Several weeks ago, I got to fly around in a small plane. This was a fun experience. Something I had never anticipated doing…let alone in Korea. I was tipped on to the website through the magical facebook. They were advertising a special price and I jumped on it. In the end, I’m glad I did.
To be fair, it was a challenge to get down to the small airstrip. It was located near Daejeon – which is a smaller city located about 2 and a half hours south of Seoul. But near is an exaggeration. Truly, it was in the country – as we had to first board a bus and then a taxi over bumpy dirt roads. Certainly the first time in Korea I’d been removed almost completely from the urban world. Once arrived though, we relaxed and geared up to fly.
To be fair, it was a challenge to get down to the small airstrip. It was located near Daejeon – which is a smaller city located about 2 and a half hours south of Seoul. But near is an exaggeration. Truly, it was in the country – as we had to first board a bus and then a taxi over bumpy dirt roads. Certainly the first time in Korea I’d been removed almost completely from the urban world. Once arrived though, we relaxed and geared up to fly.
I’m not sure of the exact specs of the aircraft – but it wasn’t huge! Matthew Walker, the flight instructor, labeled it as a sports-plane. Regardless, it was large enough to have two people fit snugly inside, but not much else. It was almost like being in a go-cart – with wings. Everything felt quite real and visceral – the hum of the engine, the smell of the gasoline and the real-time movements of the plane.
Once in the air, things were effortless! I couldn’t believe how easily the plane moved through the sky! Matthew actually allowed me to steer for a bit and I was surprised at how sensitive and intuitive the controls really were! It really didn’t take much to send the plane screaming into a nosedive or start to barrel-roll. I think the most impressive thing was the dive factor. Within seconds, it was possible to dive almost 100 feet! That was a massive rush.
The countryside was beautiful – thankfully sunny. I can understand how flying is addictive. There is peacefulness up in the air – and a control you could never have down on the ground. That said, I don’t think I’m ready to throw up the 100 grand it costs to buy these beauties. Near the end of the flight, I was starting to feel a tad queasy and was pleased see the approaching runway. I’m not sure if it was the flying – or just the fact that I was already quite sick.
In reality, I woke up that day feeling absolutely terrible. But I was determined to follow through with the plan – and I’m glad I did. I’m sure I would have regretted it if I had stayed in bed. Following this day though, I’ve been unwell on and off up until this current date. I’m assuming it’s a combination of cold and allergies. However, I’m determined not to let it slow me down as this is near the end of my time in Korea – and there’s so much I want to do!
Until then,
-Paul
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