September 21, 2021 Career Choices

The Liberty Gazette

September 21, 2021

Ely Air Lines

By Mike Ely and Linda Street-Ely

Mike: When I was in high school, I thought I wanted to be a test pilot, likely an influence of the Steve Canyon persona, sun glinting from mirrored glasses, fast jets, and standing out from the ordinary. Test pilots are no longer super stick-n-rudder, seat-of-the-pants flyers of the Golden Era of Aviation. Today’s test pilots are flight test engineers who spend a lot of time behind a desk. That sounded boring to me, so I changed paths for a flying career. Hours gained in my logbook gave me stories to write, rather than reports, which made the desk a friendlier place, and on my terms.

Due to a high, thin overcast, the stars were not visible. Billowing steam reflected in dim ramp lights as John blew into cupped hands, then alternately made fists and spread his fingers to stretch. He heard only his own breathing in the still air. Nothing but blackness existed past the white, blue, and red lights along the runway, but he knew the snowcapped peaks were there. As he moved along the slick surface, he steadied himself against the fuselage, occasionally ice and snow crunched under his feet. A quick hop onto the wing, in one smooth motion he slid into the cockpit, closed, and latched the door.

As a writer, I build scenes and encourage readers to interact with characters, meet interesting people, and explore exotic and wild places. Storytellers create worlds that are expressive and along the way, teach the reader about something maybe they didn’t already know. Building a picture and tension in the reader’s mind isn’t easy, and often goes through many revisions in descriptive prose. 

The rain wasn’t reaching the ground—virga. Sue anticipated some bumps and downdrafts, but nothing she could not handle; the showers were pretty spread out. Afternoon sun reflected from the sparsely spaced downbursts which turned dark gray as the droplets fell into the shadows of broken cumulus buildups. Tonight’s weather was unlike the storms she faced the previous evening, necessitating a stop in Dodge City. She could easily wiggle around these.

Someone without flying experience could attempt creating scenes like these, but they would need to conduct significant research for technical accuracy, yet would still miss the feel, the reality. Books, magazines, documentaries, and the internet are all great tools, but nothing will ever replace being there and experiencing similar moments first-hand. 

While some writers start early to develop observation and descriptive skills, several well-known writers didn’t start until later in life. One author commented in an interview that he waited until he was over 40 to start writing so he had enough experience to draw upon. The way I view and write about things now is different than thirty years ago, with all my flying and life experiences. And like a pilot, a writer should always be learning, trying new techniques, and developing their craft. 

I didn’t become a flight test engineer, but I’ve followed my dreams. Flying, and writing about these experiences, I consider myself fortunate. 

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