Andrew's Airplane Ride

Going our way

On August 5, 2012 Andrew and I got to take an airplane ride in a Cessna 172 4 seater plane.  Through a friend at the barn, Andrew was hired to help store hay at their farm.  As part of his payment he got to go on the airplane ride.  We met up at Forest Lake Airport, us arriving in our car a little early and waiting to watch the plane land.  Here's the plane landing:

The plane landing on the grass

Checking it out

I did not realize the Forest Lake airport has a grass runway.  That kind of blew my mind.

Getting ready to board the plane.

Taxiing towards the runway

Our pilot told us some information about the plane and about Young Eagles, which is a group that is trying to inspire more people to take an interest in flying.

When our pilot Joe G. was running through the pre-flight checklist and was ready to start the plane he hollers "Clear!" and I just about jumped out of my seat.  That was pretty funny.

When we were taxiing to the runway, there was somebody's naughty dog on the runway.  Another shocker.

Dog on the runway - really?  Yes indeed.

This particular plane happens to be a trainer, which means it has two sets of controls.  Andrew was allowed to fly the plane for about 15 minutes!

It's definitely Andrew driving!

We got to fly over our house, and over Sunborn Stables, and near Osceola and Taylors Falls.  If you look closely you can see Conquest in his field.

Our house

Sunborn Stables - Conquest in foreground

The field behind our house almost looks like it's a message for aliens.