29 Sep 08 Private Pilot Priveleges

After getting my license I chose to exercise my right newly earned and very cool right as a private pilot to take a passenger flying with me. Beth had been bugging me to be the first person I took flying. She did have to put up with a fair amount my stress leading up to the test, and she was excited to go. We took up the same old 172 I did my checkride in on what turned out to a beautiful and calm Saturday morning. There were no clouds when I woke up, and by 9 or 10, it was still a little cool. Fall is finally here.

My first pre-flight with a real passenger briefing was fun. I wasn’t sure I should say of all the scary “if we crash” things that I could say, so I just mentioned a few of the big ones. I think for a first time GA airport goer, there are lots of things pilots take for granted that must be pointed out.

We took off and flew over Palo Alto, Stanford, and out over the hills. Took our time, as you sort of have to in that plane, getting up over skyline and out towards the coast. The ocean was socked in by that marine layer fog that hugs the coast most mornings. It was still a really nice view, and super pleasant to be flying without expecting a “ok, and how about power on stall now”.

Here we are:

From flying