My kiddo took his first solo flight today!
It’s been a big week at our house. Owen turned 18 this week, took his first solo flight in a tiny Cessna 152 this morning and tonight he’s off to the prom with a posse of friends. I didn’t expect to be emotional today but when Owen landed and his instructor hopped out of the plane and the child took off on his own, I just sobbed. He did great. No complications and it was a stunning Montana day. O will continue to take lessons throughout the summer until he has enough flight hours to get his pilot’s certificate. He hopes to have that completed before he starts college this fall.
I don’t know where the last 18 years went…it feels like life is going a million miles an hour. Everyone tells me that I’ll be ready when Owen leaves the nest…that kids make it easier on their parents by being difficult but I have to tell you that this will be so hard. I like Owen so much, I mean, I love him of course…but I just LIKE him. He’s so smart, responsible and kind. He thinks about things before acting and he’s measured and thoughtful when he decides to do or say something….unless someone is being an asshole then he most definitely will call it out. He’s got a wicked sense of humor and makes me laugh every single day. He doesn’t put up with drama from anyone. He’s a talented pianist and guitarist and a really good student. I never have to remind him to do his homework…ever. Being his mom has been the most important thing I’ve ever done.
Thanks for reading.
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That brings back some memories... when I was working as a flight instructor and signed off a student for their first solo, my stomach would be totally in knots the whole time. Sometimes I'd be in the air traffic control tower but usually I was watching from the flight school ramp and listening on a portable radio, couldn't breathe until they were back on the ground, parked and shut down. Flying an airplane isn't really that hard, physically - if you can drive a car with a stick shift you can do it - but there's so much to learn before it's safe to do it alone. That mental part is a real accomplishment!
That it’s not that difficult to fly…but there’s a lot going on at one time and having a level head is important. We had a portable radio that a pilot friend lent us for today. It was fun to listen to the tower talk to the kiddo and listen to him speak with them. He sounds like he’s all grown up!
That’s so cool that you were a flight instructor. I wasn’t aware of that. 
Montana Democrats are celebrating today. Thank you!
y down down.
Yes indeed…today is a good day on many fronts.
My s-i-l is a pilot. Over the last couple of years, he and some local pilots have started a flight training program at the nearby airport. It is coming along really well. Really proud of the work they are doing and the opportunity they can offer close to home. 
Yes…when pilots offer their services to bring along the youngsters, it’s just the best.
Love the story and how I can literally feel you beaming from a couple thousand miles away!!!!! 
He has the temperament for it for sure- someone who is "no drama". 
A couple years ago, there was a then 18 year old over here on the east coast who flew banner planes at the shore (story reported on our local Philly stations since we cover the south Jersey media market) who was forced to land his plane on a causeway near Ocean City, NJ. He was from Wyoming and had gotten the job at the Jersey shore to build up flight hours. Calm, cool, collected.
I ended up delving into that company the kid worked for and had seen a few videos of how those planes actually took off with a hook on the rear, would swoop down to fly low over the banner mount point, snag it, and then ascend again, heading to the destination.
Found a similar video of that, which was pretty cool (along with the history of that technique) -
Thank you so much for posting it here.
and HUGE congrats to your son and to you, the mama who raised him!!! 
although they are truly a Jersey shore thing easily seen while on the beach or boardwalks.
I just never thought about how those banners were actually being attached (assumed they were rolled up on board and then would release to unfurl). Didn't reallze they "grabbed" them with a grappling hook.
If anything, doing that grappling hook maneuver is something that seems to be a good thing to learn as you see that when fighters are landing on aircraft carriers (in that case, to become a braking mechanism due to an obvious short runway)! 
I always run into someone from Jersey! They are everywhere! 
I was an Army soldier's wife. But, I remember those wonderful beach and boardwalk days as there were many. It's not the same there anymore, though. I'm talking pre-casino days. My mom lived in Atlantic City, Absecon and somewhere else there, I can't think of the name of the town right now, as a child, my father lived in Ventnor. My grandfather was still living in Absecon til in his late 80's. So, we were very fond of the shore.
Jersey girls aren't afraid to say what they're thinking, so we're pretty easy to spot anywhere. Also, the accent. I still say whutter for water lol.
I’m near tears reading your post. How proud you must be of Owen! He has a great mom who no doubt has influenced him in the best ways possible. You raised a great kid. 👍
I smile too because of the way you said you not only love him as a son, but you like him, too. I feel the exact same way about my three adult sons. They are so smart, they make me laugh, and they are just so enjoyable to spend time with. We talk about all sorts of subjects.
I can’t imagine seeing my kid flying off solo in an airplane …. an emotional moment, for sure. Your heart must be bursting. Happy Mother’s Day!
I know that it isn’t everyone’s experience with their kids….I’m very aware of that. I’m completely grateful that it is mine. And yours. I so appreciate having a child I can talk with.
I appreciate your kind words. Owen is my only. I didn’t have him until I was 40 years old. Being older gave me a different perspective I think.
Congrats on his first flight and college entry. Hope he learns enough truth to make him want to search further.
Good job.
Give him our support and du link. 😁
I was happy to witness it today.
But mostly I’m just so darned happy for the child. This has been a goal he set for himself.
Wow, a week to remember!
Glad it all went well!
These kids. They will save us, I swear. Thank you SO much for posting about your grandson here! We need to celebrate them more.
Did you also get a bachelor’s degree? I’ve really been judging Owen in that direction but airlines are hiring pilots with associate’s degrees because there’s such a shortage. I’d love to know more if you don’t mind sharing that info.
Mama!
Love all your photos.. Mahalo!
Sounds like you raised a thoughtful and very accomplished son! Courageous, too - and I say that as someone who is not an enthusiastic flier. I know that there are times that that the only option is to fly to get somewhere (like overseas), so I've done it, but just because it was the only option. 
And he's lucky, too, to have such a supportive and proud Mom as you. Wishing you a most Happy Mother's Day, my friend! 
On April 1st! HA! I still have my little logbook that detailed all my training flights until then, and then the solo.
It's definitely a lot of multitasking and you can't bring mental baggage (pun intended) with you. You have to pay attention.
Owen is an amazing kid. Your pride is justified! Good job Mom! 