Aviation History Month
October 31, 2008 by admin
Filed under Educational
This is a picture of my daddy’s helicopter. He is a commercial pilot. He used to be a firefighter for twenty years, but he always wanted to be able to fly.
If it wasn’t for the Wright Brothers, he probably would not be able to do his dream. This month is Aviation History Month. In 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright built an airplane. They learned to build their airplane by staying in their shop and working with bicycles, printing presses, motors, and other machines. Figuring how to build it, how it would work, and how they would use it were all the challenges they had in the process. It is amazing how just two people can brainstorm to come up with such an awesome creation.
Today, there are more than just airplanes. There are helicopters, gliders, blimps, hot air balloons, biplanes, and jets. Because of the Wright Brothers’ work, we can now go into space with rockets.
Here is a little interview with my dad I want to share with you…
Lady Olivia: What made you want to become a helicopter pilot?
Dad: The idea of being able to go anywhere and do anything in an aircraft (that is, stop, go backwards, go sideways) was what interested me. I have always had a general interest in aviation.
Lady Olivia: What do you have to do to become a pilot?
Dad: You have to obtain a “rating” by going to flight school and ground school. It requires many hours and classroom study done at your own pace. It takes a lot of hard work studying aerodynamics, weather, mechanics, and performance of your aircraft.
Lady Olivia: How is it different to fly an airplane or a helicopter?
Dad: An airplane needs a runway, but a helicopter can take off and land from a single point. Airplanes are faster, but helicopters are more maneuverable. An airplane is much easier to fly than a helicopter.
Lady Olivia: What is it like flying a helicopter?
Dad: It is like standing on a beachball and juggling because you must control four controls at one time without thinking about any one in particular.
Lady Olivia: Is it hard remembering all the controls?
Dad: It is at first, but then it becomes second nature.
Lady Olivia: Do you enjoy your job and do you ever get nervous about flying?
Dad: I enjoy my job because I love to fly. I don’t get nervous because my skill level allows me to control the aircraft, but above all, I trust in the Lord for my safety and protection.
I hope you enjoyed learning about aviation and my interview with my father.
“Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest.” Psalm 55:6
Lady Olivia, Thank you to you and your daddy for this article. How sweet! I think it’s totally cool that he is a helicopter pilot! Thank you both for taking the time to do this interview.