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

Living it UP! One Recipe for Happiness: Think it. Want it. Go get it.Shine on!

It's Spring and Easter. That is making me think of New Life, what has been and what can be. Life is indeed a journey and adventure. I'm convinced it really is whatever we choose to make our mind up about it. It's either as great or as bad as I choose to believe it is. It's either do or do not. I'm the Captain of that choice. That's the memo I got and I'm sticking with it.:-) I tend to choose to seek moments of genuine gratitude with each day because I see the journey itself is an adventure!

I believe an important part of the recipe for happiness is identifying, over time, what serves you and what does not. That which does not serve should go to make room in your focus for what can be. Also, finding the things you are passionate about in Life. One found, do more of it! For me, flying is a unique passion I have found that truly Wows me. Not many things Wow me to the degree flying does and I love that I have chosen to have it be a part of my Life. One of the best decisions, Ever! 

In an age where we are inundated with distractions and stimuli, it takes extra effort focus and intention to be truly present. Flying does that for me and it energizes me. Flying pushes me far beyond the status quo of everyday mediocre life which I love, hones in all my focus and senses for that time and I feel a super charge of vitality after each and every flight knowing I was part of an incredible experience. It keeps me on my toes, on high alert, and leaves me with an abundance of gratitude and satisfaction reflecting on my growing abilities and skills. 

Something I really value about my Flying Adventures, and this applies to Life Adventures, are the goals I achieve. I love when a want, just a tiny spark of a thought, becomes a reality through intentional actions. In flying, that manifests when I think to myself that I'd really like to fly to a particular FBO. It may not happen for a while, but if I've got the want in my mind, I'm eventually going to do it when the time is right. This is not a unique recipe pertaining only to me. I know you can relate and hope you sonic boom, as I do, when each goal is lived out.

So, talking passion let me share with you a recent fantastic flight I had with my CFI on Wednesday, 4/1/2015, in Virginia. It was a exciting example of one of my flying goals achieved. It's funny how the mind works. When I was thinking of where to fly, I was leaning towards flying into airports I've been because I really like the coastal routes. Also, there was a hint of wanting to stick with what I knew versus traveling into the unknown, but then I came to my senses!:-) Thank goodness my "been there done that" radar was buzzing and a strong urge to stretch and explore took charge. New FBOs it was, made my mind up to expand my experiences and made it happen. I felt a lot of satisfaction after this flight as it was a flight I've been wanting to do for a while. I have the good sense to appreciate the great, but I fully embrace my nature and desire to stretch and experience more because that serves to enhance me in Life in more than ways than one. I truly see and appreciate the connection of my varied learnings, experiences and perspective serving me greatly in fueling my creativity, innovative thinking and ingenuity in my professional Life, too.

Come join me by enjoying a few pictures and videoes I captured! Note: Any pictures or video I shot was during positive exchange where I was not flying. Safety first, always!

A whole lot of flying cheese -Smile - face here! Blue skies, two new FBOs to fly into and the 152, now that's what I'm taking about as a recipe for a great day. 

Ready or Ready?! 

Upper right: Preflight smiles with Matt.

Lower right: My post flight smile and my FBO New Kent Aviation in the background.

The Route: Flew from W96 (New Kent)-7W4 (Lake Anna) -KLKU (Louisa) - then along the James River near downtown Richmond as we headed back to W96.

Enroute to 7W4 Kings Dominion is a good pilotage reference point.

Lake Anna 7W4. One of the shortest/narrowest runways I've landed. Good time! The shortest and narrowest I've landed so far is Hummel W75. I highly recommend you fly into that airport if given the opportunity. It is beautiful! Tip:  If you are interested, like me, in collecting your Virginia Aviation Ambassador stamps then stop by the mailbox off of the parking area to get that self service stamp. Luckily for me, Matt pointed out the stamp was probably in the mailbox. Roger that, it was so I didn't leave without it. If you know me and my flying, I'm serious about getting my stamps :-)

Next up was Louisa airport KLKU. Much longer runway. I always find it extra fun landing on a longer runway when I've just come from a really small one. It makes me really appreciate how long the runway is in those instances. Great welcome at KLKU by the owner Greg. He hooked me up with my… Wait for it… Wait for it… my stamp! :-) 

Enroute back to W96. Here's a shot of my Stratus. I love the combo of my ForeFlight and Stratus. Being a student pilot and learning, it's without question that I'm first and foremost learning the fundamentals without such tools. That being said I still value having them as secondary points of reference.

The trip back was one of my favorites! It was truly special seeing places that I walk around from high above. Like many aviation lovers, my eyes can't help but look up to the skies when I hear the sounds of an airplane nearby. It was amazing enjoying this flipped perspective. Now I was the one flying by, just how I've wanted! 

Here we see the James River!

It was neat to see the vibrant red spider on the field of University of Richmond. Another great pilotage reference point.

Traveling along the James River, soon approaching very familiar spots. Exciting!

Here's a cool shot that Matt took of Pony Pasture. This is so cool because I go fishing around here and spot familiar points.

I love this view of the bridges and Richmond ahead!

Flying over you bridge! :-)

Neat to see all the rocks down in the river and the city.

Sweet Richmond city shot! I like the reflection off the wing. Way more fun to fly over these roads versus drive them. Fact!

The familiar sight of New Kent airport. I can see my car from here! :-)

Here are two videos with some tunes that I created. Check them out for a more animated experience of this great day of flight!

- Two of my three takeoffs captured on 

   GoPro. http://youtu.be/4611TKa_Gr8

- Flying over the James River, Richmond,

  Virginia http://youtu.be/JOaiS1uS9XM

I hope you enjoyed this flying adventure with me through the pictures and video shared. I agree with doing more of what makes you happy. Flying makes me happy, so time to do some more!:-)

Finding your passions and doing more of the things that make you shine is a gift I've found in a few things, including flying. I hope you find it yourself, too, because the world benefits when people shine bright.

Every great adventure has a beginning, middle filled with ups and downs, and a grea end. For the times you find great happiness them, cherish them and do more of it! In times you go through challenges and we all do, power through and learn more about your strengths, what you like and do not like. For sometimes it is through those challenges you given a gift of You-Turns to redirect you on a greater path. You are stronger than you think!

We are all unique individuals here to live out our story. There's a reason we are here. It is my hope for myself, as well as others, to find purpose. That purpose may morph over time, but do what you can to find and align to what makes you shine brightest, by your own standards. As the famous by Howard Thurman: 

“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.”

Sparrowrose Choose to be the greatest version of you. Encourage others to be their best version. You never know just who's watching and being influenced by your actions. Why not Inspire? I dare you!:-) Happy Adventuring, Always!

Want to feel like Iron Man? Go fly with Sky Combat Ace in Vegas!

They say what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Well, one thing that happened to me in Vegas last week that is going to be known is my EPIC aerobatic flying experience last Friday. Too great to not share about SCA! Mind blown & thumbs up to fly with Sky Combat Ace! They are a MUST DO in Vegas for Aviation Lovers.

My first taste of an aerobatic move was back in December 2014. I experienced a smooth roll in a stylish RV-7. I had never experienced anything like it. Like a "Matrix" (ie the movie) moment, in a great way, it opened my mind to a whole different type of flying. It was a Wow moment for me and yet another great aviation memory. I definitely knew I would be open to trying more aerobatics if given the right opportunity.  

That next opportunity came up as I made plans to meet up with friends in Vegas last week. As part of my planning phase, I was looking at possible activities out there to do for us. I've been to Vegas before. There's no shortage of the usual options and things to do. During my search I came across SCA's deal which was a Groupon (SCORE!) and began to do some research about their services and reviews. I liked what I read, considered things, and then booked my flight. Game on!

A few things I really enjoy about aviation is that it is constantly serving up to my desire to learn and excel, presents me with challenges to face and grow from, opportunities to stretch and expand my horizons in ways beyond the status quo of regular Life decisions/choices. There are no apologies or tip toeing for driving hard, the desire to excel and giving it your best, it's expected. You own your progress, it's as much or little as you put into it. Of course, one progresses faster and better being surrounded with those skilled and eager to see you shine brighter. Be grateful when you find these gems, in all facets of Life! Even better, strive to become such an influencer, if you're not already. Dare you!

A couple action pictures:

One of the things I love about flying is the unique adventurers I meet along the way! Here is a picture of Maurice and I. Maurice is a traveling adventurer from Switzerland. It was so cool to share in the experience, chatting pre and post flight.

SCA has the BEST hangar I have stepped in. 

This plane.... WOWZAS!

Pre-flight smiles with Kyle, an excellent aerobatic pilot!

I took the ups...

I took the turns...

and upside down moments with HUGE smiles! 

Only time I was quiet was when I was wearing my 5 Gs face!:-D

Got the Guys to do a post flight photo with me ~ Kyle, Maurice, Denis & I! Love a great group of aviation enthusiasts:-D

A few points about my experience with SCA: 

* Really impressed and satisfied with their operations. 

* They provide door-to-door hotel pick up and drop off service, upon arrival the signing process was smooth.

* You get to wear cool jet flight suits, get a callsign badge and SCA insignia patch for your suit. This promotes a cool fun experience leading up to the flight that's about to knock your socks off! :-) 

*Their hangar is the best I've seen in my entire life, so far. I seriously want my future home to be a model like this one! So thank you SCA for setting the bar there. ;-) 

*Next it was up to the room for preflight debrief. Great job with the overview of the aircraft, maneuvers that we were going to experience, as well as safety points including how to use the parachute should that situation arise. I really liked the details covered in that brief.

*My pilot, Kyle, got me set up with my parachute and situated in the aircraft prior to flying. His flying was Excellent!

 

Join me for the flying experience and check out the video that was captured during my flights with SCA. A couple things about the video, look at my major smiling face throughout the flight. I'm chatting it up and definitely in my element! I go silent when I'm feeling the Gs! :-) 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/r49zsz84dxd9znr/AABfDEnAl_46RuIxbc0_fOnwa?dl=0

Primary goals as it relates to this flight was to assess the flying experience, to check out the operations of this place, and I did not want to throw up or get knocked out by the Gs. I am happy to report that mission accomplished all my goals were met on this flight!

I don't have a lot of experience and exposure to aerobatics flying. So stretching myself in this area, stepping out into the unknown to experience something totally different from my current flying experience, was very rewarding. I enjoy that stretch process in life, and it doesn't necessarily have to be aviation, but any life enhancing situations that come from stepping out of your comfort zone, experiencing things that are not every day situations and feeling the rewards of living life to the fullest. 

Taking a unique flight with an experienced pilot to show me the ropes on new maneuvers is a hearty, healthy, fun filled decision that is another step to enhance my journey of life. I'm eager for more exciting chapters to come! Next time I'm at SCA I'm doing more of the hands-on experience which will likely be the top gun package and I'm bringing my pilots logbook for that one! :-)

To wrap things up, nothing I write could really show you just how awesome this flight was for me. It is certainly something that I will never forget, left me wanting more, and I look forward to returning back to SCA so I can further experience some more high throttle aerobatic flying with them! 

Check out their site and learn more about their operation, they're flight packages, their pilots, and more: http://www.skycombatace.com/

Also check out their reviews. They are quoted as one of the top things to do in Vegas. I can attest to that I would say don't miss out on an exciting opportunity to experience Vegas, fly with them while you're out there!

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g45953-d2072017-Reviews-Sky_Combat_Ace-Henderson_Nevada.html

http://govegas.about.com/od/attractions/fr/Sky-Combat-Ace-Las-Vegas.htm?utm_source=social2&utm_medium=sm&utm_campaign=shareurlbuttons

What is your most exciting flying experience, what did you feel you experienced in terms of stretching and growth in that flight?

If you go and check out SCA or you happen to be at Henderson executive airport and see them, snap a shot and share it with me on my social media channels. You can find all of them listed on my website http://www.wingsconnect.com/

I'd love to see and hear about your experience!

Happy and safe flying always!

Great cause & flying on 12/13/14 in Virginia

Wow! Love when a day with no particular plan ends up being one of your most enjoyable ones!:-)

I received a text from a Flying friend, Jack Pettigrew, about a toy airlift & donations event to support Military troops this holiday season. I'm a proud Army brat who grew up in military communities. Even though I'm not in the military, that community will always be an extended family and hold a special spot in my heart! I jumped at the opportunity to rush to pick up some goodies for the kids and supplies for Veterans in the hospital. 

Jack met me there and had a crew of his flying friends. I love chatting aviation with others who share the same enthusiasm. I ask all kinds of questions and want to hear about experiences to soak it in like a sponge. I always learn something new and now find opportunities with the flying I've done, to date, to inspire others to visit new FBOs. A few of us had a great chat about Tangier Island being a MUST visit. I flew there last month with my instructor. Click here to view that post: 

http://aviatorslounge.blogspot.com/2014/11/flying-inspirations-windy-flight-to.html?m=1

The aviation community is a unique and special one. I love the new connections and sharing in the excitement of flying.

When I came to this event, I actually didn't have intentions to fly. That being said. I happened to snag my headset just before leaving. BOY, that was an excellent decision!! I was offered a brief flight in my first experimental and it was exhilarating! Andy is the owner of a Maj. Preddy, ace WWII pilot, RV-7 replica plane. It's exterior is painted with symbols that share the history of this ace pilot. The interior was SWEET! I loved the glass canopy top & seatbelt! It felt like being a Star Wars X-Wing pilot, yes I said it! This plane is so much faster than my trainer 152. To think I almost passed on a ride. Boy, thank goodness I came to my senses!!:-D After I climbed in the cockpit, I had to go up!

I was impressed with Andy. He was very focused, together, explained every detail of the preflight checklist/runup and shared his way of diagraming/noting aviations specs. I really enjoyed seeing his style of operation and was stoked he showed me how incredible the RV-7 flies! I've heard from other pilots to fly in various models, where opportunity presents. This experience opened up my mind to a whole different flying experience... One that's much faster than the 152!!;-)

I left the airport with a HUGE Cheshire Cat smile.. Still wearing it!

I encourage you to spread some holiday cheer by giving, where you can at events like this Toy airlift, or whatever resonates with you. 

For my fellow Flying friends, what are your favorite holiday aviation related events?

Check out some action pictures from this Fun Filled Saturday at Chesterfield Executive Airport! Big shout to my friend Jack for spreading the word & sharing his enthusiasm for aviation. He's not 1 of the top 2 Virginia Aviation Ambassador passport holders for nothing!

 

ME FLYING & my FULL FORCE RV-7 Grin!!!!!! LOVING this flying experience! EEEEEE:-D

Here is my on the ground "RV Grin"! Virginia Aviator Stewart Purvis enlightened me with that phrase!:-) I climbed in the cockpit & was like HELLO, Let's DO THIS!!:-D

Pictures of KXSA Tappahnock FBOs great contributions to the toy Airlift! Love the picture with the Troops!

Me arriving to drop off gifts to the troops! Santa flew into the airport to see the kids. Awesome!!

Fun chatting flying with others who love it and share the enthusiasm to tell their aviation stories, tips, and passion!

After the buffet lunch, we went to check out people's planes. Here's Jack's taildragger!

Here's Andy's RV-7. NEAT!

Planes need to eat, too. Filler up!

Very cool of Andy to take me Up! 

Dude, this interior was Rocking! 

Santa, I want one now!

Ready!!

There goes the gifts! Happy I could contribute. It warmed my heart to do so. :-)

Learn more about Major Preddy, Ace WWII American Aviator: http://www.aviation-history.com/airmen/preddy.htm  

Check out my previous Pilot Spotlight Interview post on Jack: http://aviatorslounge.blogspot.com/2014/03/meet-jack-pettigrew-adventurer-flying.html?m=1

Interested in sharing your Love at First Flight story? I want to share it! 

Visit http://www.wingsconnect.com/ & click on TALK for details on being considered for the Spotlight interview!

Happy & Safe Flying, Always!

Next flight: Tangier KTGI here I come

Ever since I saw a picture in AOPA's Flight Training Magazine, I've wanted to fly to Tangier, Virginia. Booked my flight this coming week. Here we go!:-) 

Have you flown into KTGI? If so, any tips and where's the place to eat lunch in Nov 2014!

Where will you be flying this week & weekend? 

Wherever you soar.. Happy & Safe Flying, Always!

Emily

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!