S O L O

In the life of a pilot, there are some highlights to remember. You’ll forever remember the first time you sat in the pilot’s seat, the first time you flew the plane without an instructor- your first “solo”, the time you passed the exams, the first time your certificate came in the mail, the pie shops that are tucked away in mountains, the time you saw a rainbow form around the propeller, all the breathtaking beauties that can only be seen from the plane, the first time you had a passenger with you, the first time you instructed someone on how to fly a plane, your first job flying, and many more.

It seems like since we’ve moved here we get to celebrate “firsts” all over. The first time Josh went on a ride-along into the interior of Papua, the time he flew animals instead of people, the first time he landed on a grass strip in Indonesia, the first (and hopefully only) time he took Indonesian certification tests, the first time he talked to passengers, and his first solo from Sentani, and many more that are unmentioned or undiscovered.

Last week we celebrated a “first”. Josh flew to a jungle strip by himself! This was the result of months of training. Word flew around cell phones, and a group was greeting him when he pulled up with his passengers. This is a unique celebration, as are many solo flights. Some might get the shirt off their back cut off, signed, and posted on a wall where everyone can see this exciting accomplishment. Well, at Yajasi in Indonesia, clothing can’t just be bought at the local Wal-Mart, so they “celebrate” a little differently. Everyone gathers around with buckets full of “celebration water”, personal water bottles, cups of water, and cameras. Once the pilot steps out of the plane (after being forewarned and leaving behind phones, cameras, and other important items) he is greeted with “celebration water”. There were buckets, cups, bottles, old paint cans, and a water hose. It was all smiles by the parked planes to celebrate the end of hard day of work with rejoicing with their newest “solo-ed” pilot.

I was told that he would be soaked, so I asked if should bring an extra shirt. So I brought an extra t-shirt and a towel. I didn't realize that the towel I grabbed was a small hand towel! I also was unaware of how soaked he would actually be! Needless to say the neither the t-shirt nor the towel were used! :) Enjoy the photos!

Josh in the village his first time as the only pilot.


Returning to Sentani.


He's here!


Filling up the buckets.


Here's some friends that came to support Josh. Baby Esther brought her parents :)


Let...


the soaking...


begin!


Totally soaked but soooooo happy!


I wanted to say how proud I was of him, and I got a BIG wet hug and someone sprayed me with the waterhose!


Here's a towel to dry off with :)




Another pilot congratulating Josh on a job well done.


Hooray! Way to go, Josh!