So Proud!!!

I have to tell you all how proud I am of my husband, Michael. He sets his mind on something & he never gives up until he reaches his goal. Back in the summer, he decided he wanted to learn how to fly. He has worked so hard with the training to meet this goal and yesterday, finally his dream came true. He received his Private Pilot Licence. He has trained & studied for hours on end over the past 4 months and passed all of his tests yesterday! Congrats Baby...you make me so proud!! I love you!

Here are few pictures of the new pilot!!

This was back in July when he purchased his plane!

This was after his first solo on September 4, 2009!

This was also after his first solo....he is getting his shirt tail cut off!What??...you might ask...why are they cutting his shirt? I asked the same question!! I googled it to see what was behind this tradition...here is what I found:

In American aviation lore, the traditional removal of a new pilot's shirt tail is a sign of the instructor's new confidence in his student after successful completion of the 1st solo flight. In the days of tandem trainers, the student sat in the front seat, with the instructor behind. As there were often no radios in these early days of aviation, the instructor would tug on the student pilot's shirttail to get his attention, and then yell in his ear. A successful first solo flight is an indication that the student can fly without the instructor ("instructor-less" flight). Hence, there is no longer a need for the shirt tail, and it is cut off by the (often) proud instructor, and sometimes displayed as a trophy.

And here is the proud Papa displaying his PPL this morning!!

Again Michael, I am so happy for you & proud to be your wife!! Keep reaching for the stars & be safe!!!

ILY, MK