Patrick Gunderson’s First Flight

   I spent the last half of the summer helping restore antique aircraft at the Air Acres Museum in Woodstock, GA. I worked for Mr. Randall Porter along with mechanics Scott, Monty, Don, and Rex. Mr. Porter is an exceptional person who treats me like a man, and his wife Liz is a trustworthy and nice lady. My first flight was unbelievable. It was one of the greatest times of my life. It was a beautiful day at 9:30 am with the sky as blue as the ocean's deepest part. We had to go early because the weatherman said it was going to be a hot day. Our friend Gary from the shop next door took me up in a Taylorcraft L-2. He works for Bill Johnson and the airplane belongs to one of the members of Warbird Chapter 17. Gary is one of the best pilots around and that 45 minutes in the air changed my life. My goal as a 16 year old is to become a pilot like Scott, Monty, Don, Rex, Gary, and Mr. Porter. Being a pilot can show you the right road to life. I look forward to working with these people next summer.