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

EPIC High Altitude Climb

Another inspiring, giving me great chills kind of aviation footage shared by Boldmethod. I've watched it 3x in a row! To GREAT not to share.

Incredible and something I want to live in my lifetime! I love flying!! Enjoy.:-)

http://www.boldmethod.com/blog/video/2015/07/go-from-0-to-15000-feet-in-45-seconds/

What is your your most memorable flight, if you can even narrow it down to one?:-)

Happy & Safe Flying, Always!

Incredible Things in Aviation

Incredible creations by incredible minds that help us do the incredible! 

Check out this article on Steve Fulton, Pilot and Innovator who created Required Navigation Performance (RNP). It was first designed by this Alaska Airlines pilot and developed by GE Aviation. 

http://www.gereports.com/post/75375269775/no-room-for-error-pilot-and-innovator-steve

He captures incredible footage with GoPro using RNP to land in New Zealand. I just love it! I look forward to seeing and experiencing something like this with my own eyes, preferably in a future Akaska fly & fish trip!:-)

It's truly amazing what people can put their minds to create something revolutionary!

http://youtu.be/7mxmFCw-Dig

Happy and Safe Flying, Always!

Emily 

Meet a Real American Hero, Erik Sabiston, U.S. Army helicopter pilot and author of Dustoff 7-3!

I'm so excited and honored to introduce you to an extraordinary US Army helicopter pilot! I met Erik Sabiston via LinkedIn. This is not the first time, or last, I've met an awesome connection through that professional network site, which I'm a fan and actively use. Those who know me know I thrive in digitally connecting and building an engaged network, so it is not uncommon for me to not only make connections, but also build stronger relationships using it effectively. I see it as yet another tool to learn more information, share information, meet people I may not run into establishing new connections and keeping in touch with others who's path have gone to another zipcode, over time, myself included!:-) 

When I met Erik, he was in the midst of finishing his book, Dustoff 7-3, which is based on an incredible real life mission he flew and successfully accomplished with a very special team. I read about his Newsweek article and was inspired from the brief share about some of this teams accomplishments. The vibe I get from Erik, both in our communications and watching the Heroes Summit video of him and his crew, was a mix of professionalism, calmness, humbleness, and humor. I asked him if he'd be interested in being one of my Featured Pilot Spotlights on my aviation site/blog WingsConnect / Aviators Lounge blog. He expressed interest, but it wasn't the right time. Well, now it is the right time and he reached back out to me to let me know the interview was a go!!  I was very thrilled to gain insights and inspiration from Erik's responses and to share them you all.

I recently read Dustoff 7-3. If you enjoy a story of courage under extreme situations, dedication, and teamwork to pull off what could seem like the impossible for most, then snag a copy of this book. I recommend it. There are details at the end of the blog on where you can find a copy. In finishing his book recently, it gives me even greater pleasure to have this opportunity to virtually introduce to him! I hope you are as inspired by his responses and aviation pictures shared, as I was. Fasten your seatbelt and check out his responses!

Question 1: Tell me your Love at First Flight story and how you fell in love with aviation - where & when was your first flight? Also, what did you fly?

When I was a kid I spent much of my time with my grandparents.  A WWII vet, my grandfather was also an Army Aviator, until a bad crash in a B-25 cut his aviation career short.  He had aviation books in his home that I would pour over constantly.  I remember watching The Wings of Eagles with John Wayne, and it was like a spark.  I wanted to be an aviator more than anything as a kid.  My first flight was at age 14 on a C-9B Skytrain from Virginia to Florida when I was a Naval Sea Cadet.  I remember being completely terrified the entire time, yet determined that I would someday fly myself.  

Years later I became a UH-60 Blackhawk crewchief in the 101st Airborne.  Still petrified of heights, I loved the job and being part of a crew.  I would sit around in my free time reading every aviation magazine I could find.  One of my pilots Jason Jones noticed this and remarked that I seemed to love aviation more than any pilot in our unit.  I realized then that I would never be satisfied until I had the flight controls in my hands.

In 2007 I flew the TH-67 for the first time at Fort Rucker.  Flight school was tough for me.  I was much older than my peers and spent every waking moment in the books.  I knew this was my last chance to live my dream, and I was determined that nothing was going to derail me.  I selected UH-60s in 2008.  I wanted 60s because the mission was more diverse than any other airframe in the Army.

Question 2: What is the best advice you can give to fellow pilots?

When you have passengers fly like your loved ones are in the back; you are responsible for their lives.  Always study and train the maneuvers and tasks you know you're weak at.  FLY IFR!  For military aviators: a good instrument pilot is usually a good combat pilot.

Question 3: What is your favorite part of being involved in aviation?

Working with people and experiencing new things.  I meet people from every walk of life in the military and I get to snatch folks out of really bad places.  Nothing feels as good as knowing that in some small way you've made a difference.  I also love to travel and seeing the world.  Flying for my country has given me the opportunity to do that, and that's a blessing.

Question 4: What is the best eating spots you've found in your aviation travels?

Lamberts in Sikeston, MO., "Home of the Throwed Rolls!"  I also like the breakfast in Selma, AL.  I'm a foodie, so anywhere that has JP8 and barbecue is just fine with me!

Question 5: What are your favorite airports that you've flown into and why?

I love flying into Jack Edwards near Gulf Shores, AL.  It has an out of the way, beach kinda' feel to it and the folks are really friendly.  My favorite is one that I've never flown into it, but I loved visiting it as a kid... NAS Oceana.  So much great military hardware on the flight line, it kinda takes your breathe away!

Here are a few cool pictures, a glimpse into Erik's Life Adventures!

DANG DUDE! Now that's a cockpit!! A lot more going on than my 152!

Life Savers fly these choppers

He looks very happy with a kind heart.

Cool picture, Erik!

Ready to roll! This picture is aviation awesome! 

Faces of Heroes. The Real Fantastic Four. Check out the Newsweek Heroes Summit video below to learn more about each of these soldiers who risked their lives to accomplish an incredible mission. Each member received honors from the Army based on their actions on this mission. Snag a copy of Dustoff 7-3!

Erik at one of his book releases. His reviews are 5 out of 5 Stars!! Read Dustoff 7-3!

Check out the link below to order a copy of the book on Amazon! Such a big part of this book that really touched my heart and mind was the dedication the crew had to saving lives or being there to retrieve bodies of fallen soldiers. I sensed a fierceness to get the job done, perseverance and leave no one behind mentality. Very inspiring story of just how much this team went through and supported one another to accomplish what they did.

Every aviator has a great picture with their aircraft of choice. Erik, looking GREAT!!

Erik! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your responses and avi action pictures!! I really enjoyed getting to know you further through them and am excited to share your story. Your determination to achieve your goals, overcome challenges and excitement about the opportunities the Life of aviation has given is very inspiring. 

Each interview I have done is unique, very special and inspiring. Each person has different experiences and tips, but what I find is an underlying commonality in those who have found their love of flight. We are all extremely passionate and driven. I'm very grateful to have found in Aviation something so challenging, rewarding, and the opportunity to meet some of the most interesting souls in pilots. I have admiration for those who push past status quo, push themselves to achieve more, persevere even when others may not understand or support your drive or where you are headed. Another group that comes to mind with these characteristics, kicked up even more notches is Special Forces, but that'll be another blog post.:-)

Anyways, those who know me know I hold a special spot in my heart for our Troops, Real American Heroes. Erik and his crew are the kind of unsung heroes who put themselves in harms way with such an intense sense of duty, caring for those in need despite extreme challenges. I'm glad his book sheds light on the extraordinary accomplishments of this team. I found the story a glimpse into a fascinating world I won't see personally, very inspiring and leaves me with more gratitude on top of what I have for the unsung heroes in our Military! 

Growing up on military bases, I admired the strong sense of duty quality very much in many positive examples I saw. There was an above average sense of serving, not for fame and glory, but a sense of pride and community. I felt that same appreciation reading the actions of the troops in Dustoff 7-3. From the story, I took away a strong sense that each crew member brought important qualities and support, at different times and sometimes at the same time, resulting in a winning team dynamic that netted an exceptional mission accomplished.

Dustoff 7-3, the crew Erik was a part of, received the Army Aviation Association of America's top honor for their mission, featured in his book, that occurred in Kunar Providence Afghanistan in June 2011. This mission was named Air/Sea Rescue that year. All 4 crew members received a Metal of Valor. Sabiston, Bringloe, and Brodhead received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the highest award in aviation. Capps received the Air Medal of Valor.

Pick up a copy, read it and may you also be as inspired as I was that a crew as dedicated and giving their all exists. If I had someone I loved serving and they found themselves injured, I'd pray a crew like this would sweep them up out of harms way. 

http://www.amazon.com/Dustoff-7-3-Erik-Sabiston/dp/0989798364

In addition to reading the book, check out this cool video of them as part of Newsweek's Heroes Summit:

http://original.livestream.com/herosummit/video?clipId=pla_a7920dac-206d-4a00-8d84-950ce746b5ac

Get connected with him online to follow the latest:

http://www.eriksabiston.com/

Dustoff 7-3 (Facebook)

@ErikSabiston (Twitter)

Happy and Safe Flying, Always!

Emily 

http://www.wingsconnect.com/

@AeroEms or @ WingsConnect (Instagram /Twitter)

Here are additional links on media associated with the book and story of Dustoff 7-3:

http://www.feedyourneedtoread.com/contributor/erik-sabiston/

http://www.businessinsider.com/how-us-soldiers-saved-their-helicopter-2015-5

http://taskandpurpose.com/the-heartbreaking-story-behind-the-dustoff-7-3-rescues-in-afghanistan/

http://www.verticalmag.com/news/article/DUSTOFF73SavingLivesUnderFireinAfghanistan

http://www.verticalmag.com/news/article/QAwithErikSabistonUH60InstructorPilotAuthor

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dustoff-7-3-erik-sabiston/1121664577?ean=9780989798365

http://www.amazon.com/Dustoff-7-3-Erik-Sabiston/dp/0989798364

http://original.livestream.com/herosummit/video?clipId=pla_a7920dac-206d-4a00-8d84-950ce746b5ac

http://www.warriorspublishing.com/?p=594

http://www.nhregister.com/arts-and-entertainment/20150517/milford-native-tells-of-brave-us-army-helicopter-mission-in-dustoff-7-3

http://www.dothaneagle.com/lifestyles/local/fort-rucker-instructor-pilot-recounts-decorated-mission-in-new-book/article_60ed4b60-fa8e-11e4-a83b-5ba5c3dfa790.html

http://www.stripes.com/news/special-reports/heroes/heroes-2013/i-didn-t-fly-with-my-own-two-arms-1.224801

http://www.newsweek.com/afghanistans-valley-death-medevac-teams-miracle-rescue-63779

http://www.wearethemighty.com/this-army-medic-saved-14-lives-with-a-broken-leg-while-under-fire-2015-05

http://www.businessinsider.com/this-army-medevac-pilot-rescued-more-than-a-dozen-soldiers-during-a-deadly-60-hour-mission-2012-5

http://taskandpurpose.com/unsung-heroes-this-army-medic-overcame-gunfire-and-a-broken-leg-to-save-14-soldiers/

http://www.insidebainbridge.com/2012/10/03/bainbridges-julia-bringloe-7th-woman-awarded-flying-cross-medal-amelia-earhart-was-the-1st/

http://www.c-span.org/person/?juliabringloe

http://www.punditreview.com/2012/06/sysk-sgt-julia-bringloe/

http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20130129/NEWS03/701299857

http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2013/08/08/afghan-medevacs-run-to-gunfire-explosions-to-rescue-injured-comrades

http://www.readperiodicals.com/201403/3265818431.html

http://archive.armytimes.com/article/20120423/NEWS/204230311/Black-Hawk-crew-honored-3-heroic-days

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/opinion/freepress/story/2012/may/29/chattanooga-meet-julia-both-of-them/78925/

http://www.army.mil/article/87259/10th_CAB_aviators_receive_awards_for_valor/

https://twitter.com/eriksabiston

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dustoff-7-3/538460959617404

Media and Author Endorsements:

"Absolutely incredible." - Charlie Rose, CBS News

"This story is extraordinary!" - Martha Raddatz, ABC News

"You guys are crazy!" - Renee Montagne, NPR News

"I have just read a marvelous book that I wish to recommend to all Americans, Dustoff 7-3 by Erik Sabiston. The flying was on the absolute edge, harrowing beyond description. Sabiston does a magnificent job… I was blown away!  Flying at the fringes of the machine's capability, in terrible weather and under enemy fire much of the time, he and his crew in an unarmed Blackhawk rescued 14 wounded soldiers, made three critical resupply runs, recovered two soldiers KIA, and nearly died several times. All in three days. Dustoff 7-3 is a combat helicopter flying tale right on par with CHICKENHAWK by Robert Mason, which I thought was the finest true combat helicopter story ever written until I read Sabiston's work. I'm going to put Sabiston's book on the shelf side by side with Mason's. After I read Dustoff 7-3, I have been shaking hands with every soldier I meet. They are all heroes to me!" - Stephen Coonts - 17-Time NY Times bestselling author of "Flight of the Intruder"

"This is a great book! It puts you in the seat and offers an intimate look at the men and women who put it all on the line when troops are in need." - Kevin Maurer, #1 NY Times Bestselling Author of “No Easy Day"

You want to know what the phrase "courage under fire" is really all about? Read Erik Sabiston's Dustoff 7-3." - John Weisman, 7-Time NY Timesbestselling author of "KBL"

"An engaging and thrilling insight into the world of US Army MEDEVAC's in Afghanistan. Erik does a wonderful job detailing the dangerous calls and the bravery demonstrated by not only the medics but the fearless pilots." - Marty Katz, Film Producer of “Titanic” & “The Great Raid”

"Erik Sabiston and the crew of Dust Off 7-3 are real-deal American heroes." - Scott MacTavish, Author of “Battle Ready” & director of “MURPH: The Protector”

"I used to wonder who those angels were that flew into our most hellish moments in combat, those men and women who would risk everything to save us or at least return our dead. After reading Dustoff 7-3, now I know." - MAJ (Ret.) Rusty Bradley, author of "Lions of Kandahar"

“It’s about time their story is told.” – Leslie Marshall, FOX News Channel contributor, Nationally Syndicated Radio Host and Blog Columnist 

“A gripping and heart-pounding tale of duty, and near death for the chopper crew, Dustoff 7-3represents a war story of gallantry.” – Jay Strafford, Richmond Times Dispatch

“A brave, cool hand behind the stick by necessity, Sabiston also writes astutely, cutting his deck of drama-riddled “cards” with slices of wry humor and true-life human interest. In doing so, he deals a winning hand.” – Dorcey Wingo, Vertical Magazine

"I expected adrenaline junkies or war cowboys, but instead found four regular people susceptible to the same fears and doubts as anyone else." - Tony Dokoupil, NBC News

Extraordinary Perspectives & the Push to Upgrade!

It's not everyday I see the world at 1000 feet then frolick at ground level at the place I just flew over the previous day, but that's what happened on my last flight!

I enjoyed a great flight with my CFI to Charlottesville KCHO, flew along the James River, then to Chesterfield Executive KFCI, then back to New Kent. Matt called in to get permission to fly along the James River. Spectacular!

So my plan was to fly to KCHO in the day to see it since I could barely make out anything in my night flying there last month. So awesome to see the mountains and terrain during the day!

I got some great radio work in with Potomac Approach and KCHO Tower. We used Flight Following which I am a fan. So, I know I'm not alone in feeling like, "Errr, do I really need to talk to Approach or Tower?" Even so, I like that I have to push myself to do it to get better. I was pleased with my radio talk on this flight. I felt I performed well. I took away things I could do better next round, see what I did well, and am left with the knowledge that Flight Following is a great service I plan to take advantage of during training and once I'm flying as a PP! What a fantastic service that makes me feel even better having those extra eyes on what's going on in the airspace.

Anyways, since I know I'm not alone in some of the initial radio talk apprehensions, I thought I'd share a useful video on radio talk. I'm a big fan of Jason Schappert (@mzeroa on Twitter). Here's a great YouTube he did on taking to ATC in Class Delta on arrival. Seeing his videos are really helpful to me. I hope you find some value in his shares. I really like the initial cold call technique, which I used after watching his video.

http://youtu.be/IT-Kw5OdAIk

Here's Jason requesting VFR flight following. This is one of my favorite videos because so much changes in flight and he shows viewers how to handle the situation flawlessly! Show how staying alert, calm and confident in your abilities is key to success. These are great examples for aviation and beyond in dealing with rapid changes. Great example to learn from:

http://youtu.be/5QxM5BAaA8o

The biggest takeaway for me on my flight was to appreciate the very different perspectives, a sense of accomplishment in smooth flying, appreciation for Flight Following, improved 2-way radio talk, plus I scoped out a potential cross country route. I believe I found it in W96-KCHO-KFCI-W96!

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Aviation provides me with an incredible level of challenge and feelings of accomplishment in my growing experiences. Aviation pushes me to focus only on the flying when I'm flying, demands my best, challenges me in ways I feel the stretch and love the growth/achievements I experience in each successful flight. I'm so happy to have found my love for flight. Learning to fly has enhanced my Life in many ways and I'm excited for my best chapters yet to come!

Now, let me share a coupe pictures with you from this flight. Here's my post flight smile! You know me. I enjoy a great avi photo opportunity!

This was KCHO on approach to land last month during my night flight. You couldn't see anything really. You need to feel confident in your instrument reading when it's pitch black out. I welcomed the added chalkenge! Did 2 touch and gos that night.

This is Charlottesville views during the day. Beautiful rolling mountains and fields. I gained a great appreciation seeing the terrain during the day. So beautiful! 

I love the rolling mountains as far as the eyes can see!

My CFI Matt Welch took controls so I could enjoy the James River fly over. I flew it last time. This time I welcomed the opportunity to take in the view and snap a few pictures of my favorite spots!

Neat shot with my Stratus and the Z bridge in sight. I've said it before. I'm a big fan of Stratus and Foreflight! 

Area I enjoy fishing, the James River!

Highway 76 into Downtown Richmond. I drive on this road. It's so amazing to see it from 1000 feet!!:-)

Richmond has no shortage of bridges. I just love the James River!! If I'm not flying, I'm fishing.

This was a cool sight to take in. It's a beautiful spot in Richmond called Maymont. Beautiful grounds that inspire painters, poets and more. For me, it was a point of interest because I had just been there as a volunteer to support a clean up effort of fallen magnolia leaves. Hmmm, from 1000 feet I can happily report the grounds look spotless!!;-)

Departing the James River flyover to redirect to Chesterfield Executive. I did a touch and go there before heading back to W96.

When we landed we were treated by catching a Chinook flyover. This picture does no justice to this huge flying awesome beast!:-)

This is a picture I took of a Cessna flyover as I was fishing on the James River. It's such an extraordinary perspective to look up and not only admire those flying over, but to know I've been up there, too... soon to return for more!:-)

All in all another great flight! More great experience. More great memories!

Stay tuned for my next post. I've secured a new WingsConnect /Aviators Lounge Featured Pilot Interview! Very inspiring responses and action pictures. You won't want to miss it! Stay tuned!!

Until then, Happy and Safe Flying, Always!

Emily

Military Appreciation Month Spotlight: "This story is for heroes." Buckle up and read this inspiring story of Dedication, Teamwork and Courage!

It gives me immense pleasure to highlight those I meet along the way who have done exceptional things in their Life that truly inspire me. It makes me happy to shine the light on Erik Sabiston, whom I know, that just released a book about an incredible mission.

I just finished reading Dustoff 7-3. If you enjoy, like I do, a story of courage under extreme situations, dedication, and teamwork to pull off what could seem like the impossible for most, then snag a copy of this book now! I recommend it. 

It gave me a glimpse into a world many will never know, but would pray for a crew this dedicated to be there to rescue and retrieve loved ones serving in far off places who become injured. The story of Dustoff 7-3 kept me intrigued by laying out a story that became a journey into learning more this extraordinary Life experience, as told by Erik. He paints a picture of events leading up to and in the midst of an unforgettable mission he and his crew would experience and come out of successfully together. 

These are Real American Heroes. Unsung heroes who put themselves in harms way with such an intense sense of duty in looking out for others. Growing up on military bases, I admired that quality very much in many positive examples I saw. There was an above average sense of serving, not for fame and glory, but a sense of pride and community. I felt that same appreciation reading the actions of the troops in this book. Very inspiring and I'm glad I learned more about each of these individuals!  

Pick up a copy, read it and may you also be as inspired as I was that a crew as dedicated and giving their all exists. If I had someone I loved serving and they found themselves injured, I'd pray a crew like this would sweep them up out of harms way. 

Dustoff 7-3 received the Army Aviation Association of America's top honor for their mission, featured in this book, that occurred in Kunar Providence Afghanistan in June 2011. This mission was named Air/Sea Rescue that year. All 4 crew members received a Metal of Valor. Sabiston, Bringloe, and Brodhead received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the highest award in aviation. Capps received the Air Medal of Valor.

From the story, I took away a strong sense that each crew member brought important qualities and support, at different times and sometimes at the same time, resulting in a winning team dynamic that netted an exceptional mission accomplished.

Pick up a copy on Amazon, search for Dustoff 7-3 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0989798364/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1432087190&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40&keywords=dustoff+7-3&dpPl=1&dpID=51pYbV7dBtL&ref=plSrch

In addition to reading the book, check out this cool video of them as part of Newsweek's Heroes Summit:

http://original.livestream.com/herosummit/video?clipId=pla_a7920dac-206d-4a00-8d84-950ce746b5ac

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