Books, Charts and VORs
By Cheryl D. Wallace, 1996 (biscuit@bconnex.net)

                Come, said the flight school, and work for me
                The hours are long but the flying is free
                You will teach the novice all you have learned
                The greatest of rewards are yours to earn

                Government requirements must first be met
                Thousands of dollars you will have spent
                But once that licence is stamped and signed
                You are free to teach in the open sky

                It is hours of study and training, you see
                Which allow you to now come and work for me
                You will talk navigation and theory of flight
                All through the day and well into the night

                A number of qualities must be held by you
                Perseverance and patience must shine through
                You will encourage, support and motivate
                Those who aspire to aviate

                Good judgement is needed as my employee
                To survive in this business it is the key
                You are accountable for both student and plane
                When a flight is signed 'solo' with your name

                Timely decisions will be made in the air
                Consequence of error will keep you aware
                You must be tolerant of minor mistakes
                And judge when control is yours to take

                You will monitor airspeeds, headings and height
                Convey with authority when things are not right
                Demonstrate and explain with accurate detail
                'Safety' is the factor which must always prevail

                You are obliged to follow regulations and rules
                Pertaining to airspace, weather and fuel
                With hundreds of details to be kept in mind
                We ask earthly concerns be left far behind

                Aircraft attitudes and the movements of each
                Are the basis upon which you will teach
                Defining horizon and the meaning of cruise
                Concise explanations must never confuse

                Teaching to fly level, keeping it straight
                The most arduous manoeuvre to undertake
                Battling turbulence, that invisible foe
                Victory is taken with aircraft control

                Spins will be taught at regulation height
                Adrenaline flowing, you will convey no freight
                'It's all in the controls' you must calmly say
                And with accuracy, recover from one more day

                These are the tools with which you will mould
                A pilot who is wise, competent and bold
                One with respect for the theory of flight
                Ascending from earth with clear insight

                You will set good examples and be held in esteem
                To ensure each student reaches their dream
                You will nurture their spirit and lift their eyes
                To the vision inspiring each soul who flies

                With alertness, competence and verve you must fly
                You have earned your right to be part of the sky
                Breaking laws of gravity, you soar through the air
                Knowing wings of angels are being flown with care

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