The Gift That Terrified and Delighted Me: My First Flying Lesson
For more than two decades, I’ve had the incredible privilege of helping Australians find the perfect experiences to give to their loved ones. I’ve read thousands of reviews and seen countless photos of people celebrating milestones by jumping out of planes, cooking up a storm, or, in this case, taking to the skies.
So, you can imagine the irony when my business partner, David, handed me a RedBalloon gift for my own milestone birthday, and I opened it to find an Introductory Training Flight. My first thought was, “This is brilliant!” My second, much quieter thought was, “Oh my goodness, am I actually going to fly a plane?”
It’s one thing to be the "experience lady," and another thing entirely to be the one strapping into the pilot’s seat. A little trepidation set in. But I’ve always believed that the best things in life are waiting just on the other side of our comfort zone. And so, on a stunningly beautiful, sunny Melbourne day, I drove out to Moorabbin Airport to meet the team at Tristar Aviation, a long-time, trusted RedBalloon partner.
From Nervous Passenger to Co-Pilot
The moment you arrive, the atmosphere is electric. There’s a sense of purpose and excitement in the air, with small aircraft taxiing and taking off. My instructor was the picture of calm confidence, which immediately helped to settle my nerves. He walked me through a pre-flight briefing, explaining the basics of aerodynamics and the dual controls in the cockpit. It was fascinating, and I was struck by how this complex machine was governed by a few simple, elegant principles.
Soon enough, we were walking out onto the tarmac towards our plane. It felt both smaller and more real than I had imagined. Strapping in, the instructor handled the pre-flight checks and the take-off. The rumble of the engine, the rush of acceleration down the runway, and then that magical moment the wheels lift off the ground—it’s a feeling of pure freedom.
As we climbed, the stunning patchwork of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay unfolded below us. On a gorgeous, clear day like we had, the view is simply breathtaking. It’s one of the most unique and best things to do in Melbourne, seeing the city you know so well from a completely new perspective.
And then came the moment.
Once we were at a safe altitude, the instructor turned to me and said the four words that were both thrilling and terrifying: “You have control.”
My hands, which had been resting lightly on the controls, were now in charge. He guided me, of course, but I was the one making the gentle turns, keeping the wings level, feeling the plane respond to my slightest touch. The focus required is immense. Your mind can’t be anywhere else. You’re not thinking about your to-do list or your inbox; you are completely and utterly present.
A Natural in the Air?
We flew for what felt like both five minutes and five hours. I was so absorbed in the moment that time seemed to warp. As we made our way back to the airport, the instructor took over for the landing. When we were safely back on the ground, he turned to me with a smile and said, “You’re a natural!”
Now, he might say that to all the first-timers to make them feel good, but I’m choosing to believe him! The feeling walking away from that plane wasn’t just relief; it was a profound sense of accomplishment. I had faced a little bit of fear, learned a new skill, and seen the world from a place very few people get to see.
Why This is the Perfect Bucket List Experience
This is so much more than just a joy flight. It is a genuine lesson and a true confidence-booster. It’s an interactive, hands-on experience that leaves you with a lasting memory and a great story to tell.
It’s perfect for:
- A milestone birthday or anniversary gift: It’s an unforgettable way to mark a special occasion.
- Anyone with a 'bucket list': If learning to fly is on your list of dreams, this is the perfect, safe, and exhilarating way to tick it off.
- An incredible Melbourne experience: For locals or tourists, it is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Melbourne, offering views and a thrill you simply can’t get anywhere else.
My biggest takeaway? It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes the things that scare us a little are the ones that deliver the greatest rewards. It’s about trusting the experts, taking a deep breath, and allowing yourself to take control. It’s a lesson that applies as much in life and business as it does at 3,000 feet.
So, what's on your bucket list? What experience have you been putting off, waiting for the "perfect moment"? Maybe it’s time to stop waiting, and just take flight.
