"So, I bought a Zenith 701, but lets start with saying I have a LONG way to go. The good news is, I will have more than enough time to get my license as we work to get it airborne.
I entered the world of aviation only a year ago with NO knowledge, let alone knowing anything about the world of experimental aviation, but before I knew it I was surrounded in every aspect of life. I love it and want to drown myself in it. The more I could know, the more I had to ask, the more knowledge that I have acquired from some of the most intelligent people I know. I have become absolutely fascinated by everything (the engines are pretty cool too).
I had assumed one day I would get my license, and I have been asked more times than I can count when that was going to happen. I wanted to make sure it was something I really wanted to do instead of letting other people make that decision for me. More importantly, I wanted to feel comfortable knowing about all the inner workings of the aircraft and the engine. I still have SO much more to learn, but it's a start!
The biggest turning point for me was after my first long distance flight from Edgewater, Florida to Mexico, Missouri to attend the Zenith Open Hangar Days. Only cruising at 100 mph makes for a long flight. The view was unbeatable and beyond breathtaking because this small town Florida girl has barely seen hills from the ground, let alone from the sky. The view and the beauty of the world from above is one memory that only the experience of flying can provide and make you realize how small you really are. These are all memories I long to repeat.
Maybe Jan will let me take the lead one day!
I guess the biggest thing I can relay here is try and remember when you fell in love with flying for the first time and if you have lost that spark, let it come alive again because every second you have in the sky is so worth it.
Oh, and in case you were wondering, I'm putting that sexy little three cylinder 90 HP engine on the front!
So, as the journey progresses I will update with pictures and much more along the way. When I feel like I can't possibly do one more rivet or read one more paragraph, send your Viking Girl some love and words of encouragement, I promise I will need it!"
-Alissa
"Once you have tasted flight you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward for there you have been, and there you will always long to return" - Leonardo da Vinci
