A proud passenger

I’m happy to report that my daughter Brenna passed her private pilot check ride.

And, as luck would have it, my wife Deb and I drove to Newberg, Oregon, where Brenna lives, on Aug. 15, 2024, to drop our son at college for his freshman year.

On Aug. 16, Brenna took us for a quick flight before Deb and I drove home.

The plan was to take off from McMinnville Municipal Airport (KMMV) and fly north toward Newberg to fly over the George Fox University campus.

We did exactly that.

I was in the right seat and Deb in the back.

It was an absolute joy to watch Brenna as pilot in command. From preflight to shutdown — and everything in between — she was in command.

We looked out the window, looked for traffic, snapped a few photos. All the while Brenna smoothly went through all checklists, radio calls, navigation, and aircraft management.

A Break Down

I asked Brenna to break down her training for me.

She took a discovery flight with Jake Trimble, who turned out to be her CFI, on Feb. 16, 2024.

Her first lesson was June 17. She soloed on July 9, performed her first solo cross-country flight on July 26, and successfully completed her check ride on Aug. 7.

Brenna had 53.8 hours in her logbook when she met the examiner for her check ride.

From first lesson to check ride was 52 days. She flew 31 of those days.

And because I imagine you’re curious, we spent a little over $12,000 from the start to check ride.

Whenever I’ve had an opportunity to speak with someone about learning to fly, I always suggest something very close to Brenna’s process.

A lot can be accomplished in a short period of time if one focuses their time and energy.

Suffice it to say, I’m a proud Dad and a proud passenger.

Way to go Brenna.