Flying High
Published by Jen March 14th, 2007 in GeneralHe actually did it!!!!!!
It seems that when the big “Four OH” looms, it becomes a time of ponder and planning, debate and introspection. No, I am not talking about deep, meaningful life changing philospohies or spiritual journeys. I am talking about the “what am I going to do for my 40th birthday” angst. We (Richard and I) started this process in April last year, preparing for October, Richard’s birthday. A number of possiblities emerged. Boating on the canals of Europe with a group of friends all turning 40 either last year or this year (me being the exception). An island trip with another couple. Europe to visit family with our daughters. A fancy rail trip to Namibia…. Nothing was quite right. Richard having Deliberative as a strength was, of course, pondering and probing everything. Nope, nothing was right. Then one sleepless night, whilst tossing and turning, head spinning, mind stressing (nothing to do with work mind you) it finally hit him like a steam train.
Richard has always had a fascination with all things to do with water and air. He is an accomplished sailor but has never had the opportunity to do much with regard to the flying (apart from be an envious passenger in other people’s aircraft). You can ask him almost anything about aircrafts, their prices, their names, details of their flying capabilities and on and on. Richard decided to get his Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL). This entails a minimum of 40 hours flying, exams, a two hour medical and of course the instruction itself.
He came very close on a few occasions to giving up. Not the physical capability of flying. Not the exams which he passed with ease. It was the emotional and mental stress of dealing with the actual fear of losing control of the plane and killing yourself.
However yesterday, the 13 March 2007, he did it. He got his licence!!!! I am so proud of his accomplishment for a number of reasons. Firstly, he was clever to identify what he really wanted deep down. Secondly, he acted on that dream and went and found the flying school, budgeted for the payment of the whole course etc etc. Thirdly, he actually started the training. Fourthly, he identified his fears. Fifthly, he faced up to them and dealt with them. And Sixthly, he achieved what he set out to do. At each of the steps he could have stalled but he didn’t. It is one thing to have a dream or fantasy - it is quite another to achieve it. Well done Richard!!!!
jen
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Hey thats so cool!
Well done Richard, what an amazing achievement.
So, do we get a free flight?…:)
That is so cool, well done Richard…it is so fantastic that you have achieved your dream well done..best wishes to you…may this year be all that you could possibly dream of… may all your hopes be achieved and may you have happiness, good health and joy beyond your wildest imagination.
Regards
E
Awesome Richard! That is such a wonderful achievement. Well done on crossing the thin line….
Gee thanks guys ! Truthfully it is not like donating a kidney, but still - I had a few proper brown stripe moments ! Nice article Jen - like having my own publicist !
richard
Go Rich!
Colin & I always knew you were good for something…
So you have slipped the surly bonds of earth!
Hi Richard, coming from a family where both my brothers are obsessed with flight and planes, I have some idea of how much passion it takes to turn that dream into a reality. Many happy sky hours to you!
Who’s the fat guy in the photo ?
Master of the waters and master of the skys!! Well done Richard!! We are so proud of you!!
Just to confuse the issue - this is not Jen - this is the koeksister currently sitting at her laptop.
I am very proud of Richard for managing to do this - now can you please hurry up and become an airline pilot so that you can upgrade us to first class??
Booxx
I echo Richard’s question: who’s that fat guy in the photo? Richard’s much better looking than that! And I hear he’s almost ready to buy me lunch!
Shot Rich: Bugger, though - taken us years to get a boat to keep up with you: are we going to have to buy a ‘plane too?