First Time in the Captain’s Chair
There are many ways that people get into aviation. Some of these ways could be a member in the family is a pilot, a friend gets into aviation, or even one day someone could just say, “I want to learn how to fly a plane.” My story is a little different
It all started when I was four. My family and I were living in California and we were on our way to Oregon to visit family. We were at the Los Angeles International Airport getting settled into our seats. Before the plane was ready for takeoff, I was on another adventure. My goal was to get into the cockpit of the plane and it was harder than I thought. I kept getting stopped and escorted back to my seat by the stewardess. After several tries, I finally I made it past the stewardess and into the cockpit of this huge jet.
“Wow,” I said, looking at all the controls. Then, I was startled by a figure I hadn’t noticed when I entered. It was the co-pilot and he turned in his seat and looked at me. I thought I would be sent right back to my seat, but the co-pilot was extremely kind. He invited me in, helped me into the captain’s chair and let me wear his pilot hat. I got to ask him what the name of almost every instrument, button, lever, and knob was and what it did.
My little brother, Ty, got his chance to be in the captain’s chair as well. My mom, who was taking pictures this whole time, was enjoying the experience almost as much as we were. When the captain came back, the co-pilot told him the whole story and the captain chuckled. Before we headed back to our seats, the co-pilot and even the captain, who was retiring soon, each gave me one of their flight medals. The design on the medals made them look like a pair of wings. The captain even said that because he was retiring soon, he was looking for someone special to give his medal to. So, why not the one kid who was able to sneak into the cockpit? The last thing the co-pilot asked me was “Are you going to be a pilot when you grow up?” I said, “Yes.”
Although I can’t remember this experience myself, it is the story that has been told to me by my parents. I didn’t even believe this story until I saw the pictures my mom took of my brother and I in the captain’s chair and the flight medals that they gave us.
Almost seven years later, I started taking flight lessons at the Creswell Airport. Now, I’m fifteen years old with enough hours of flight time to get my pilots’ license. But, sadly, I can’t get it until I’m 16.
on January 9th, 2009 at 5:36 pm
I like all he detail that you put into the story and how vividly you remember that experience despite how old you were.
on January 9th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
That’s a really cool story, Cole. Why didn’t you ever tell me about this before?
on January 9th, 2009 at 5:44 pm
I think that this piece is terrific! I really enjoyed the end; and the twist you gave it; was nothing that I expected, especially since you don’t remeber the event. It’s genius!!!!!!
on January 9th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
i liked the way you talked about your past and how that experiance has made you determined to become a pilot
on January 9th, 2009 at 5:55 pm
I really enjoyed reading your writing. It was wrote well, and with a lot of details!
on January 9th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
I liked how you were describing what your parents told you and about being a kid but then the end of the story being present time.
on January 9th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
While i was reading this it reminded me of when my family and I were in the plane on the way to Disneyland and the pilot let me and my brother do exactly the same thing. Its really cool how you can now get your pilots license after all these years.
on January 9th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
This is a pretty neat story. Nicely written. I like the amount of happy emotion you put into this story and I like the happy ending. It made me laugh a little to myself a couple times.
I can’t believe that you could have your pilot’s license so soon! And I think it’s awesome that you’re pretty much all set for what you want to do. You took planning for the future one step further.
on January 9th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
When you first told me this story, I had to laugh, and I figured it would be the story you chose. It’s funny, and well written. I can totally imagine a four-year-old little boy playing ninja, and sneaking around the plane. I could clearly see these events happening. Good job
on January 11th, 2009 at 9:00 pm
Wow. That is such a wonderful and inspiring story!
Your writing is absolutely amazing!
I love the humor throughout.
Best of luck getting your pilots’ license!
on January 12th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
I really like how you explained so vividly about you as a child. It was almost like I could see you there in the Cockpit. You were meant to fly, that much is clear! good luck
on January 13th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
I really liked how you put in the twist in end that you never actually remembered the event. Which was surprising to me because you told it so vivid. This memior was well written.
on January 16th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
I love the introduction; it built up my anticipation to hear what your story would be like. There’s a lot of varied vocabulary in your memoir that keeps it fresh and interesting to read. You told a very neat story!
on January 16th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
whoa!! dude, that is so cool and funny. i remember you telling me something about your flying training. you should take me flying sometime when you have your license and have passed your months until you can carry a passenger. if you can.
on January 20th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Cole
I like that you wrote about something that inspires you. We all have some sort of hobby or something we love and the excitement of being introduced to that for the first time is a wonderful memory for not only you but others as well. Thank you for sharing this experience.
on January 20th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
I really liked the detail you put in this story. It almost felt like I was there.
but, this experience seems so cool.
on January 23rd, 2009 at 2:37 pm
This was a great story. I think he topic was a great choice. There was a lot of detail. I thought this story was really good.