Jim was trying to get a sense of where I was going, so he would know better how he might support me: "What are your long-term goals in Aviation, Vera?"
You know, I didn't really have an answer.
I kind of embarked on this journey, learning to fly, partly to awaken a new (or sleeping) part of my brain, partly just to see if I could actually do it, and partly because, well, let's face it -- flying is pretty cool, and you can't beat the view! But I did not really consider my "goals" per say.
This I know, I want to actually GET my PPL by summer 2010. But assuming I succeed... then what? Is it all for fun? Will that be it? Will I continue on my flying adventures (and if so, what will I give up to enable the time and funds to do so)? Or, having enjoyed the experience of the process, will I then move on to other pursuits?
It's a bit of an emerging design, this Aviation goals thing... being so painfully aware, for example, that Ground School could be so much better, I am tempted to pursue my instructor rating eventually, and open my own ground school. Or, specialise: "Ground school for Girls", anyone? Or... ? The sky's the limit, I guess, no pun intended.
But, but, but... as a Christian, constantly struggling in Paul-ine fashion to be a "good" one, I frequently stop myself to consider this: What is the POINT of the goal? Specifically, who am I helping? How is the achievement of my goal going to make the world a better place?
I know that the process of learning to fly is one that has engaged many new corners of my soul, and has caused me to reflect on familiar themes from a variety of new angles, and that is good. So, if I am to pursue aviation goals beyond simply achieving my PPL, I will need to think long and hard about how those goals will fit into the fabric of who I am as a Christian and a mensch.
What are my long-term aviation goals? Jim, I'll get back to you on that one!