Dreams of Flight...

My first flight in a small airplane occurred back in April 17, 1999. I was in the seventh grade. I had been pestering my dad for months to take me to Torrance Airport, because of this program called "Young Eagles", run by the Experimental Aircraft Association. He finally gave in, and took me there. It was a basic introduction to aviation. Plenty of other kids were there, just about none that I have seen before. Many boy scouts were there...I wasn't sure why. But that's beside the point.

During my middle school years, I was practically glued to the channel back then known as "SpeedVision". Their program block consisted of car racing, motorcycle racing, and boat racing. However, part of their program block had some of the best aviation programming ever. Shows like "Legends of Air Power", "EAA Sport Flying", and yearly coverage of AirVenture Oshkosh, among a weekly aviation news magazine. The EAA programming really spoke to me, because it felt tangible. I was thoroughly convinced that I have the capability to build my own airplane.

At that time, I had dreams of being the next John Roncz or the next Burt Rutan (hey, when your bloodline crosses with that of the Wright Brothers like mine does, your dreams tend to be really big). I also had dreams of being the next Sean D. Tucker, or the next Leo Loudenslager. Designing and building airplanes, along with airshows, were the big thing in my young life.

Then it all hit home that day.

"Gilroy Newball", the man called. I was next to fly. And what was this? I was going to fly in a Rutan Long EZ? Not only on this day, do I fly in a GA plane for the first time, but I also fly in a Rutan design?!

Ron Scroeder of EAA Chapter 96 (the Torrance/South Bay area of Los Angeles) is the pilot and owner of the Long EZ I flew in. He showed me how to climb into the back seat of a Long EZ, and showed me around. He started the engine, raised the nose and lowered the nose gear, and we started taxiing to Runway 22L at Zamperini Field (TOA). I felt my heart beating faster and faster as we lined up for takeoff. Then, he opened the throttle, poured on the power, and the little Long EZ began racing down the runway. In no time, we were in the air. I looked to my left, towards the General Aviation Building, and I saw my dad there, waving at me. I waved back.

Climbing was an awesome experience. With the Long EZ's bubble canopy, we were able to have an unrestricted view above us. We saw planes above us, and all over. Looking right, we saw some jets taking off from LAX, and to the right, we saw many planes...Cessnas, Pipers, Beeches, and some experimental planes as well.

My two friends who went with me also had a chance to ride. Between the three, I was the first to go. One of them went in a Thorp T-18, and the other in a Van's RV-6A.

We flew around the Palos Verdes Peninsula, then over San Pedro and the Harbor. It was a beautiful flight. My first in General Aviation.

The little plane felt like a fighter. The bubble canopy, the sidestick, the small quarters, it was an ethereal experience. I felt like a new person after we landed. It was a wonderful experience. It was one that confirmed my love for flying.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the good folks of EAA Chapter 96. I'd love to fly with you guys again. Not as a passenger, but as a pilot. I want to pass the torch that was passed to me. I kept that flame of aviation alive, and I want to share that flame with others.