As someone who arrives at the airport well before my students, I learned everything about the rhythms of flight instruction through these quiet morning hours. Probably should have led with this: coffee, weather briefings, and hangar talk – this is how every teaching day begins.
Arrived at the airport at 6 AM, an hour before my first student. The FBO was quiet except for the coffee maker gurgling in the corner and the distant hum of a Citation on the ramp getting prepped for departure.
The Pre-Dawn Routine
Grabbed my usual black coffee and settled into the pilot lounge to review the day’s weather. Three students scheduled, all at different skill levels. First up: a pre-solo student who needs to nail his landings before I can sign him off. Then an instrument student working on approaches. Finishing with a commercial candidate practicing chandelles and lazy eights. That has gotten complicated with all the different syllabi to track, but the variety keeps things interesting.
The METAR looked promising – clear skies, light winds, visibility unlimited. A good teaching day ahead.
The Community
The regulars started filtering in around 6:30. Old Charlie, who has been flying out of this airport since the 1970s, shared stories about flying DC-3s in Alaska. A corporate pilot complained about his company’s new iPad policies. A student pilot nervously reviewed his oral exam notes in the corner.
This is the part of aviation that does not show up in the training manuals – the community, the shared passion, the passing of knowledge between generations of pilots. That is what makes airports like this special places. Everyone here loves airplanes, and that common thread connects us across age, background, and experience level.
Time to Work
My first student pulled into the parking lot right on time. Eager face, fresh logbook, dreams of an airline career. I remember being exactly where he is now.
Finished my coffee, grabbed my headset, and walked out to the flight line. Another day of making pilots.
