So, some exciting news:
Ryan got his private pilot license!
Yay! Ryan has been working so hard on this for years. He plans to transition out of boots-on-the-ground firefighting — he’s working on an engine crew now, and spent his last six seasons working on Hotshot and rappel crews — and into single-engine aerial suppression. So, this is a big first step for him!
It’s also been really, really challenging for him. The best time to fly a fixed-wing single-engine plane around northern Arizona is the spring and summer… which also happens to be when ALL the wildfires break out.
Ryan spent last fire season out fighting fires for 14 days straight — 16 hour days — and then spent his three days between fire assignments flight planning, logging hours and studying for his check ride. He’s put so many hours into this. He finally completed all his requirements last month, and now, he’s fully licensed!
So, congrats to Ryan on obtaining his private pilot license!
…And congrats to me obtaining a private pilot!
Ryan and I finally had time Tuesday evening to head out on a flight together.
When Ryan flies, he rents a plane from Wiseman Aviation, based out of Flagstaff Pulliam Airport. He booked us a little Cessna Skyhawk for several hours, and after he did some pre-flight planning at the airport, we were up in the air at about 5 p.m.
We’d originally planned on flying over Sedona, but there was a Temporary Flight Restriction in effect over the Secret Mountain Wilderness due to the Miller Fire.
So, we flew from Flagstaff to Winslow to Payson and back to Flagstaff, and took off from and landed at all three airports so Ryan could practice.
We flew over Lake Mary, Meteor Crater, C.C. Cragin Reservoir and the Mogollon Rim, among other various northern Arizona landmarks.
We spotted a few wildfires while we were up in the air, which was surreal to see, and we got back to Flagstaff just in time to watch the sun set over the San Francisco Peaks.
Truly incredible.
What an incredible 2.5 hours! Northern Arizona is gorgeous enough just hiking thorough the red rocks and pines, but to see it all from above? Breathtaking.
So, what’s next for Pilot Johnson? Ryan’s going to continue seeking certifications and qualifications so he can start operating single-engine aircraft for work. He’s got a long way to go on that journey, so wish him luck!
In the mean time, I’m going to keep bumming flights from him and helping him save up to buy an airplane of his own. I started him a savings account last year for his 30th birthday, and I think it’s safe to say that after yesterday’s flight, I’m going to start throwing even more money at it now.
Congrats again, Ryan!
