Alan Longstreet in the cockpit with his instructor, Bill. (Credit: WJBK | myFOXDetroit.com)
GROSSE ILE, Mich. (WJBK) -
The Thunder of Michigan Air Show takes to the air on August 4. While there, you will have the chance to catch the best of the best in flight.
But what is it like to take control of the cockpit on your own? Intriguing, sure, but isn't it expensive? Not necessarily. Check out the Millennium Flight Center in Grosse Ile. They offer introductory flight courses for $75.
"We have 'Come Out and Fly' for new students, and they go up for about an hour and they get loggable time," said a representative with Millennium Flight.
Affordability. Check. Aerophobia. Double check. So how does one get over the nerves?
"Get to know you instructor first because it's real important to be with an instructor that fits your personality."
Bill has been a pilot since 1979, an instructor for over a decade and the guy knows his stuff.
"Generally the first flight we walk them through everything on the plane. We don't really fly much, and then we go up and we start with just basic maneuvers. How to make it take off. How to make it land. How to turn. How to climb. How to descend," he said.
We cruised to altitude and Bill made his first and only mistake of the day. He handed the controls over to me. Let's just say I was a little hesitant to take over. No worries though, Bill briefed me on the aileron and the rudder peddles, and before long I was banking and rolling on a very amateur level.
Thursday, February 14 2013 9:46 AM EST2013-02-14 14:46:49 GMT
Are you ready for the polar challenge? Supporters in Detroit will plunge into the Detroit River's icy waters on Saturday, Feb. 16 to benefit Special Olympics Michigan athletes.
Are you ready for the polar challenge? Supporters in Detroit will plunge into the Detroit River's icy waters on Saturday, Feb. 16 to benefit Special Olympics Michigan athletes.
Thursday, July 12 2012 10:15 AM EDT2012-07-12 14:15:51 GMT
(Source: wyandottestreetartfair.org)
More than 300 fine artists, musicians, performers, exhibitors and restaurants will come together in historic Downtown Wyandotte for the 50th annual Wyandotte Street Art Fair on Wednesday, July 11 to Saturday, July 14.
More than 300 fine artists, musicians, performers, exhibitors and restaurants will come together in historic Downtown Wyandotte for the 50th annual Wyandotte Street Art Fair on Wednesday, July 11 to Saturday, July 14.
Friday, June 15 2012 8:50 PM EDT2012-06-16 00:50:30 GMT
You may know about Michigan International Speedway from the various NASCAR events it hosts, but what you may not know is that you can come down to MIS and take an actual stock car for a spin.
You may know about Michigan International Speedway from the various NASCAR events it hosts, but what you may not know is that you can come down to MIS and take an actual stock car for a spin.
Thursday, March 28 2013 8:58 AM EDT2013-03-28 12:58:17 GMT
TV Fitness, a studio in Ferndale offers group classes for all the different fitness infomercials you see on TV like P90X, the Insanity Workout and more.
TV Fitness, a studio in Ferndale offers group classes for all the different fitness infomercials you see on TV like P90X, the Insanity Workout and more.
Friday, February 1 2013 4:58 PM EST2013-02-01 21:58:41 GMT
Electronic music, marble tile floor, black and white stenciled walls and table tennis -- a new club dedicated to the sport of ping pong is open for business in downtown Detroit.
Electronic music, marble tile floor, black and white stenciled walls and table tennis -- a new club dedicated to the sport of ping pong is open for business in downtown Detroit.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 3:43 PM EDT2013-05-21 19:43:35 GMT
Brian Woehlke and his family
All funds collected will be donated to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity's fund for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke, who passed away while battling a Westland fire on May 8.
All funds collected will be donated to the Westland Fire Fighters Charity's fund for the family of fallen firefighter Brian Woehlke, who passed away while battling a Westland fire on May 8.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 4:58 PM EDT2013-05-21 20:58:19 GMT
Trained Salvation Army counselors are being mobilized to head down to the tornado disaster area in Oklahoma to not only help with the victims, but the first responders, as well.
Trained Salvation Army counselors are being mobilized to head down to the tornado disaster area in Oklahoma to not only help with the victims, but the first responders, as well.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 4:38 PM EDT2013-05-21 20:38:20 GMT
Crews across the river in Windsor are battling a raging fire that's burning at a warehouse in the 700 block of Sprucewood Avenue.
Crews across the river in Windsor are battling a raging fire that's burning at a warehouse in the 700 block of Sprucewood Avenue. Thick black smoke and flames can be seen for miles. The Windsor Star is
Tuesday, May 21 2013 2:12 PM EDT2013-05-21 18:12:17 GMT
An attorney for a former Michigan Supreme Court justice says community service would be an appropriate sentence for a scandal that forced her out of office.
An attorney for a former Michigan Supreme Court justice says community service would be an appropriate sentence for a scandal that forced her out of office.