A “Daily” at 5,000 feet

Mar 14, 2008 Author: Veronica | Filed under: mahalodaily, video, work

I referenced that I flew a plane a few weeks ago, and here’s the final product: “How to Get Your Private Pilot’s Certificate.” I was absolutely terrified to do this shoot, because I do have a history of having a fear of heights (which I guess is better now, considering I did this and go rock climbing with some regularity). Flying a plane is something I’d never even thought to try, but now I would love to do it again sometime. We flew the Cessna over Santa Monica and Venice, and it was absolutely beautiful. I did have a moment of “Oh crap” when he wanted me to start some major turns, but we got through them eventually!

See? Now if I’m ever on your flight and the pilot goes unconscious, I can probably rescue everyone! Uhh… maybe not.

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18 Responses for "A “Daily” at 5,000 feet"

Christian March 14th, 2008 at 9:37 am 1

Cool, that reminds me when i was child and i was alowed to sale a ferry ship very cool but i had to climb the front of it in order to go to the cabin, the fact is that i have fear of heights to hmm i aslo remember when i refuse to walk on the staircase at moro rock on sequoia :S.

PS. You should do a show about how to lose fear of heights.
Evan March 14th, 2008 at 10:28 am 2

Great Daily! I’ve always had a desire to get my pilot’s license, but, as your show mentions, the cost is generally prohibitive to make it a casual hobby. I did have the pleasure of taking an introductory flight out of Stockton (KSCK) in a Piper Tomahawk about a year and a half ago (as birthday present from my wife) and it was a blast. I’d highly recommend it to anyone.

Additionally, VATSIM, an online network of pilots, ATC and the network to support it is available for many flight simulation programs, including Microsoft Flight Simulator. For more information, you can read my post about how I use it here: http://www.dotevan.com/2008/02/08/flight-simulation/ or check out VATSIM directly: http://www.vatsim.net

Cheers!
googleman81 March 14th, 2008 at 12:23 pm 3

that looks like a lot of fun and expensive if practiced continuously. but see, if i am ever on a flight and the pilot goes unconscious i just jump out of the plane
peter March 14th, 2008 at 2:12 pm 4

that was a something that was missing from the intraweb thx-v
GRiZZ March 14th, 2008 at 2:43 pm 5

SWEET AVIATORS! )
Starman March 14th, 2008 at 9:40 pm 6

You know, I gotta say that it was one of the coolest MD videos you’ve done so far. Good job, Mav

(or were you Goose? Or Ghost Rider?)
eric f. March 15th, 2008 at 5:54 am 7

Are you starting to think that you have the coolest job ever?

I am surprised how cheap it it, actually. $100/hour is not bad to fly.
Gil March 15th, 2008 at 11:26 am 8

Hi V,

Awesome, glad you liked it. I picked up my license about 3 years ago, but have sadly not been flying since the baby was born 5 months ago. I miss it terribly and your video made me want to get back in a plane!

g
Dave Peterson March 15th, 2008 at 11:52 am 9

Very cool one. As a kid, I went along on some lessons and a cross country with my dad when he was going for his license. I may just need to do this. Thanks for pushing the idea to the front of my mind again.
Rick C March 15th, 2008 at 1:29 pm 10

You know you should get Jason to pay for your license. Then you and your crew could do Mahalo all over the USA and avoid SFO and the TSA at the same time.
gojeffrey March 15th, 2008 at 10:41 pm 11

I can has Veronica on my next flight? Plzzz?
miss_lain March 16th, 2008 at 4:33 am 12

Girl, you took that plane right into the danger zone. Awesome job.
Dwayne March 16th, 2008 at 7:36 pm 13

As with several of the above posters, I’d love to pursue flying as a hobby. However, cost is a major factor for many, including myself.

Years ago, I had the opportunity to fly with a friend who had just received his pilot’s license and he let me fly his 152 for a good 20 minutes (ascents/descents, turns, getting into the pattern and setting it up for final). That was probably the best experience in a plane for me, ever!

Keep up the great work at Mahalo and being from Hawaii, “Aloha”.
Manoa March 16th, 2008 at 10:21 pm 14

Cool–years ago I solo’d gliders and have a little powered flight experience. You made it seem easy– I think you are a natural.

Microsoft flight simulator is a great teaching tool by the way.

Next time aerobatics!
Davor March 17th, 2008 at 10:02 am 15

‘Cause she’s so high
High above me, she’s so lovely….
Jack Hodgson March 17th, 2008 at 6:47 pm 16

Loved the learning to fly episode. It’s always good when aviation gets some positive coverage.

I would differ with your guy’s estimate of $12K to learn to fly. Maybe in the heart of LA. But there are lots of more economical alternatives. One of the links on your show page even quoted a more realistic $5-$9K.

You should take a couple more lessons. It will help with your flying fear. And you might discover you love it.

WARNING BLATANT PLUG AHEAD: Check out my podcast, “Uncontrolled Airspace” for a weekly taste of the joys of flying.

Keep up the great work with MD.
Chris March 18th, 2008 at 11:56 pm 17

“hello Guvner”… are you having a laugh.
That was almost as bad as Dick Van Dyke.
I was enjoying the video right up until that point

Great video, but you still won’t get me up in one of those tiny planes. I’ve jumped out of a few large ones in a previous career and I have a major fear of flying (lack of being in control ??). Don’t know if getting a licence would cure that, but I still don’t like the idea of getting in something with just one engine.
Viniine Boombots March 19th, 2008 at 1:46 pm 18

I found out about Mahalo through TWIT. The flying video was great. Brought back a lot of memories. I’m glad you used the correct terminology; Pilot’s Certificate. Most people will say license. The other half is the Medical Certification, without this piece of paper the pilot’s cert is worthless. I flew Cessna’s during the 70’s. Two things prevented me from continuing… new baby son, my wife, and the 70’s gas shortage… okay so that’s three. Only the first two were important anyway.