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02/08 - My Dream Came True!

By Kandace Rawling
CFI-Sport Pilot

I had never been in a Cub, but it was love at first flight. There is some intangible quality about flying a J-3 Cub. As I flew it I soon came to feel that this airplane was a part of me. It does exactly what is asked of it, no more no less. But it also challenges you to keep on top of your game.

I guess one could say my connection with aviation was there from the beginning, growing up on Airport Avenue. Airplanes were constantly flying overhead on their way to and from the small airport in my hometown. Like many pilots, I began building models both static and flying and, though they brought a lot of enjoyment, the models got to do the flying, not me!

The start of my flying lessons was quite by chance. While working for an area business, I was sent on a delivery that took me past the airport where I spotted a weather weary, faded sign that read “Learn to Fly” only $399.00! That really piqued my interest so after making the delivery I stopped at the airport to ask for more information. I signed up for my first lesson on the spot, but truth be told, that sign should have read “First flight to solo $399.00.”

I’ll never forget my first lesson. Though it was a cold and cloudy January day in Wisconsin, the temperature during the preflight didn’t seem to matter. I flew a Piper Tomahawk on that cold winter day. My instructor allowed me to do everything with the exception of the landing. I’ll never forget the feeling of that first flight. It was glorious. Even today, I relive that feeling every time I leave the ground.

A few months passed and I soloed that same airplane. From that day forward I was hooked. Honestly, I was hooked as soon as we left the ground the day of my first flight! I didn’t stop until I had my private pilot license in June of that year.

Not too long after receiving my license I had to put my flying desires on hold and begin the life of a mother raising a son. I did manage to add a glider rating to my pilot’s license, but like so many others raising a family, money was tight and demands were many. The longing to be back in the air did not wane, nor did my desire to some day be a Flight Instructor.

Fast forward to 2006. My son was almost old enough to be on his own and the desire to get back in the air again moved to the forefront leading me to Hartford, Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Soaring Society. I flew gliders with this group for the entire summer. However, I found myself continually watching people flying Piper Cubs at the airport. I’ve always wanted to fly a Cub but the opportunity never really presented itself. I asked one of the glider club members if they knew who that was and how I might get to fly a Cub.

I was given Steve Krog’s name and number and placed a call to him that very evening. After discussing my flight experience and my goals we agreed that we would start working on a tail wheel endorsement the next weekend.

Now mind you I’d never been in a Cub before and I’m not making this up but it was love at first flight! There is just some intangible quality about flying a J-3. Steve reviewed all of my air work including spins. Then it was pattern work mastering the three-point and wheel landings including crosswind landings.

It was a wonderful experience flying the Cub and as I flew it, I came to feel that this airplane was a part of me. The Cub does exactly what is asked of it, no more, no less. It makes your cares go away and brings a smile to your face like no other aircraft I’ve ever flown! But it also provides a challenge to keep you on top of your game.

I quickly earned my tail wheel endorsement, but then what? My dream to be a flight instructor was still a burning desire. However, the requirements for becoming a CFI were quite daunting, not to mention the significant expense. The instrument rating, commercial license, etc., seemed way out of reach for me financially.

I had been reading about the new sport pilot license in the EAA magazines, which led me to research the newly created sport pilot CFI. Wow! After reviewing the requirements, then re-reading several more times to ensure I hadn’t misunderstood them, I realized that my accumulated flight time more than met the minimums!

I contacted Steve again and asked if he was willing to work with me to earn my CFI-SP ticket. He readily consented. Back to work we went flying the Cub though we spent many more hours in ground school than we did flying. There is a lot to learn before becoming an instructor. Finally, Steve pronounced me ready for the checkride.

I’m now a sport pilot instructor and my dream is complete. Steve even hired me to do some part-time instructing! Not only do I get to fly Cubs but I also get to share my love of flight—and Cubs—with others.

Every time I climb into that little yellow airplane with the black lightening bolts I’m overjoyed at being able to fly and share my knowledge. And equally important, I get to share a view of the world from a loftier perch than most people ever get to experience—from the best little airplane ever built.

Thanks to EAA’s efforts, the dream of flight is now available to far more people than ever before. They helped make my dream come true and they’ll help yours too! So, follow your dreams like I did and take that first step into the realm of flight. Call a sport pilot CFI today!

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