“I want her to see what an incredible instructor you are,” she corrected. “And that means showing her the complete picture. How you build skills, how you correct, how you reinforce. All of it.”
“You sure?”
“Completely. Besides,” she smiled, “the extra reinforcementnever hurts. I’m still learning.”
“You’re way beyond basics now, darlin’.”
“Then show her that progression. Show her what you’ve done with a beginner. She needs to see the full picture.”
I wrapped my arm around her shoulder and kissed her temple. “Thank you. For understanding what this means.”
“Partners,” she leaned closer.
Elena pulled up in her rented sedan and Alex stepped back.
“Showtime.”
Elena emerged with a small bag. “Good morning. Thank you for letting me observe.”
“Morning, ma’am.” I nodded toward the hangar. “We’re flying a J-3 today… my Piper Cub.”
Elena ran her hand along the wing strut as Alex gave us space. “She’s beautiful.”
“My grandfather taught me to fly in her.” Some of my tension eased just being near the plane.
“Walk me through your routine,” Elena turned to me.
We moved through the preflight—Alex calling items while I checked surfaces, inspected the engine, verified fuel.
“What are you and Alex working on today?” Elena asked when we’d finished.
“Refining her turns. Smooth entries, steady altitude throughout, clean coordination.” I met Elena’s eyes. “Alex has the fundamentals solid. Today’s about polish.”
“And if something goes wrong?”
“I have full controls from the back seat. Her safety is always the priority.”
Elena nodded, made a note.
I helped Alex settle into the front seat, checked her harness automatically and then kissed her for luck. Her eyes were bright with anticipation.
“Remember your scan,” I leaned over her shoulder. “Instruments, then outside. Stay ahead of the airplane.”
“Got it. Ready when you are.”
I climbed into the instructor’s seat, settled into that familiar position where I could see everything, feel her inputs through the dual controls, intervene instantly if needed.
Elena positioned herself just outside the hangar, headset on. I ran a quick radio check—making sure everyone could hear everyone.
“Standard lesson plan,” I told Alex, running through emergency procedures, what we’d do if anything felt wrong. She listened carefully, asked two smart questions.
My chest filled with pride. Just over four weeks had turned her into a genuine student—engaged, thoughtful, confident enough to ask for clarification.
“Any additional questions?” I finished.
“Nope. Let’s fly.”
I walked her through the engine start. The Continental caught with its familiar rumble, and we let it warm while running through the basics. Controls moved freely. Everything responded the way it should.
