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Flying is Fun?
Author Karly Short

I love to fly, but when I spotted our six seat plane sitting on an empty runway in the middle of Kenya, my excitement jack knifed into panic. There have been split opinions in the office from those lucky enough to fly in such a small plane. A lot have been thrilled by it and some have worried about it, but I didn’t expect it to affect me as it did.

Ducking beneath the wing and grabbing the hand of the pilot I hoisted myself into the seating compartment. I had to climb over two seats to get to mine in the back but as I settled in I was surprised by how roomy it actually felt. I was handed a set of headphones and told to sit back, relax and enjoy the flight. Easier said than done, I thought.

As we rushed towards the end of the runway I closed my eyes. I was sure we wouldn’t take off before hitting the bushes at the end, but all of a sudden the bumping of wheels on the dirt stopped and I felt my stomach dip in exaltation as we became airborne. Despite still feeling sick with fear I had to have a look and I wasn’t disappointed.

Surreally Kenny Rogers crooned in my ear as we climbed higher, interspersed with comments from the pilot pointing out one landmark after another, giraffes bounding clumsily along together, Mount Kenya to the right, lines of pink flamingos taking off from Lake Nakuru, kopjes in Meru, the plains of Masai Mara, savannahs and forests. I was surprised at how relaxing it was and if I hadn’t been so eager to see the sights I could have fallen asleep with the dull roar of the engines as an accompaniment to the country music.

The atmosphere in the plane was one of awe. We were heading for heaven! It really does sound like a cliché but catching glimpses of the African patchwork life below between the cotton wool of clouds is amazing. I had a strong urge to open the window and run my fingers through the silky white softness. We would dip in and out of clouds, above and below. We would be immersed in a cloud and see nothing but fluff all around and then suddenly it would disappear and we would be hit with the glaring sunlight, bouncing a reflection off the cloud. It was a magical experience.

All too soon the pilot told us that we would be descending for landing. The bump as we hit the ground was like reality returning and I tried to file all the sights, sounds and feelings into my memory for future story telling but it was too much to take in. I cannot possibly describe with adequate words what I experienced. All I can suggest is that it is something every person must try at one point in their life.

 

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