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bubbling dill- and salt-seasoned pot for our own private feast. As preteens my brother and I graduated to commanding the outboard-powered boat (but not, of course, the speedboat). This was hardly less exciting than one day qualifying as pilots, as we could now captain our own fishing expeditions and navigate solo to Trivet’s on important bait and candy-bar missions. When the time came to pile into the airplane for the twoand-a-half-hour flight back to suburban Chicago, we took comfort in knowing that next summer we’d be back. No one imagined that one day we’d unknowingly depart Uncle Carl’s paradise for the last time. I suppose my parents could have driven the 750 miles each way in 15 to 20 hours, but then I doubt we’d have repeatedly made this journey for a few days every summer. The airplane made it possible. I also wonder if my siblings and I fully recognized the resulting magic at the time, but we certainly do now. With my dad, Uncle Carl, Aunt Edna, Isaac, and the island all long gone from the family, we’ll cherish those memories forever. I share these reminiscences not because Uncle Carl’s island was the best or most memorable aviation destination of my youth, but because it was one among many we enjoyed with my dad at the helm of the family 310. I could go on about being assigned our own horses at Colorado’s C-Lazy-U ranch, or snorkeling in the Bahamas, or awaking to the strains of a bagpiper marching the flowered fields of Lake Louise, Alberta—perhaps the most beautiful place I’ve ever been. Best of all, there was always an airplane ride at either end. Wondering what to do with that hardearned pilot certificate? In these days of busy schedules and organized youth activities, piloting offers a rare avenue to shared family adventure. Fly those kids somewhere special while they’re of an age to appreciate it, and deliver them and yourself never-to-be-forgotten memories—while the opportunity lasts.
Greg Brown is an aviation author, photographer, and former National Flight Instructor of the Year. Visit his website (www.gregbrownflyingcarpet.com).

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Flight Training - September 2012

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