When I reflect on my flying, I think of a particular occasion that resonates with how I feel about the privilege it is to be able to fly and experience that freedom. There are some gifts that are more than just things—they’re experiences, memories, and lessons all wrapped up in one.
It was Xmas morning and the perfect day when my grandfather surprised my cousins and me with handcrafted, individually painted paddle boards. It was clear from the start that this was something special. They were beautiful. These weren’t just paddle boards; they were our key to independence. For the first time, we could paddle out into the open water, beyond the adults’ watchful eyes, and become explorers in our own right. We could all swim and had skills taught to us at a very young age to be safe in the water.
That day, we set off on our big adventure. We paddled along the shoreline of the lake, discovering little coves, jetties and sand dunes imagining even bigger adventures. We had the freedom to explore, to learn, to make our own decisions, and to feel fully independent. It was exhilarating to be unsupervised and free—to trust ourselves and each other.
Those paddle boards didn’t just let us explore the lake; they unlocked a lesson we didn’t even realise we were learning. My grandfather had given us so much more than just an adventure. He had shown us what it was like to feel confident and safe in that independence, a lesson that has carried into so many parts of my life, especially into my love of flying.
In the sky, just like on the water, there’s a kind of magic when you’re at ease, not stressed or anxious about your ability allowing you to truly feel free. Good flight training does this: it makes you comfortable, confident, and safe, so you’re able to fully enjoy every moment. Like my grandfather’s gift, a good instructor doesn’t just teach skills—they impart a sense of freedom and self-assurance. They prepare you to explore and learn independently, giving you a lifelong gift rather than just a bunch of technical knowledge.
Those paddle boards gave us independence and adventure, but they also planted a seed. My grandfather taught us that day what it feels like to be explorers. And now, in flying, I know the value of having someone who, like my grandfather, teaches you to trust yourself and embrace the journey and the adventure. Whether on the water or in the sky, that lesson has stayed with me.
This is the reason I consider it a privilege to be a flight instructor. To be able to give that same gift through my own experiences and adventures. To give that same gift of freedom by being able to have my students feel confident, competent, safe and not anxious so they can continue their own journey of exploring and learning.
The experience with the paddle boards is much like good quality flight training that gives pilots that freedom and to explore keeping safety at the forefront.
Flight Envelope, encompasses all the experience of the paddle boards. When a pilot is well-trained, when they can trust that training, is when they can truly focus on the joy and freedom of flying rather than worrying about any potential issues. Flight Envelope will instill both independence and responsibility, in students and instructors, ensuring that all pilots feel comfortable and in control.
True freedom comes when you feel prepared, safe, and ready to explore and learn.
Lorraine MacGillivray
Co-Founder / Chief Flying Instructor
Flight Envelope
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