This is what it is like being a pilot flying private clients all over Western North America in a Cessna 425 Conquest Turboprop! Over the last 16 years as a pilot, I have been enlightened to some of the bigger reasons as to why aviation is an ever growing passion! It's not the destination that matters... but rather the journey and the experience you stand to gain from the challenges put forth by mother nature, physics, mechanics, and our desire to always be learning more. On this short flight, we zig zagged around storms, battled moderate icing conditions, and flew the gantlet through the rocky mountains to make a safe landing at Penticton Airport (CYYF) near Kelowna. With a few days at my disposal, I was able to do some fishing in the Okanagan Valley, and meet some incredible new friends... one of which was my copilot (6 years old!!!) All of this in a few days of "work" reminded me of the following bigger picture lessons as a pilot:
1. The unforeseen challenges of flying in the Rocky Mountains are truly humbling. A constant reminder that every flight has more to learn than we can possibly soak in at once, and a simple rain cloud demands more respect than we often give.
2. Every flight offers a unique opportunity to turn a simple trip into a glorious adventure that a lot of us pilots simply take for granted.
3. Lastly, the importance of taking the time to share your passion with someone who is eager to learn and carry forth the knowledge and experience and stories....that have accumulated from years of learning things the hard way.
Safe, happy flying everyone!