So after six weeks of classroom instruction, countless computer labs, and a test every single week the big day has finally come. It is now time to go flying. After briefing what the objectives were going to be I suited up for my first ride in the T-6 Texan II.

We did a quick look at the forms and a walk around to make sure everything was good to go then strapped in to the airplane. The ejection seat takes a little longer because you attach your legs, lap, seat kit, shoulders, oxygen, emergency oxygen, com chord, and G-suit.


Once the engine was started there were a few more checks then taxied out to the runway.

I had a great Instructor Pilot (IP) and he let me do quite a bit of flying. The take off roll is something else when you feel over 1,000 horsepower shooting you down the runway to almost 100mph. Once we were out in the practice area my IP showed me different maneuvers then let me try them. We did a few turns and I got to see what a 4G turn feels like. The airplane handles great and is very responsive. Once we finished in the area we headed for home and I was able to land on my second attempt. I can see I have a long ways to go but it should be a lot of fun.