While some teens are learning to drive, Lucas Abed ’14 and Connor Hardy ’14 are balancing learning to fly and their passion for baseball. They are still considered amateurs but are in the process of obtaining their private pilot licenses. In order for that to happen, the state requires them to attain 40 hours of training with a qualified trainer.
“Everyone could take lessons,” said Abed. “But you gotta have the passion.”
Despite having different instructors, Abed and Hardy both use the Sikorsky Memorial Airport in Stratford, Conn. They also relate in navigating an aircraft of similar size of about 20 feet long and 25 feet wide wing range. Both planes are quite small as they can only accommodate a maximum of four people. In effect, it is common to expect turbulence at all times no matter what the weather is like. “It could be a smooth, calm day, but the plane will always be shaking,” said Abed.
Flying is very expensive but anyone can do it. Abed strongly encourages more people to do so. It costs about a $100 per hour plus gas and airport tax.
Hardy’s family owns a private plane, call letters “N677 GL.” Hardy describes flying as being his family’s “pastime.” He enjoys his plane because unlike a commercial plane, pilots have more freedom. The only issue is that there is more turbulence. “Sometimes you literally feel like you’re floating,” adds Hardy.
Hardy is instructed by his father who’s been flying since a young age. In fact, Hardy’s father is the owner of the store, Boat Locker that consists of all sorts of extreme sports equipment.
For that reason, it is understandable that Hardy and his father live their life to the “extreme.” Hardy and his family usually fly around Conn. for quick sojourns.
From time to time, they fly to Ocean City, N.J., to visit his grandparents. “It is very convenient because unlike driving through four hours of traffic, we can just fly there in an hour,” said Hardy. He is really looking forward to simply keep flying with his family and maintain it as his hobby
Throughout his childhood, Abed felt as if though he was destined for piloting. “I’ve always admired planes. When I was little, I remember laying in my yard searching for planes,” said Abed.
Abed started flying last summer when he asked his parents for flying lessons. His parents encouraged him to start the following month. After a long winter, he is very excited to start taking lessons again this summer. “I can’t wait!” exclaimed Abed.
Abed’s usual lesson consists of taking off and landing about four times depending on the direction of the wind. He believes the hardest part about flying is the landings.
“I’ve had some bumpy landings,” acknowledged Abed. “I’ve been lucky my instructor is right next to me.” He also believes that the most important and common thing to know about flying is the plane’s velocity. “The plane has to be going at a speed of at least 60 knots per hour or else it could easily fall down,” explained Abed.
When flying, Abed approximately stays about a 20 mile radius around Bridgeport. The farthest place he’s ever been to is northern Conn. He hasn’t had a chance to fly through Westport because according to him, Westport has a very crowded airspace.
Nonetheless, Abed would like to be a professional pilot when he grows up.
Whether it’s on the skies or on the fields, Abed and Hardy are always happily making the best out of their lives. “I’d like to keep flying for the rest of my life,” said Abed. “You never really know what’s gonna happen.”
