20 years, and I've seen my students go on to do amazing things. They've become pilots, astronauts, engineers, and doctors. They've started their own businesses and raised families. And they've made a difference in the world.

Teaching is not always easy. But it's always worth it. It's a chance to change someone's life for the better. And it's a chance to make the world a better place.

Flying is my passion. And teaching is my purpose. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have both in my life. And I'm grateful for the students who have taught me so much about life, love, and flying.

If you're thinking about becoming a flight instructor, I encourage you to do it. It's a challenging and rewarding career. And it's a chance to make a difference in the world.

Thank you for reading.

Unusual Attitudes: Flight Instructor Memoirs

4.8 out of 5