I got my private pilot’s certificate in 1995. I always wanted to fly and approached the process as challenging and adventurous. I learned on a grass strip west of Gainesville, FL, in small single-engine Cessna 150 and 152 aircraft. I progressed to larger planes, complex aircraft (landing gear, prop pitch), and the Gainesville airport. I moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, learned to fly in the mountains, and got my instrument rating. My instructor was an amazing person, Bob Allan. We flew in all weather and had a blast! He taught me not just about flying a plane but about life too. I miss Bob.
I first went to Leadville, Colorado, by flying there, the highest airport in North America.
I found some old photos. I have more, but they are slides, and I’m too lazy to digitize them.