John Wilson - My first flight

Name: John Wilson, PPL student

Date: 15-4-01

Location: Lake Como, Italy

Aircraft/type: Floatplane

My first flight was particularly memorable as it was on Easter Sunday, 2001, over the Alps in a seaplane after taking off from Lake Como. As a young architect, I worked in Milan for a few years and my then girlfriend, now my wife, organised a trial lesson at the Como Aero Club for my 30th birthday. As most of my work was overseas, I was very used to flying but taking off from water was a very new experience and I remember being quite concerned at the noise of the floats slamming into the waves.

Once we were airborne, we gradually turned and climbed steadily until the lake was well behind us. I was soon allowed to take control which was a truly wonderful feeling, especially flying over the mountains. I must admit I was also glad to be able to hand back control as I couldn’t look at the scenery and concentrate on flying at the same time!

The landing was as bumpy as the takeoff but overall it was a really amazing experience and I couldn’t wait to get behind the controls again. I still often fly over the Alps on business trips, much higher now, but I always fondly remember that first time in control of the plane.

If you have a great story about your first flight and why it started your desire to learn to fly, please contact us at flying.school@goodwood.com