The paradise of flying high

"You may have always wondered about the connection I have with the sky -it is merely more than I could ever imagine." -Jetta

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Since the beginning of mankind it was evident that humans would never develop wings that would lift them into the sky. Looking into the future that is still not the case -we will never be birds. However, the evolution of aviation continues to impress many people each and everyday, lifting their soul to reach new heights. I remember those waking moments when planes would draw white lines that often formed a cross or an x in the sky. Those patters would mesmerize my eyes for hours and hours on end. There was no stopping that keen eye from moving point to point while the plane curved across the sky. I could only calibrate the altitude it was at: 37,000 feet up, on its way to London Heathrow. That plane left Los Angeles approximately 1 hour and some odd minutes ago. The sky continues to show a deep blue while clouds jump past in an orderly fashion.

Moments like these are what got my heart set on flying the airways of the sky. Whenever I developed the love and appreciation for flying I could not help but marvel at spending every day of my life up in that paradise. Not just the day, but the night marveled me even more. Sitting around the campfire while roasting a marshmallow always reverted my mind to the sky. Those stars showed through the midnight hour as if tiny little lanterns were flying across a blank canvas. The smallest details added up into the much larger picture. White, red, and green lights occasionally moved across the sky with a faint sound of whirring engines. When the plane passed overhead there was a friendly reminder that anything is possible. Every passing plane gave me a chance to further my comprehension of just how amazing the concept of flight is. 

The mere second the wheels left the runway the the same second my heart fluttered in my chest. The sinking feeling of actually being in the sky took over the mind and put it in a deep trance. The waking minute the flaps were put up initiated a pretty deep sink in altitude as the plane attempted to catch itself from falling. The attitude indicator lined up with perfect precision as straight and level flight was achieved. A known heading was indicated as 210 on the heading indicator. The ailerons moved as my left hand whooshed the side-stick to the right. This plane flew with perfect persuasion as my feet danced on the rudders.  My eye caught glimpse of a helicopter off in the distance. I truly felt connected to my home: the sky. Maybe this would really be more exhilarating than I thought in the first place. 

There is nothing like the feeling of takeoff is what they say, but I say there is truly nothing like the feeling of landing. A landing could never be made without precise control inputs and keen knowledge of the meteorological conditions present at that moment.  Once those wheels skim the ground and the plane is brought back onto the thousand footers, there is no other feeling like it. The way Amelia Earhart describes flight is exactly how I would. It is the greatest feeling known on this planet -nothing can beat it- and if you try to persuade me I am wrong, I will tell you otherwise. Nothing is the same each and everyday within the industry of aviation. Most of the time people wonder what the mentally demanding job of a pilot has in store for them. I could really only explain this as everything. People are not meant to fly, but the metal birds made it possible. 

Can you not imagine the world without planes? Aviation is simply put as a fire burning addiction that will never go away. One must actually yearn to fly because that will enable them to do it. One must possess that drive in order to persevere through  it all. Once the passion is accomplished, it becomes a love for the skies and a love for flying in general. Since my body was young, I have found life through this passion. I do and must say that aviation was the one thing that saved my life.

Foretelling the future is hard, but aviation has so much to offer for anyone. Walking down the ramp and allowing the jet fuel smell to touch the nose. It is always nice to have the morning wind blow by as the pre-flight inspection is happening. Every second of aviation is worth it -the fight is worth it. Getting to be up in the sky each and everyday just adds to the appreciation for flying. I still remember when I was walking down the ramp for the first time and every thought that ran through my mind. These moments are precious, and I wish everyone could have them. However, they are not given, there are merely fought for. Once they are achieved, life will forever be different.