Learning to fly

Jumping out of an aeroplane with nothing more than a parachute on your back is a fucking amazing experience. It’s not just the kick, the adrenaline rush of the jump. Even better is the feeling of ultimate freedom as you’re hanging under the canopy, feeling nothing but air and surrounded by an amazing view. It’s usually almost quiet, except for the gentle sound of flapping sliders.

Last week I had the opportunity to take the yoke of a small Piper for a little over an hour. A good friend of mine is taking flying lessons and I had a chance to tag along and do some flying of my own. It was absolutely brilliant. Very much unlike flying a parachute but great in its own way. I fear I may just have found myself another expensive hobby.

One of the other things I would like to try at some point is fly a hangglider. Maybe the next time I am in the US.