Pulled the end of the video out to post here because it’s huge; there’s no way more than a bit could be posted at one time. So, here’s the final bit of flight – with the money shot, Tyler’s big smile and thumbs up after he executes a perfect landing.

Our 12 year old grandson Tyler had his first flying lesson today, called a ‘Discovery flight’. So far Tyler’s been a natural at everything he’s tried; sports, music, academics… So we wondered if he’d take to flying as easily. Once again, he’s a natural!

He’s got his own log book now with an hour’s flight time logged, along with take off and landing. He took off, flew and landed the plane with very little help from the instructor, who was suitably impressed, by the way.
He has a sim at home, but said that actual flying was much easier than the sim.

The flight school. Actually, I found out later that this is the rear door. Oops.

Mike, Tonie, Tyler, Amber and Kaytlin.

Tyler looked a bit pensive. We learned from his mom that he was pretty nervous. Can’t say I blame him!

The girls just wanted to get out of the sun.

Tonie, Amber, Kaytlin and I drove on our way while Tyler had ground school, pre-flight and flew. Mike, who is busting with pride, by the way, sat in the rear seat and let the instructor do his thing. Both were amazed with Tyler’s natural ability.

They flew down the coastline, down as far as Biscayne Bay, over the Seaquariam and back.

Mike also recorded the entire thing, so I’ll try to post at least a bit of it later. Very cool, eh?

UPDATE: The images Mike took with his phone…

It hardly seems likely that grandson Tyler will turn 12 this summer, but he insists on growing up! Doing it with panache, too. The kid is getting excellent grades in all advanced classes, is athletically gifted… and we learned this year that he’s musical as well!

He just started playing the trombone this year. How good could he be at it, right? Well, he tried out for both the wind and jazz bands… and was accepted to both! We’re told that usually only 3rd or 4th year students make it.

Tyler does almost everything well and we’re very proud of him… I hope he knows that even when he tries something and fails, we’re still proud. Like his siblings, he’s very special to us.

Thanks to Tonie for the picture!

This has been a Proud Nana production.