Aviation Bucket List

There are a lot of wonderful sites around the world that have to do with the aviation industry. I have personally been to a couple of these sites. One of these was the grave of the famous pilot Charles Lindberg. He is actually buried in Maui, Hawaii. Lindberg is one of the many aviation pioneers that has inspired my love of the skies. With that being said, here are quite a number of aviation related 'things' on my bucket list.

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Fly In A Boeing B-747:
The 747 has long been amongst one of the most famous airplanes to ever exist. Also called the Queen of the skies, the B-747 flies high in the sky still to this day. However, soon this beautiful plane will be retired. One of the only passenger airlines that operates this gorgeous plane is Lufthansa. The German based airline has a couple flights that operate out of Frankfurt, Germany traveling to Los Angeles. This straight through flight is at the top of my aviation bucket list.

Fly In An Airbus A-380:
The Airbus A-380 is the largest passenger jet in operation. This double decker plane is giant. There are a few popular flights operating out of LAX that fly this plane. I could just hear the start up of the four jet engines right now. Jet engines starting up is sure to give a boost of serotonin.

Smithsonian:
Located in Washington D.C. in the United States of America, the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum has to make it onto this list. This museum features planes of all different sizes and time periods. I love going to museums because of the nostalgia. There is just something so unique about seeing a historical time piece. I would love to see both the Wright Flyer and the Enola Gay. As an aviation enthusiast I truly have an appreciation for both old and modern aircraft. I love the concept of flight, as it has revolutionized travel.

Oshkosh EAA Air Venture:
There are not a lot of people that know about the Oshkosh EAA Air Venture. This is an annual event that brings aviation enthusiasts, pilots, and people together. There are many different booths that gather here to spread the unique culture of aviation and encourage others to join the industry. I have always longed to travel to this event because of the bush planes along with the other events present. Planes have always intrigued my mind and caught my attention. Looking up in the sky makes me feel at home. As an aspiring pilot, this is an event for me.

Concorde Museum, Germany:
The all too famous Concorde has been retired for awhile now. It was so sad to see something so revolutionary just get torn down due to high fuel costs. People can still see and tour both the Concorde and the Tupolev. These were the supersonic jets that changed the industry, but were toon shut down. I have always wanted to tour both of these amazing planes. The Concorde museum in Germany seems to be the best place to do so.

Woman Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) Museum:
Sweetwater, Texas was home to the Woman Air-force Service Pilots. As a future female pilot I have been inspired by these women that have come before me. These women changed aviation and paved the way for many aspiring pilots like myself. Visiting this museum will both give inspiration and a slice of history. Exploring more of these women in aviation will help give me a better understanding of the growth, development, and milestones within the aviation industry.

Pilot Expo, Berlin, Germany:
Pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike gather together annually at the pilot expo in Berlin, Germany. Several conferences with several different speakers within the aviation industry are held here. I would love to go here to broaden my knowledge of the industry along with connecting with other like minded individuals.

Fly Through All 50 States:
When I become a pilot I really have a desire to land at at least one airport in all 50 states. This goes along with other aspects of my bucket list in previous posts. I have a strong desire to explore each of the 50 states. One day I would love to possibly fly my own plane to accomplish this big goal.

Plane Spotting At LHR:
London Heathrow Airport is supposedly one of the best airports to watch planes at. What aviation enthusiast does not like plane spotting? I love watching the planes take-off and land. There is just something to satisfying about seeing these 'metal birds' take flight. It seems impossible, but it is more than real. Every time I go plane spotting I feel at home in my own little world. It brings a sense of peace, especially when the jet engines rumble. The ground shakes. Jet fuel exhaust tingles the nose. Next thing that happens is the plane moves quickly along the runway before the bird magically lifts off the ground. It almost looks as if the plane is being picked up by an invisible force.

Zero G Flights:
This one sounds like something out of a space movie. Being able to experience zero gravity has been on my list for a long time. I could hardly imagine the feeling within when experiencing floating.

Sky Diving:
It seems as if this one is on a lot of people's bucket list. I would love to specifically sky dive because it seems amazing. The thought of being able to use a parachute to catch your floating body falling from the sky. I know this is an extreme bucket list activity, but I have to experience it at least once. Getting my sky diving certification may even be on the horizon.

Wing Walking:
This one is very extreme: wing walking. Standing and climbing across the wings of a flying plane high up in the sky. That may sound daunting for some, but for me it sounds like freedom. I actually would love to get certified to be a wing walker. I love adventure, flying, and touching the sky.

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This is not even half of my aviation bucket list. Please stay tuned for part two of this list. There are so many adventures that I want to share with the world. I cannot wait to get on the path to accomplishing all of these items on my checklist. Of course, I will become a commercial airline pilot and navigate the skies. This will be a journey, but after all, isn't that what life is truly about?

"No dream is too high for those with their eyes in the sky."
-Buzz Aldrin