Back in the Late 80’s, my journey to becoming an Aviator began.

Located a small flight school in Northern California, in a small town called, Lakeport, CA.

Lampson Field is where my Journey to becoming a Pilot Began.

This was the airfield that would be my home for 7 months.  The house I lived in was literally located right on the field.  The Flight School was my neighbor.  Lake County Aviation.  A Small Flight School and flight club.

This is located North of San Franscisco, CA.   One of my flight instructors flew from this field to SFO to pick me up in a Cessna 182.  

She is a pretty little bird.   My day began by taking a seaplane from my hometown to the major local airport to fly out on Western Airlines from Ketchikan to Seattle and then onto SFO.

Upon arrival, Par’ my first flight instructor was standing at baggage claim with a sign with my name on it.  Introduced myself to discover that he had flown down to pick me up and bring me to the flight school.   My heart was pounding with excitement!  It is beginning.  It was all becoming real to me now.  So we loaded my bags onto the Cessna 182 and we began our flight from SFO to 1O2.  Being in a smaller aircraft at a super busy airport like SFO was a GREAT Way to start my Aviation Adventure.  SFO is a big airport.

It is a very busy airport.  Constant radio work, multiple arrivals and departures, all happening at a very rapid pace.  Yes, this is the life!  Was excited to learn all about becoming a pilot.

This is an experience that will forever be in my heart.

The Ellis Airlines Grumman Goose.  This is the aircraft that helped to fan the flames for my love of Aviation.  I was always so fascinated by this aircraft.

I was on the beach with my grandfather when they drove the plane out of the water onto the beach, down by the ball field in my little home town of Metlakatla, Alaska.  I was so amazed.  It was, and is such a noisy plane.  I loved it.  My grandfather said, watch this.  Cover your ears!

The photo on the left is an Ellis Airline Grumman Goose at our Airport.  The Annette Island Airport.  People used to take off from the airport and land on the water way in Ketchikan Alaska.  About a 12-15 minute flight.

This is where my love of Aviation began.  Unable to get away from this idea that my love for this industry began with a Seaplane.  My heart and imagination would soar with anticipation that one day!  One Day my life will be in the Skies.

#grummangoose #aviation #seaplanes #annetteisland #metlakatla