The Stepping Stone

By Clea Lauderdale

Living in my second-story apartment, I’m treated to a unique symphony of sounds as planes pass overhead, making the turn from crosswind to downwind when the winds favor runway 18 at Cleveland Municipal Airport. While many people might consider this constant noise pollution, I prefer to keep my window open. I listen to the hum of aircraft engines and occasionally watch my colleagues fly in the traffic pattern below. To me, it’s a source of motivation – a reminder to work harder, fly more frequently, and strive for excellence in my own flying endeavors. I hope that one day, I’ll be at the controls of much larger aircraft than the Cessnas buzzing over my building.

I always have an insatiable craving for my next flight, as it’s where I feel the utmost freedom. I can’t help but wonder if the pilot overhead is savoring their time in the sky as I would if I were in their place. Are they making every minute count as the Hobbs meter ticks away? Sometimes, as they pull back the power to level off at pattern altitude, I wonder if they look down and see the pool outside my window, where my desk is positioned. Because every time I fly over, I sneak a peek with a smile. I even find amusement in the sounds of twin engines’ unsynchronized propellers, though I’m a perfectionist who couldn’t tolerate a difference of more than thirty revolutions per minute. Yet some days, I am that unsynchronized propeller.

Flying, like any skill, demands hard work, and every day in the air can be unique. External factors like aircraft maintenance, weather, and financial constraints add to the challenge. However, when an opportunity arises, I’m quick to seize it. Waking up at the crack of dawn to prepare for a flight may not be ideal, but when aircraft availability is limited, I make the most of it. I’ll gladly trade a late-night for an early morning if it means self-improvement. While most people might overlook the chance to fly at such early hours, I find beauty in watching the sunrise on the horizon as I preflight my assigned aircraft. The smooth air on the downwind leg and the view from above make it all worthwhile. Weekends may seem like a time for relaxation, but a Saturday spent in the air compensates for a week of mundane routine. I’d rather owe money to Sally Mae than have a job that confines me to a desk with a window view. I much prefer the skies above. The long hours I’ve spent at my desk studying have paved the way for those moments when I can look down and savor the view from above.

Over the past four years, I’ve come a long way. I’ve progressed from not knowing what an aileron does to being able to explain its function, various types, and how it works, all within three years. I accomplished this while working on my Bachelor’s in Commercial Aviation and spending my final year instructing at Delta State University. Despite facing numerous challenges, including pandemics, late nights, and a rollercoaster of emotions, I’ve accumulated the required flight hours for my Restricted Airline Transport License. I’m grateful for the unwavering support from everyone who has aided me on this journey and for my amazing students who continuously inspire me. I hope each of them discovers the beauty in what we do.

While my aging apartment might not be my permanent abode, it serves as a significant stepping stone toward my lifelong dream. In the upcoming months, I’ll be embarking on a future I’ve always dreamt of. My next move will take me to a regional airline, marking the next step in my career as I strive to reach the legacy airlines. Wherever my path leads, I believe that my desk by the window in my next apartment will continue to fuel my motivation.