This morning I had the pleasure of taking the left seat with my father-in-law in his Twin Comanche. It wasn’t an official first lesson but it sure felt like one. The family is flying up to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh this summer and I needed to learn some basic flying skills to help out the pilot in command (PIC) for the trip.

The ground tasks for today were to work on braking, taxiing, and steering the aircraft around the taxiways and runways. Once we were in the air we worked on basic navigation and introductory pilot skills. Altitude and attitude control, turning and banking, trimming the aircraft. Visibility wasn’t very good from the haze so point of reference from the ground was difficult but everything worked out.

Tons of information to absorb and retain. Like drinking from a fire hose (a Tony expression). The experience was to say the least exhilarating. I love the intensity and how every dynamic involved with flying comes together and creates a sense of accomplishment. It’s like a well oiled clock in perfect sync. I very much look forward to the next flight. Hopefully my braking and steering will be little bit smoother during takeoff.