I’m looking out over Lake Wanaka through the window in a small air plane. To the left lays the beautiful mountains and to the right we can just see Lake Hawea. It’s a nice and clear day, we have a 360-degree view all the way to the horizon.
Also read: Wild rapids and lots of laughing on Buller River >>
On the way to takeoff.
It could have been just any flight, but it’s not. This is the flight when I get to fly the aircraft myself. Next to me is the pilot, Glenn from U-Fly, and in the back seat Leanne sits holding on to the seat in front of her. Her eyes tell me she’s as nervous as me.
When we get to the right altitude, Glenn tells me to take over. I grab the controls and in the corner of my eye I can see how Glenn let go. Now I’m the one flying. Now I’m in control.
A feeling I never felt before takes over my body. I’m feeling nauseous and get a funny feeling in by belly and my hands starts sweating. At the same time, it’s an incredible feeling to fly the plane. The slightest movement in my fingertips causes this big aircraft to do exactly what I want. It’s amazing, but I can’t fully enjoy. The nausea and the sweating in my hands continues. I have never before experienced something like this in my body.
Also see: VIDEO – Walking on Franz Josef glacier >>
I’m pushing myself to continue flying, but I can’t fight back anymore. I don’t think even 10 minutes passes before I ask Glenn to take over. I let go of the controls and can finally relax. I dry my sweaty hands on my jeans and trying to understand what just happened.
Something I could never imagine would happened just did. I reached the outmost edge of my comfort zone. Me, who is never afraid of anything or never have any problems trying new stuff.
My brain is wrestling with dual emotions and i’ts very confused. The whole flight was so amazing, but at the same time very unpleasant.
When we’re down on the ground again, my brain and my heart jumps up and down in pure joy. But all my stomach wants is to turn inside out several times.
See more: VIDEO: We saw wild dolphins on the west coast >>
Glenn gives me my certificate. This short flight counts as the first step towards a flying certificate. I can’t stop smiling even though my stomach wants something else.
This is the closest I’ve ever been to the edge of my comfort zone.
What I felt up there can only be one thing – I felt life itself.
I feel alive. This was ”living on the edge” – literally.
Our flight in Wanaka is a collaboration with U-fly. All blog posts written before and after this trip is my own opinions and I would never write something that I don’t stand for. All posts are written by me based on how I experienced it.
