Quote from ArcherLover on 11/06/2025, 6:51 pm

It was a long time ago. After all, I was only 19 and I'm now 77. But a few things still stand out:

The feeling of freedom and calm sitting far above the world, the engine noise – we didn't wear headsets – and the smell of hot oil.

The Victa Airtourer's fuel dip stick was like a toy snake made of segments connected by a string that straightened when you pulled the string. I've never forgotten the jokes about it going in limp and coming out stiff.

I remember my instructor - his friendly manner, his big hands and the dirt beneath his fingernails. He was a potato farmer, teaching flying part time.

Most of all, I remember the feeling of elation and knowing that, "this is where I belong". I still feel that way today.