AOPA Pilot Magazine - May 2024 - 47

was infectious, their teaching styles
complementary, and, most important, they
made me feel like they genuinely wanted to
fly with me. It was a partnership, a shared
journey back to the skies, and it made all
the difference.
Returning to the cockpit wasn't just
about reclaiming the thrill of flight; it was
also about finding my tribe in a community
that resonates with the same passion
and values. In this close-knit circle of aviators,
I discovered more than just skilled
pilots; I found incredible human beings
who became an integral part of my life.
This tribe, bound by a love for the sky and
a commitment to ethical flying, welcomed
me with open arms.
The camaraderie was palpable,
whether we were discussing the latest avionics
technology, sharing tips on weather
patterns, or recounting tales from recent
flights. Each interaction was a heartbeat
in the living organism that is the aviation
community, enriching my life in ways I
hadn't anticipated.
As I sit in the cockpit today, the dials
and gauges in front of me have turned to
glass and are so much more than mere
instruments. They're milestones, each
one marking a significant moment in a
journey that has come full circle. They're
a testament to the dedication, the hours,
and the passion that have brought me back
to these skies.
I've not just returned to flying; I've
surpassed my own expectations. The
number of hours I've logged has nearly
doubled since my early days in the
1990s. The sky, once perceived as a limit,
has transformed into a vast canvas of
opportunities-each flight a brushstroke
on this ever-expanding masterpiece.
My goals are crystal clear. With
each flight, I'm inching closer to my
multiengine, IFR, and commercial ratings.
This isn't about turning my love for flying
into a profession; it's about striving for
excellence, about pushing my own boundaries
to be the best pilot I can be. And let's
not forget the cornerstone of it all: Safety.
It's not just a word; it's a mantra, a guiding
principle that informs every decision
I make in the air.
My journey back to aviation has
been a rich tapestry woven with highs
and lows, setbacks, and triumphs. Yet,
the thread that binds it all together is
the indomitable spirit that first drew
me to the skies. It's a spirit that lives in
every pilot who takes to the air, in every
instructor who shares their invaluable
wisdom, and in every member of this
extraordinary community we proudly call
aviation. Leland R. Johnson is a private
pilot with a multiengine rating and owns a
Piper Seneca and Cessna 182.
47
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AOPA Pilot Magazine - May 2024

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