Chapter 12 - Page 170 - Tunnel Vision

   Jim and Rhasha got into the jeep and Rhasha slowly drove to the airstrip for her first flying lesson. At the hangar, after they’d pulled the plane out, Jim showed Rhasha how to do a walk-around inspection. He pointed to the cables that operated the wing flaps and told her to always check for frayed or broken wires. He told her to check the fabric covering the plane for tears, and to always check the propellers for any signs of damage, because dirt and rocks got whipped up into the propellers, causing them to become pitted and worn. “When the propellers start looking ragged, they need to be replaced,” he told her.

   Everything looked good. They climbed aboard and Jim started the engines, then did a thorough inspection of the gauges and maneuvering controls. Satisfied, he taxied over to the fuel pump and filled the tank with fuel.

   “Rhasha,” Jim said when he’d clambered back into the plane and they’d both put their seat belts on, “no matter what you do, always know how much fuel you have.” He pointed to a gauge on the dash. “You’ll never find a gas station in the sky. Never fly when you’re low on fuel.”

   He started the engines and taxied onto the runway. The propellers stirred up dust all around the plane.

   “For the next month, I’m going to do all the taking off and landing,” Jim shouted over the roar of the engines. “I want you to get the feel of steering the plane.”

   “OK,” Rhasha replied, “but I just have one thing to do before we take off.” She leaned over and kissed him on the lips. She held up her pinkie finger. Jim locked his pinkie finger around hers.

   He knew Rhasha was nervous. “Angel,” Jim said to reassure her, “I think you’re going to be my favorite student.” Rhasha returned his smile. He released her pinkie finger.

   “Do all your students kiss you?”

   “So far they do, sweetheart,” Jim replied loudly. The engine noise was deafening. “You’re my first student.”

   The plane shot down the runway and quickly became airborne. Rhasha felt queasy as they flew over the village. Jim ascended to fifteen hundred feet and leveled off. He let Rhasha have the controls and told her to simply fly straight.