No Matter What Happens, Keep Flying The Plane!!

Ever since I can remember, I have been fascinated by airplanes. When I was a little boy, I remember my parents would occasionaly take my brother and me to Dallas to shop, have dinner and sometimes see a movie. If we had extra time to kill, my Dad would go to Love Field where we would watch the Jets take off and land (this was long before DFW Airport!). I always hated it when it was time to leave. I could have stayed for hours.

During this same time, my parents had a boat and would take us to the lake on the weekends. The road that we took passed by an Air Force base that always had planes landing and taking off. I can remember straining to see the planes parked on the runways in the distance. Since the base was off limits to civilians, I always wondered what was going on that I couldn't see.

Just over 10 years ago, middle aged crazy struck! I have always wanted to take flying lessons, but always found some excuse for not following through. With the proper encouragement from my better half, I signed up and took my first lesson. I was hooked!! All the questions I had always been curious about, such as how a plane flys, what all the runway signs mean, what do the numbers on the runway indicate, etc. were now being answered. And my first Solo, what a thrill and an awesome feeling of accomplishment. When I passed my check ride less than 6 months later and became a "Certified Private Pilot", I remember feeling like I had conquered the world!

During my entire training, the main lesson that is taught over and over to all pilots is "Never stop flying the airplane". No matter what happens or what distractions occur, always fly the airplane.

One day, on short final to the airport, my instructor popped open his door and started screaming at me like a frightened passenger would. I couldn't believe what he had done! He made me reach over and close his door while continuing towards the airport to land. I still remember the shock of what had happened and him telling me to "Fly the Plane". Lesson learned!

With the recent ups and downs in the Real Estate and Stock Markets, I am reminded of the lesson learned years ago, "Fly the Plane". No matter what the distractions and stresses encountered, we all have to keep moving forward and doing the right things. Panic never solves any problem. Keeping a level head will lead you to the right solutions as our economy begins to turn around.

Recently, the Stock Market has been trying to rebound and the increase in activity we are seeing in the Real Estate market are good signs that the airport and a safe landing are on the horizon!!