Introductory Flight

     2 Years ago my sister purchased an introductory flight with Justice Aviation out of Van Nuys Airport in CA. This flight was what ultimately convinced me to become a pilot and to want to make flying a career. My Dad and I planned our flight for 10am on Monday Morning. I was nervous for two reasons 1) I have never flown in a small plane before and 2) What if he asked me to sit in the front seat?

We showed up to Justice Aviation at around 9:30 and met John our "instructor" for the day. He told us that our flight was going to be around 1 hour and we will fly out over the ocean and back two times once for me to sit in the Pilot seat and once for my dad at which my dad told him that I could fly the whole time which was awesome.


John gave me a headset and my dad decided to use his old headset for the flight and we headed toward the Cessna 172. My first thought was that we were going to sit back and enjoy the flight but John had me help him the whole time. He handed me a check list and our first priority was to perform a Pre-Flight Checklist which consists of making sure that the plane is good to fly. ( I will make a deatiled checklist for you all to read up on ). Once the Pre-Flight was done John had my dad sit in the back seat and I sit in the PIC (Pilot in Command) chair which made me nervous. We then performed a starting checklist which consists of priming the engine and making sure all gauges worked and were correct. At this point my nerves were gone and I was having the time of my life and we were not even in the air yet!

John handled all radio communications but as we taxi to the runway he showed me how to use my feet instead of hands to drive and I taxi all the way to the runway. At first I was all over the taxiway but after a minute or so I learned that small movements are the best way to control the plane. We received the go ahead to take off and John said " hold onto the Yoke and help me takeoff " I have never flown a plane let alone been in a small plane and he already was letting me help takeoff! It was an amazing feeling and I will never forget that first takeoff.

We were able to fly over Santa Monica and my work in Malibu which was awesome. The view from above the mountains or city is the most amazing view and you always notice something new. Over the ocean John let me control the plane and I flew for a while (with help). We practiced Ascents and Descents and Turns which were fun. As we turned to land the plane John said " I want you to hold onto the controls with me during landing because you have been doing a great job" which made me happy and really helped solidify wanting to fly.

After landing John explained to me the program they offered and I went home knowing that becoming a pilot is what I want to do.

An introductory lesson is a great way to get a feel for flying or a school. It only costs around $100 and for me helped me decide I wanted to fly. Call your local Flight school to see if they offer an introductory flight and make sure you take pictures!!!

Fly Safe

Chris E