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February 28 1992 (at the age of 30) I embarked on a journey that I hoped would on day result in my learning to fly airplanes and to obtain a private pilot license. Over 2 years, 80 hours, and 300 takeoffs/landings later there I was... a private pilot.

It was no easy task, just learning to fly the plane was hard enough, but there is so much more that you usually don't think about. You need to learn about weather patterns and conditions, you need to learn to talk on the radio, you need to learn how to find where your going and not get lost alone the way, every little detail down to whether you have placed some weight in your plane too far aft or forward. It's quite challenging and can be quite rewarding.

Take a quick flight as I take my parents flying with me for the first time in October of 1993. Of course, every flight begins with the pre-flight check. Untie the plane, check the fuel for water, make sure the important parts are still there, like the wheels and propeller.

Once cleared for taxi and takeoff it's off into the wild blue yonder. See New Jersey from the air as we cruise at 3,500' on a short trip from Trenton, NJ (TTN) to the Delaware Water Gap and back.

...and once the trip is over, time to find the airport, then the runway, and put it back on the ground. Must have been a windy day, look at that crab angle.