08 August 1970 – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan: The Start: First flight!

Piper Cherokee PA-28-140, CF-YTZ, Ray’s Flying Service – Vern Forbes, instructor: 35 minutes!

My career in aviation officially begins at age 15 years, 3 months, 8 days with my first flying lesson; thanks Dad

The book by Arthur Hailey got me interested but seeing the movie at the old Capitol Theatre in Saskatoon, SK with my Mom and Dad sealed the deal; both were of course titled “Airport”; I’ve never been the “same” since As anyone will tell you that has been bitten, once the aviation “bug” bites, that’s it; you’re done; oh, you may try to leave; I have on a few occasions, but you always come back; I think it has a lot to do with the smells; avgas, jet fuel, PRC, interiors (they smell different than cars); then there is the flying itself; for those of you who have done so all by your lonesome, you know exactly what I am talking about.