Finally, now that the weather has cleared and I have a path into a plane, I was able to get myself in the air. The weather was gorgeous, the air was super smooth, and the backdrop of the sunset was absolutely incredible.
My instructor got me up practicing slow flight and steep turns today, as well as three goes at the pattern. A few tricks with the trim showed me how easy it can be to hold a steady steep turn, I sure am thankful for that tab. Takeoffs and landings keep me very busy, especially when he gave me a shot at a short final on my last pattern. There’s certainly things I need to practice on takeoffs and landings, and things I need need to study more such as my V-speeds. Overall I’m very pleased with what I got accomplished in a short amount of time!
Thanks for following, next flight up is soon!
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Nathan Nothelle
"I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.” – Thomas Jefferson
My name is Nathan Nothelle and I’m a 17 year old senior from Imlay City Michigan. My passion in music goes way back to the four stringed guitar I found in my barn when I was five, and has only escalated since I learned to play when I was 10. My real musical career began in 2010 when I picked up a trumpet for our beginning elementary band. I played trumpet all the way through middle school and learned the real meaning between passion and determination.
Going into high school, I auditioned for our top band and began my real study. I was placed lead and section leader in my marching band and concert band my sophomore year. Since then I’ve taken great pride in tutoring students of all ages in all of the brass instruments I’ve learned including trumpet, horn, euphonium, trombone, and tuba. Some of my favorite experiences over the past four years have been playing in 14 various college honors bands, playing for my high schools concert band and wind ensemble, playing for many jazz ensembles, community bands, and so many more that I could go on forever. This year I’ve completed 51 performances so far!
My passion in aviation dates back to when I took a flight down to florida when I was 9 and I was stunned by the absolute beauty of being up in the sky. Since that moment, all I ever want to do (besides play horn) is be in the air. My goal in aviation is to fly search and rescue missions with the United States Coast Guard. To reach my career goals, I am currently working on receiving my private pilot license from Flight 101 at KPTK to gain knowledge and accelerate my career. Before I apply to become an officer, I plan to complete a bachelor's degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology from Western Michigan University. While attending school, I’ll devote as much time as I have available to the USCG Aux Air as I’ve recently joined as an observer. Currently, my line of work before I ship off to school includes my day job as a custom fabricator for a local diesel and body shop, my night job as an equipment maintainer for a farm, and my many students that I continue to try and inspire with music as it's inspired me.
Happy flying!
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Congratulations! Sunsets and sunrises are amazing from the air. Best of luck to you!
Nothing like post storm smooth air. Flight training is a great patience-builder. Thank you for the post and let’s see more.
You’re bringing back memories of when I was learning, it seems like so much at first. I’m glad to see you’re enjoying it!
Congratulations Nathan. And, so it begins. A new life love. There’s no going back now. Once you’ve been bitten by the aviation bug, you’re hooked for life.
Blue skies and tailwinds,
Gary