My dad has wanted to get his private pilot’s license since he was young. After years of dreaming about it, he decided to finally go for his dream. It took time, money, and lots of effort, but it has opened so many new doors for him—one of those being the ability to travel! He commented that “it took me 30 years after that first flight at 16 years old to finally realize my dream of being a private pilot at 46 years old.”
Traveling as a private pilot gives a lot of freedom and opportunities, but there are also lots of things that need to be planned—it’s much different than flying commercially. He has to take into account refueling stops, watching the weather, filling oxygen tanks, filing a flight plan, weighing the passengers and luggage, and functionality of the plane. Every possible emergency situation has to be accounted for, and every step has to be meticulously planned out so that the trip is safe. Any bad weather or other roadblocks could mean a trip cancelled at the last second.
But when the trips do work out, they are such an amazing experience! He has had the opportunity to go on trips. He’s been able to fly to so many places, including Sacramento, California; Dillon, Montana; St. George, Utah; Idaho Falls, Idaho; and Logan, Utah. One of his most recent trips was to Las Vegas, Nevada. “I flew there to attend the BYU vs. Arizona football game in the Raiders’ stadium. This one was my favorite so far since my daughter and wife came with me and it was fun to go to the game.”
He’s already gone on several trips, but he also has lots of trips he wants to do in the future. “My dream trip is to just get in the plane and fly somewhere, spend a few days there, then fly somewhere else and spend a few days and do that all over the country. I would love to fly to every state and just take a month or two off to do that. I want to take my wife to all the national parks she hasn’t been to.”
As well as taking trips for pleasure, he has also been able to serve those around him with this flying experience. He flies for the company Angel Flight West. This is a charity where private pilots can volunteer to help people who need medical treatment get to their destination. He gets great satisfaction in helping those who need it while still enjoying his hobby.
Being a pilot has been a dream come true for my dad. “It makes me fill very accomplished and gives me a sense of adventure. I love taking others for flights, especially for their first time, and see their face and reaction when we first lift off. It is addicting and contagious, and I love helping others find the joy in doing it.” Being a private pilot is a great and exciting way to travel! It opens so many opportunities and is a great way to see different places.
