One of the best things about being a pilot is being able to introduce people to general aviation. Friday night, as the work day was winding down, I logged into Flight Circle and saw that the Skylane was available. The weather was perfect, so I shot my friend Steve a message and asked if he wanted to go. 30 minutes later, we were on the road to KHFD.
A bit about Steve: He’s one of the best people I know. Endlessly kind. Enthusiastic. He’s always willing to help, whether it’s coaching softball or helping get The Flight Deck ready before we opened the doors.
The goal for the flight was simple — Cruise around, give Steve a chance to take the controls for a bit, and enjoy the view. We ended up flying up to 3B0 for a full stop landing, and then headed back to Brainard.
On the flight back, I picked up flight following. When I was handed off to the tower, I was about 15 miles out and the controller told me to report mid-field right downwind for Runway 2. About 5 miles out, the controller updated me on the wind, and offered Runway 20. I accepted and was cleared to land, but had trouble finding the runway with the surrounding lights in the area. Once I picked it up, I was very high. Before I could call my go-around, the controller offered for me to rejoin the right base to Runway 2. I did, and Steve and I landed safely.
It was an awesome night with a great friend, and another 1.4 in the logbook en route to my Instrument Rating and Commercial Rating!
