I am so proud of him. He has been working towards his pilot's licence and, yesterday, he went on his first solo flight. How terrifying does that sound? I was mildly terrified. He did a great job. I can't even imagine what it would feel like to be in sole control of a plane. When his first solo was over, the senior pilots chopped off the back of his shirt - all the way up to his shoulderblades! This is a tradition observed whenever a rookie does his first solo, and the instructor keeps all the pieces. Maybe to make a quilt? I don't know what pilots do with odd bits of material. Bye-bye, shirt.
I have never been a huge fan of flying as a passenger. This was exacerbated by a bad experience Mum and I had on a flight from France when I was thirteen, and turned my mild paranoia into a full-blown phobia. Not all that convenient, because we flew an awful lot! It became a little easier over the years, but I still hate turbulence and any sort of strange noises emanating from the engine. Strangely, though, I am much more comfortable in helicopters and small planes - perhaps because there is an illusion of having more control? I am looking forward to LOML taking me up, but I will probably be rather nervous.
Congratulations, LOML! You are awesome.
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