Bob Layton's lesson takes flight

You may not be familiar with the fact that I share grandchildren with TV and radio personality Bob Layton. In his personal life, Bob also has a flair for the dramatic. Here is one of his amazing ideas:

Give your grandchildren a chance to fly a plane - literally!!!

Bob has arranged with the Edmonton Flying club to allow 14-year olds to steer a small plane once it is safely airborne.

Grandpa Bob has provided our mutual grandchildren opportunities that I (Grandpa Bill) could never have imagined. When my grandson told friends at school that he had flown a plane, none of them would believe him. I wonder whether my granddaughter will have more success in convincing her friends. Of course, the news story in the Edmonton Sun should be a big help. 😊

My grandson reported “I remember two emotions when I went up. They were, ‘Oh my goodness this is awesome,’ and, ‘Oh my goodness, I hope the pilot has prepped the plane good.’ ”

My granddaughter said “The pilot handled the takeoff and landing. I got to turn and pull the nose up. The instructor told me to keep the plane under 3,400 feet. And, when I got out, I felt really awesome.”

Bob sits in the back seat with endless pride. “When the instructor says it’s time for a grandchild to take the controls, and they do … it’s a pretty neat feeling.”

“That personal time with each grandchild is very precious to me.”

Good work Bob!
Thank you for all you do.

Bill & Judy Buchanan