I passed! It took 6 hours of flying this adorable Cub on Lake Washington and a check ride.

Yes, I was nervous during my check ride — and the fact that my examiner was my original flight instructor’s daughter, whom I had specifically asked to give me my test, only added to my nerves. He showed up after I finished specifically to congratulate me on my new rating! What a treat to see him again after a couple of years, and how meaningful that she was willing to do this for me.

Michelle (my examiner) and David (my PPL instructor and her Dad) at the dock at Kenmore Air.

I’m feeling pretty pumped. It would have been easy to just let it go — I honestly thought about calling the whole thing off before it began — I am so thrilled I did it!