Do more of what makes you come alive!

I love the quote, “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Howard Truman. Life is indeed a whole different experience when you discover and live your passions. Making the time to connect and fuel passions does wonders.

Amazing Valentine's Day 2016 for me. Despite a very early weekend morning rising and cold temperature, I woke up excited for my dates yesterday!  What dates? Yes, dates. I checked out 2 FBOs as I seek The One to finish my flight training. If you've followed my aviation adventures in blogs here, or on other channels (IG & Twitter @AeroEms), you know my flight school closed a few moths ago.  I was researching new ones. It's been on my mind to go meet these groups and thought to myself what better way to check things out than on Valentine's Day! I did and tell you this... Amazing day! Best Valentine's Day ever.  
I flew after 5+ months. You know how I felt? Like meeting up with the one or an old friend you haven't seen for decades, but just picking right up! New place, new flight instructor, new plane. Nonetheless, I did great. As importantly, I enjoyed who I was doing this with it. No hesitations, just felt good and natural. I simply cannot wait to pick up my flight training with the best place for me!
Regardless of your passions, here's something I want to share. Never give up on your dreams and aspirations! Things may take longer than you like, but if you really want it you'll take the steps to progress and achieve your goals. Key is to go after it. Another important point is to believe in your abilities and surround yourself with the greatest company. The world is full of naysayers and many just give up on achieving greater. Sometimes you are your worst opponent. Work it out and do what makes you happy. Follow your course! The journey is all the more exciting with others who strive to live life to the fullest and share the magic called genuine enthusiasm, too!:-)
For me aviation is a passion. If you know me or follow me on the various social media channels, you know this! Regardless what your passion, I'm here to say Life is short. When you're fortunate enough to find things and people who make you feel amazing, appreciate that and do more of it. Also, take a moment to tell those people how amazing they are and the positive impact they make. You owe yourself to pursue the exceptional things that light you up. My smile in this pic says it all... LIVE IT UP, my friends! 

I'm eager for my continued aviation adventures, to share them in my blog, meet more who share this passion and to hear about the experiences growing/inspiring you in this journey called life! I'm a smart cookie, I'm honing in on the best flight school to see me through my license. Stay tuned for more. I hope you enjoy as many amazingly awesome days, too!
A second imminent adventure that fuels my passion is more blogging and YouTube demos on product's I've been asked to review by Wazoo Survival Gear. I snagged their Social Media Award after doing a full review on their Adventure bracelet. They create convenient parachord bracelets, key chains, etc with survival tools integrated in them. 
I'll be demoing how to use these products and featuring them on my blog. Here I am with their bushcraft firestarter necklace and the beautiful James River behind me! Follow my Instagram for the latest product review adventures: @AeroEms
***I'd love to hear from my Special Forces connections what is a "must have" in your kit for firestarting out in no where. Do tell! :-) I always love learning or reinforcing what I know. Drop me a line or add a comment to share.***

The knowledge I've gained in survival skills and my joys in applying, plus learning more, makes me continue to feel connected to my Dad who has passed. He was a Green Beret and the best Adventurer I knew. So, in enjoying, applying and adding my skills in this area, all the while enjoying the great outdoors, his legacy lives on in my heart. Always!
The World is better with people on fire with their passions. I'm a better person when I align to my passions and align to those who share a similar one, too, or open my mind to new things that enhance my life.
What lights your inner fire and makes you love your life? Hoping you can easily rattle off a response without thinking and if not, that you find that true passion soon!
"Adventure is worthwhile in itself." ~ Earhart

A Recipe for Inspiration: Connections + Sharing = Expands Your Mind

Alas, I haven't been flying as much as I'd like, but I stay close to something flying related with technology at my finger tips! I am an avid user of digital toys and social media channels that I tap into to broaden my horizons. These tools allow me to explore, be inspired by others, as well as share my own adventures in this journey called Life. You never know who you inspire by sharing a piece of your world. Great ideas and stories are meant to be shared, in my opinion. I love being a part of that dynamic with the give and take on the digital highway!

On inspiration, I've always enjoyed meeting people from different walks of life and cultures as those experiences never seemed to fail me in broadening my mind, inspiring me in different ways and lending a different perspective. Growing up overseas on military bases in foreign countries is something I value immensely. I believe that experience taught me so much about appreciating, at a very basic level, to explore, see and understand that there are different ways to do doing things. I'm also grateful for the experience in that it contributed to me being open-minded about meeting people from various backgrounds. Made me learn and value that my way is my way, but it isn't the only way nor is it everyone else's way. Try saying that 5x fast! :-)

I find myself curious in meeting somebody from another country or different walks of life and often am interested in learning more about them. Why? It stretches my mind and experiences. I'm not wired for status quo. I'm an avid learner and never want to stop growing!  I believe an important part of growing is stretching myself, moving beyond the familiar and learning different ways of seeing/doing things.

Depending on the situation, I normally can strike up a casual conversation easily and gauge whether we're going to chat it up more or less fairly quickly. As much as I'm curious about differences, I do feel a strong connection with those who share like experiences, of course. That's a basic bonding trait, finding commonalities. However, I don't feel I grow if I'm only around the same type of thinking and routines. That isn't stimulating to me. So, I welcome opportunities to gain a different spin on things that challenge my way of thinking, reaffirm what's important to me and finding ways through the added perspective to do things for the better!

All this to say there are amazing people out there, some of them are your connections here, some of them you have yet to meet. Personally, I find it a rewarding experience getting inspired by another's share with me that challenges me to go out and see a new place or try something different. Speaking of which, remember my post on the awesome aerobatic flight I took in February while in Vegas? I met Maurice who is from Switzerland and traveling the world right now. Since February, he's been sharing some of his adventures with me, especially the flying ones he's experiencing. He's not only inspiring me to get out and travel more, he's really providing me a ton of inspiration seeing all the different flying opportunities around the world! 

This exposure to his adventures really challenges me to think about planning to see the places I want to see and fly, plus some new spots thanks to him! Who knew me striking up a casual conversation in the van on our way to an aerobatic flight we'd both never forget would connect me with a new international world traveling friend who has already given me wealth of inspiration in his messages and pictures shared! 

Now, Maurice told me that he's not a blogger, but had given me permission to share some of his pictures and descriptions. So, buckle up and enjoy this amazing glimpse into different places he's experienced in his world traveling adventure. I believe he knows I love flying, (I know, it's very hard to tell that about me) so there are many plane/flying pictures!:-)

Here's Maurice and I at Sky Combat Ace when we met before our epic Feb 2015 aerobatic flights in Vegas!

After leaving Vegas, he shared he visited Pima Air and Space Museum in Tuscon, including going on a tour on the boneyard of DMAFB. I haven't seen this before so now I have it on my radar!:-)

Next pictures are from his Hawaii visit. 

He took a ride in a glider plane at Dillingham airfield.

Next picture was from his stop in Japan. I love cherry blossoms. Makes me think fondly of memories growing up in Japan on base.

He shared some wonderful pictures from New Zealand! He met up with his brother to share the Chatham Island adventure. He told me he was bummed they couldn't fly with the old Convair 580 due to stormy weather. However, they were able to do some flying near Auckland. His brother is a pilot and they got to fly there. Took a ride in a Robin 200. 

They also took a seaplane ride around the volcanic mountains near Lake Taupo. He shared there's a lot of fly fishing going on there. 

He let me know that the nice, symmetric volcano pictured is best known as Mount Doom from the Lord Of The Ring movies.

He also shared this picture of a McDonald's restaurant in a plane! That's got to be the best McD to eat in. :-)

I love his advice: "If you haven't ever been here, you should seriously consider to change that. And bring the biggest and emptiest memory card you can find for your camera!"

Ha! Love the passion and I'm feeling adding NZ to my "fly and fish"

spots to visit!:-)

Now the latest email I got was just before he leaves NZ. Dude got another flight in!!

This is Whitianga airfield. He took a 30min trip in the tiny Tecnam Echo, an Italian aircraft. He shared, "At only 70 kiwi$ a bargain. That's about 53$ in your money."  I laugh when he writes "your money". I do enjoy meeting people from around the world where we even have to reference your versus my money, as in different currencies!:-)

He shared their hangar caters wedding receptions for aviation nuts. Sweet! 

He did tell me the SCA hangar is much cooler. They did have an amazing hangar. Check out my past blog to view those awesome pictures.

All in all, he is flying more than me and I'm the one training for my license. Ha! His action is showing me I'm slacking. So, what am I doing about it? Better believe I booked a good 4 hour block for some great flying this coming Friday. WOOHOO! That, my friends, is a great example of how one mind inspires another, both short term and long term for me.

I hope you too have found some inspiration in this share. A shout out Thank You to Maurice for being open to sharing these views and experiences as it could inspire others to go out, see, experience and live more!

See his flying pictures certainly has me pumped up for my flying Friday. :-)

What adventures are you looking forward to living?

Happy and Safe Adventuring, All!

Emily

1st GoPro video: Flying Windy Virginia 11/14/14

My 1st @GoPro video! 

http://youtu.be/2Vq4IZuLrsc

I made a movie clip with it, would you expect anything less;-) First time I used the GoPro. After quickly playing with it, was pretty easy to use. It's worth taking some time to flip through the manual to get optimal use.

No distractions using flipping it on/off. I used the ceiling mount for this vid. Unfortunately, the battery died before my epic experience arriving at #KTGI #Tangier, Virginia! :-O Guess that means I'll have to return!:-)

It was double digits knots Windy and cold, but a great fun flight nonetheless! KTGI was an excellent flying experience! The view flying above the Tangier island & two sets of landings & take offs will be some of my favorite memories to date! I already want to go back.

Do not miss my action packed Aviators Lounge post, coming out this weekend, that will give you more info about my flight & some brief island visit tips... important things like where to eat if you visit! 

Until that post, enjoy this quick video of my Flying Windy Virginia W96 takeoff!

Happy & Safe Flying, Always!:-)

Flying Adventures: FBO BBQ & first visit into Hummel W75

Fun flying this weekend. In addition, got to enjoy the BBQ at my FBO. I have a great FBO where I train. New Kent Aviation, here in Virginia, was recommended to me last year when I was deciding where to start my flight training. I'm so glad I picked NKA, a family owned/run business with a friendly staff. They do Customer Appreciation BBQs through the Fall. Yesterday was their last this season. Glad I went to enjoy some grilled food, pilot chatting & then a great flight to Hummel.

Talking aviation, on this beautiful blue skies Saturday, after a smooth take off of Runway 29 at W96  it was off towards the East Coast. My intent was to use pilotage, dead reckoning & VOR navigation to see some specific spots along my route. Climbed to 5,500. Spotted West Point, then Tappahanock bridge, then Hummel airfield.

The runway is 2270 x 75. I had Jim land this one so I could take in the view during landing. I handled the short field take off when we left. Fun! Good practice before we fly into Tangier soon!:-)

Here are a few pictures captured of a fun filled aviation Saturday. Ready for my next flight already!

Big smile with Cessna 152 at Hummel, W75! :-D

Jeff, New Kent Aviation's GM, handling the Customer Appreciation BBQ. 

Good time chatting with Chad. We connected through Instagram aviation posts. Check out his IG handle @biplaneflyer for his aviation pics. 

Cool picture my instructor Jim snapped. A lot of boating activity on the Rappahannock River. Gorgeous view!!

Hummel airfield approx 1030' MSL TPA

Love the Fall foliage view!

View on Final

Closer on Final

FBO trailer

Inside the FBO trailer to get our Aviation Ambassador stamps!!

Filling it up:-)

W75 specs on ForeFlight 

AOPA tribute to Dr. Nichols who used general aviation to help provide medical services to Tangier. 

Check out the article about it:

http://www.aopa.org/News-and-Video/All-News/2014/September/30/Dr-Copters-aviation-legacy-set-in-stone

I snapped a good shot of Jim and a plane taking off in the background!

Planes on the ground.

Plane flying above

Getting ready for some cheesing in front of the 152. Sunglasses adjustment, Check!:-)

Me & Cessna 49134

Back at W96, enjoying a great view & food. Had one more hot dog & 2 bowls of John's (NKA instructor & examiner) award winning chili. Delicious!

Another great flying day that left a lingering Cheshire Cat smile. The memories & my growing experience are priceless to me. Love it and excited for my next flight!

So, where were you up to? Work on anything in particular?

Happy & Safe Flying, Always!

Flying Virginia: W96 to KOFP

First time flying into Hanover, Ashland KOFP FBO on 10/5. It had been a month and a half since my last flight ~ Gasp! Too long. Despite the break, the flight was awesome. Did my usual flight game planning, good preflight debrief & off to preflight check the 152. Blue skies in Beautiful Virginia. Fasten your searbelt!

We took off, I did a landing, then off to KOFP. I did a visual spotting of MiddlePeninsula West Point KFYJ, then it was DME Arc VOR navigation flying to KOFP.

As usual took some pictures after we landed. Then it was back to New Kent W96.

Every moment the plane takes off under my hand, the wheels leave the earth and we ascend defying conventional limitations we as humans have being grounded by successfully taking flight is a moment of blissful zen for me. The experience is exciting, thrilling, all while being extremely focused and serious. Time stops for me in those moments of take off and my landings. Very few things have touched me in the same way, have challenged me to this level and I LOVE it!:-) 

Here are a few pics snapped on this flying adventure. In my flight posts, I like to share views of the airports I fly into so catch a glimpse of Hanover FBO!

Flying makes me smile BIG

FBO specs

Me & the 152!

Marinating on my next moves, Always! Oh the possibilities are endless.:-)

Nice pilots lounge

Pilots lounge

FBO lobby

Posing by one of my future rides.:-) 

3 words for you: Dream big, people!

Virginia Aviation Ambassador passport & iphone in the pocket, Check! I love my Pilot Talk clothing line (pullover seen here) & travel mugs!! Classy threads for the ladies & unisex travel mugs/hats. All for the jet setters! Snag one of my products & share a picture with me. Would LOVE seeing you model one of my products so I can share it with my audience! 

Check out my store: http://www.zazzle.com/WingsConnect?rf=238151310469888436

Drop me a line with you modeling my product design. Email me through my site! http://wingsconnect.com/

Where are you flying this weekend? What are you working on? I'll be planning to visit another new airport and working on centerline landings! Thinking maybe Tangiere, KCPK or Charlottesville. Oh the possibilities!:-)

Wherever you are UP to... Happy & Safe flying, Always!

Virginia Flying Adventures ~ Tappahannock FBO

First flight to Tappahanock FBO (KXSA) on 8/24/2014. It was a beautiful day! Did a nice mid field fly over. Each flight yields new & builds on what I'm learning. I love the challenge aviation provides me, new sights & memories. 

I've said it before. There are far few things quite like it... Something that challenges me to the extreme & demands the best of you every time. LOVE! 

A few images from this Flying Adventure!

Cheese from KXSA. I like the red roof of the FBO. Easy way to ID the FBO from high above.

Lil guy is ready for his preflight check!

Heading to Tappahanock.

Love high altitude views.

Inside the FBO.

Outside plane line up & blue sky!

Where are you flying this weekend?  What are you most looking forward to from your next flight? I'll be visiting a new FBO & working on my center line landings.... More right rudder!