May 25, 2008 was my first flight ever in a small airplane, and the beginning of the realization of a lifelong dream. I will never forget that day, walking through the door of Blue Skies with my wife Susan, preparing for my Intro Flight with Jim Fellers in Piper Warrior N43020. I felt a weird combination of excited, scared, and unsure, but I knew that I was beginning a journey that would prove to be one of the most fulfilling of my life. After a scant 14.0 hours I was soloing – flying an airplane by myself! A few months later I had done it—I was a Private Pilot! As I look back after nearly 10 years, an instrument rating, and hundreds of hours, I can honestly say that flying has been one of the greatest and most challenging adventures of a blessed life filled with challenges and adventures! And I am convinced that it never would have happened without the support, encouragement and professionalism of Blue Skies! Reviewing my log book, I see that Jim Fellers CFII and I have sat side by side for about 170 hours. I have also had the privilege of flying with many other Blue Skies instructors, all of whom are best-in-class when it comes to knowledge, professionalism and teaching ability. I also want to acknowledge Mike Carzoli, the owner of Blue Skies. Mike has a passion for flying and his mission is to make flying safe and fun. The culture that he has created does just that. Flying with Blue Skies makes me truly feel part of a special family. I greatly value not only my flying experiences with Mike and his staff but, more importantly, I am grateful for friends made along the way. Thank you to the entire Blue Skies team for making it possible for my childhood dream to take flight!