Everyone has a list of events in their lives that fight for the rank “Coolest” ever; today is definitely a contender (after the birth of Tarleton, getting married, college graduation, etc).
I have always, ALWAYS wanted to fly in a bi-plane. You know, open air, old school, double wings – the type you see flying around when you’re at the beach and think,”Man, that would be so cool to get a chance to fly in one!”
(I’m almost so excited, still!, that I can hardly type coherently. I just want to squeal some more!)
A while back my awesome, super, wonderful, amazing aviator husband had to do an air show at a municipal air field in San Diego. No big deal. While there he met a gentleman who owns a plane and lives in a hangar at the air field. Yes, you read that right. At this airport people can LIVE in their hangers; and I’ve seen a few of these places, they are amazing homes! Anyhoo, in Dave’s friendly way, he made friends with this man who introduced him to some other people, one of whom owns a Stearman (bi-plane). Around Dave’s birthday he happened to be visiting his friend and while having lunch discovered that as a “gift” he was going to get a ride in the Stearman. Knowing I would be beyond green with envy he immediately started trying to figure out when I could get a ride.
Few months later here we are, and here I am writing this still giddy with excitement!
It.Was.SO.COOL!!
Yes, I flew it for a little bit. Yes, we did loops and a maneuver called the hammer-head. I FLEW ONE OF THE LOOPS. And I squealed and laughed and yelled the whole time. 😉
It was an awesome reminder to be so appreciative of the life we have and live it to the fullest. Fear will always be a part of your life, but it will only hold you back as much as you let it.
Team Thiessen 
Ah yes! It appears that the passion for vintage tail-wheel airplanes has been sufficiently injected straight into your veins….everything worked according to the plan!
Dave Derby enjoys sharing his magic carpet ride with good people. He is a fine pilot and the Instructor that taught my own son as well as myself to fly tail-wheel flyin moshenes.
Learning to fly was also a highlight in my otherwise mundane life. Good on you Jess!
Well flown!
G.