2nd lesson - finally in the air

Time: 1 hr

Finally had the first flying lesson today, after it got rained out last Saturday and on Thursday. It was an amazing time. Got there around 3:15 after we thought it was going to be rained out, and after about 15 minutes of interesting preflight checks and inspections Stewart (instructor) and I got in the plane. Started the engine, put on headsets etc. and then I taxied down to Chicago Executive's runway 16.

We got cleared for takeoff and I tookoff the plane. The only thing Stewart did during this time is control the rudder for me during takeoff and talk to the tower a few times. After easily getting up in the air (I really was surprised at how simple it was), we started a turn straight east to head out over the lake. I really noticed how fantastic the G1000 was at this point and how succinctly it presents the information.

We continued over the lake and turned south, following Lake Shore Drive and watching the Chicago skyline. The feeling being up there was just awesome, especially the feeling of actually being in control of the plane. After about 45 minutes of fantastic flying, we turned back and began heading towards the airport again. I talked to the tower to get landing clearance and flew the plane to within about 1000 feet of the runway until Stewart took over and effortlessly landed the 172.

I then taxied back to the hangar and Stewart parked. Got out of the plane, took some pictures, and received my certificate as a student pilot. An awesome flight! Next flights are scheduled for Monday and Saturday. I'm about 100x more excited about becoming a pilot after this first flight.