A Day In The Park With Pete

Pete: The day's a good crisp one, no wind, perfect to head for the park with one of my toys. I've brought out my British S.E.5 a World War I bi-plane I haven't flown for quite a while.

I get my equipment all set up, and fiddle with the controls longer than I need to. It's just relaxing and fun to play with this stuff. And, I'm putting off that moment of takeoff, I know. I just like the anticipation of it.

Finally, I fire the plane up, glad no one's close by because I think I heard myself actually giggle. It's been a while since I used this set of controls, and the takeoff is wobbly. Next one will be better. Finally, she's airborne, and I get comfortable, crosslegged on top of a picnic table, watching her fly in graceful arcs. She's a beauty, one of my first models, and I've missed watching her soar.

( Learning to fly. )