She was my first (and best) passenger!

Before I changed my major (several times), I was a math and aviation student. Part of this major was obtaining a private pilot license, which is how I met my wife. It had taken me six months of instruction to pass the FAA check ride and become a brand new pilot. I was at the same time feeling a little down since I had just broken up with my girlfriend, a girl whom I wanted to marry. When I met Penny at a party at the end of the fall semester, I wasn't particularly impressed with her, although I did notice her.

I was totally elated upon earning the license and wanted to take someone up in the plane. Penny and I had spoken at the party and I found out that she loved flying almost as much as I did. So, one day, finding my way into the college commons, I saw Penny sitting there studying for a test. I approached with caution after all she may not even like me or even want to go flying. I was surprised when she agreed to go with me!

This was Wednesday morning and we agreed that I would pick her up about one o'clock and take her to the airport. When I saw her, she was wearing the most beautiful red coat and she looked radiant in it. I held the door for her as she got into my parent's car and we drove to the airport. But, it was early February and an ice storm had coated the roads with the slippery stuff. Sure enough, I skidded and ended up in a farmer's field thinking I was stuck! But, by careful maneuvering of the car, we were able to continue on to the airport.

After completing the pre-flight inspection, I helped her into the cabin and I got in the pilot's seat. I started the engine and got permission to taxi to the runway. Somehow, I made the end of the runway without any problems whatsoever. I say this because there was a slight wind and the gusts were ten or twelve miles per hour. And, being on ice-covered tarmac like the road out to the airport could have been a real adventure!

Calling the tower, I was cleared to takeoff and I initially banked the plane in the direction of Penny's parent's home about ten miles away. I had flown over that particular area a number of times so I knew to look for the complex of townhouses.

I leveled the plane and set the cruise speed and we were soon upon the area where she lived. Penny wasn't too conversational at the time but that was okay since I was concentrating on just flying the plane and looking out for other aircraft, etc. But, once I saw the townhouses, I began a series of right hand turns allowing my date to see all sides of the housing project.

Soon, it was time to return and I took up a heading for the airport. Visibility was limited due to the cloud ceiling at about 1500 feet. This meant the air was a little bumpy but nothing that should cause any problems. However, Penny was very quiet now and so I just thought she was shy about being in a plane with someone she hardly knew.

We landed and I took her back to the college where she picked up her car and we went our separate ways. A few days later I saw her again and by this time, my mind was on other things. The airplane ride didn't come up again although we flew several more times that spring and summer.

Two and a half years later, we were married and moved into a small upstairs apartment. She was a good young wife and cooked and cleaned and helped me out by being very encouraging as I started a new job - my first since we married. One day I decided to ask her about that first plane ride. She paused for a moment before answering me. I knew that she had flown the airlines before I had met her and so I presumed that she had been a seasoned traveler. I was wrong. This girl in the stunning red coat had not been shy at all but rather, she was airsick and didn't care to tell me wanting to make a good first impression!

It must have worked because we have three children and our marriage is better than ever.