Flying with Steve

A beautiful Sunday in Western Pennsylvania should never be taken for granted.  That is why Steve and I decided to go flying today!
For those of you who don't already know, my fiance Steve has his pilot's license.  As a child, he was totally fascinated with flying, and he always wanted to learn.  So, about 2 years ago, he got his pilot's license (not as easy as it sounds... it cost him a lot of money, time, and dedication).  He wishes he could fly more than he does, but busy weeks, bad weather, and rising gas prices make it a little challenging.

He belongs to a local flight club in Zelienople.  It's an affordable way to go in terms of private flying.  A bunch of members help pay for plane maintenance, shelter, etc. 



I decided to join him today so I could take some pictures (possibly inspiring some artwork, too!?!).  While he prepped the plane, I took some pics.



Steve checking fluid levels

I was a little worried when a fellow member walked by and noticed a crack in the wing thingy :) on the back of the plane.  Even though Steve assured me it wouldn't hurt us, I still worried.


Notice the two fine cracks on the right hand side of the wing?

 But not enough to stop me from getting into the plane!  A lot of people (especially women) are surprised I go flying with him.  Thank God I don't have a crippling fear of flying, and I really do trust Steve, so nothing really holds me back from getting into a little Cessna with him.



Steve waiting for me to get in the plane already!

 I really do love looking at Pennsylvania from the sky.  Here is a shot about 3 miles northeast of the airport (Butler County).  The farm lands are vast and pretty.



Butler County

 Moraine State Park is another favorite to fly over.



Moraine State Park

Here is a picture of Steve and I in flight!

My main mission today was to take some pictures of some gas drilling well pads.  Steve and I are totally against the wave of gas drilling in Pennsylvania.  I could go on and on about it, but I won't bore you with the details.  If you are interested, check out this link on Marcellus Shale gas drilling.  Bottom line is we don't know how safe the techniques for drilling are, I hate the way drilling looks, and I don't like what gas companies are doing to our environment. 

Well pad and impoundment in Butler County

I really do love Pennsylvania.  I love the woods, the nature, the hills... it's a very pretty state!  And gas drilling scares me because it threatens the existence of those very things I love about this state!!!!


Another well pad and impoundment in Butler County

This picture above disturbs me because look how close that activity is to the surrounding homes!!!  That is my worst nightmare right there.

Okay, enough of the doom and gloom.  After about an hour and a half in the air, flying all around, I started getting sick.  My inner ear doesn't do so well with changing pressure and tilting planes. :)  It sucks!  But, Steve got me down on the ground before I barfed.  Love you, Steve!

I pretty much stopped snapping pictures after that.  Aside from my nausea, this was a very fun Sunday!  I'm looking forward to the upcoming week.  I will be working my tail off getting some images ready for submissions to art shows.  Wish me luck!
Peacing out,
Nikki