I’ve only flown a Cub twice, and both times with an instructor (an amazing instructor to boot). First time was for spin training, which was something I enjoyed a lot after I got over my initial fear.

The second time ranks as the most amazing and enjoyable flight of my life. It was less than an hour; late on a hot August day with the sun setting over the farm fields of southwestern Ohio. To make it better, our home field is a grass strip (40I). And of course we flew the only way you can really fly a Cub—with the door down! Doesn’t get any better than that: a new pilot with a great instructor and friend, actually flying a plane that I’ve loved since I was a kid and only dreamed of flying, in the most beautiful setting I can imagine.

In all seriousness….I was grinning so big my face hurt. Pure joy.