And no, I'm not exaggerating!
Yesterday, my son Nickolas, celebrated his 13th birthday. Yes, I know, I look too young to have a 13 year-old...:)...thanks for the compliment!!
As tradition would have it, my dad asked if Nick could spend the day with him yesterday. Over the years, he and Nick have gone to the beach, visited the Space Center and had other fun days together in honor of Nick's birthday.
As if skipping school isn't enough to be excited about, imagine being told that your birthday events would include taking a flying lesson!
Yes, you heard me!
Since Nick is in the Gifted Pre-IB program at Sanford Middle School and has taken a year of aeronautics classes, my dad thought he would appreciate a trip to the Sanford International Airport for an introductory flying lesson...on a real plane!
My husband, Rick, and I decided to tag along and watch the events...
What an experience!
Nick and my dad spent about 30 minutes with the head Instructor as he showed them around the Luscome, a new four-seater plane similar to the Cessna. Of course, I watched in awe and took tons of pictures while trying to keep my heart from jumping out of my chest!
Once the Pilot, Mike Moran arrived, they were ready for flight.
Mike helped Nick get settled in the front seat of the plane, explained all of the controls and communicated their flight pattern...they were going to fly from Sanford up the coast to New Smyrna Beach.
And so, off they went.
I stood and watched as Nick navigated the plane down the runway and then witnesses the take off...and then there they were...high in the sky................oh my.
About 45 minutes later, they safely landed! As soon as my son stepped out of the plane, I knew he was hooked on flying!
So, we're considering lessons...I've been told he can earn his pilot's license in about 40 hours...at a tune of about $8,000.
At this point, we're going to try a lesson a month for the next 36 months and by that time, he'll be turning 16...which means he might actually be able to get his driver's license and his pilot's license all in the same month! WOW!
I'm trying to remain calm about all this. It's hard enough for me to swallow that my baby is now a teenager, but to think he could be driving a car and flying a plane in a few short years is just waaaaay too much for any mom to handle...don't you think?
Happy Birthday Nick...I'm glad your "grounded"....For a few more years, that is.
P.S. If you or someone you know is interested in flying, I'd highly recommend that they contact the Avion Air Academy at (407) 585-3733. They offer a Discovery Flight like the one Nick took for only $59.00.
And, if you want a great instructor, ask for Mike Moran. He was great with Nick!
Happy Flying!
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