By STAN Sundance Logo KASPRZYK

FlightLog Archive

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Aircraft Flown


Summer Flying School - Jun 2024

Over the past couple of summers, I had been able to start some initial private pilot training for my grandsons Alex and Nathaniel, and some refresher training for my son David during our cross-country visits to southern California in our Piper Warrior. Unfortunately, the short trips only allowed for a flight or two for each of them. In 2024, we looked for an opportunity to provide a full week of flying training by bringing some of the boys up to Washington state and flying from our home airport in Renton, WA. Alex had a week in late June that wasn't already filled with band practice or water events, so he and David flew up from California in late June for a bit of 'summer flying school', as David properly named it.

The weather for the week was outstanding, with temperatures in the mid-70s and low 80s, with mostly clear skies. Alex was able to fly six enjoyable flights from the left seat as pilot-in-command, exploring the air and learning more with each flight. We flew from Renton to Auburn, Tacoma Narrows, Paine Field and Friday Harbor, culminating in his last local Renton flight where he made the majority of the radio calls and all the flap and smooth trim configurations for landing.

David was also able to get some time in the left seat, flying twice as pilot-in-command, once from Renton to Tacoma Narrows for dinner, and a return from Friday Harbor, smoothly transporting us around the Northwest skies.

Here some great notes from Alex on his perspective of 'summer flying school':
"Starting out with all the skills I had gained from previous flights was useful, but it was still challenging. I was introduced to a new level in flying. Everything was more dependent on me, instead of on my grandfather. It was something that was shaky when I started off, but I got the hang of it and by the end of the trip, I was a lot more confident at everything compared to when I started.

Being in control for most of the time was something that became really enjoyable. Flying is an experience that is extraordinary, and I am grateful for the opportunities. The only thing is now that I know how convenient flying is, it makes driving a pain."