Back again!

[the_Drake]

Hello all!

I posted awhile back about my impending trip to PIT. Well, after reading around here, and talking with my well-traveled family, I thought I was good to go. Hmmmm....

My flight leaves in a few hours (6AM) from/to ELP-DFW-PIT. I have been trying to ignore weather, although I have been checking it religiously. Luckily, NO SNOW!! Yay! But, onto other things. I am just writing to let people know I am going through with this, because it would be really chicken not to. I don't blame people who turn around at the gate, and I know tomorrow on that flight I will be crazy, but I'll get through it. Here's to those making the trek soon...suck it up! Read the forums here, they really do help! And don't worry about the weather :angel:

I'll write from the other side in a few days to let you know how it goes!!

Thanks!!!!

the_Drake

[the_Drake]

Hey again!

I made it!!! My first flight in 3 years, and boy was I NERVOUS! So, let me take you through the steps, if you are interested.

While getting on the plane after no sleep (still only about 3 hrs the past 36!) I was very VERY nervous. The FA on my flight seemed to notice, however she did not bring up the subject. Rather, she came by and made small talk about my son and comparing him to her 4 year old. I can't believe how calm and collected she was. Well, before the flight, the plane was rocking, enough to make me a little sick (no vomit, though:lol: ). I think this was the 30 mph winds rocking the plane. Continuing, as we took off, I found it very easy to focus on my son (4 yo) and how he could not take his eyes off the window!! He was so facinated, and that gave me courage. To him, it was the greatest ride of his life!

During the initial ascent, we past through a minor rain storm, and the plane was just up and down over and over. After we broke through, it was clear sailing. The ground - or clouds - below were magnificent. Looked like we were flying over Antartica; white as far as the eye could see. Very little turb, except during the decent into DFW.

We lifted off from there 2 hrs later on a much smaller and quieter plane, with some turb through the clouds, but for 2 hours had nothing but a few bumps in the road. Over the past few weeks, I would tell myself while traveling on a freeway at 60 mph the occasional bumbs and ups/downs would be like what I would experience. That gave me some relief. I finally slept for about 30 mins during that flight...very restful. I just can't believe how UNEVENTFUL this flight was. I think it came at a great time, when I was a bit scared, and now I know I can take the return flight very well.

Thanks!!

the_Drake

[Passenger Mark]

Wow!!!

Where did this come from???

Sorry I missed your first post, but you obviously did great! :thumbsup: And you even slept during the flight, that is great.

First flight in 3 years... how does it feel? Do you feel like you conquered the world? Thanks for coming back and telling us how it went, and glad it went well!

Have a great New Year... with your new start!

[Insert Clever Name Here]

GREAT job man!

Glad to hear you did so well - I'm with Mark, I didn't see the initial post go up or I would've responded. But thanks for the report and checking in, you did great!

[the_Drake]

I've looked for my original post. If I find it, I'll post a link. But hey, I feel a huge monkey is off my back. These two flights were practically flawless. I imagine every take-off or landing during even a slight weather disturbance will give a little jolt. But once at 37000 ft, there was nothing but smooth sailing. While waiting to take off from DFW, I noticed the huge line of aircraft leaving the same runway, and my first thought was wake turbulence. We could see the jet (737 i believe) take off in front of us and I was just hoping we had a good captain and great ATCs that would not just jump the gun (my biggest fear is pilot/proffesional error). But when we stood still for five minutes, I knew we were in good hands. I could feel some of the turb even afer that long, but that could have been due to weather. The main point is that I will enjoy my week and not be scared to board the trip home. I think that is the best feeling in the world!

EDIT: Here is a link to the post I started months ago that helped me deal with this. Thanks to all of you fearless flyers!!

http://www.takingflight.us/forums/showthread.php?t=6035

[Rebecca]

The main point is that I will enjoy my week and not be scared to board the trip home. I think that is the best feeling in the world!You've crossed a huge bridge there, sir!!! Congratulations ... and thanks for the in-depth reportage. Always helpful to the rest of us!
:hyped: