UP, UP AND AWAY

The time was 8:30 in the morning and I found myself pulling up to a locked security gate.  I was on Cirrus Drive at the Medford airport hangars.  It was here I met up with Lyn Cate, a Crater High School classmate from more years ago than I care to admit.   My husband Mike turned 78 a couple of weeks earlier and for his birthday I made arrangements with Lyn to take him on a flight around the Rogue Valley in his J-3 Piper Cub. 

J-3 Piper Cub

Lyn asked if I wanted to take a ride, I respectfully declined.  Anyone who knows me well will attest to the fact that I am not fond of heights.  This includes hot air balloons, small planes, step ladders, zip lining and all activities that will place you more than a foot above the ground.  In fact, I have even relocated a room at the Luxor in Las Vegas.  I remember the day like it was yesterday.  I slid my key card into the lock, opened the door and stood frozen.  I found myself staring at a floor to ceiling window that overlooked the Nevada desert.  To make matters worse, birds were flying by.  I turned around, made my way back to registration and changed my room from the 25^th floor down to ground level.    

When Lyn and I first began discussing the possibility of a flight for Mike, I really had no idea of the type or size of Lyn’s airplane.  When I saw the plane for the first time two things immediately struck me.  First was the vivid eye-poping yellow color and second, how extremely small the airplane was.  For someone who flies only commercial aircraft, it looked like a toy.

J-3 Piper Cub

First task was simply getting into the seat.  Lyn graciously demonstrated the proper technique.   

Now it was time for Mike to try.  When your 78 you discover that body parts aren’t as easy to manipulate as when you were younger, but he assumed the forward seat fairly quickly.  The plane only has two seats, one in front of the other, and the seating area is quite tight.

Mike thinking about getting in

Next Lyn adjusted Mike's radio headset and tested the unit for proper communication.  Thumbs up!  All was working. 

Headset working - check!

Now to start the engine. I was under the assumption that you just turned a key, or something similar, and the engine and propeller would just automatically start.  Isn't that how they do it on Alaska Airlines?  Wrong!  Lyn actually had to give the propeller a few quick jerks before the engine engaged.  Reminded me of someone trying to start their pull string lawnmower. I loved it!

Now it was time for Lyn to assume the pilot position.  He quickly manipulated himself behind Mike and donned his headset.  They were now ready to taxi to the runway.

I moved my vehicle to a designated area closer to the runway to afford a better view for the takeoff and landing.   Lyn indicated that they would be maintaining a speed of about 70mph with a low altitude and would be returning within 30-45 minutes.

When Lyn turned the aircraft into position for takeoff I had a sudden thought.  I needed to document the flight.  I turned around and reached into the car for my cellphone.   By the time I unlocked the phone, opened the camera app and tried to focus on the plane they were already airborne.  

The landing happened just as quickly as the takeoff.   As Lyn motored by my car on his way back to his hangar, he spun the aircraft in a 360 degree circle.  I assumed this was probably some type of aeronautical “wave” to me.  

As Mike and I drove back to Grants Pass he mentioned several times how much he enjoyed the flight.  He wanted me to be sure and relay a message to Lyn.  “Anytime you are looking for someone to go flying with – I’m your man.”  It proved to be a wonderful and unusual birthday gift. Thank you again Lyn.