Standing next to my favorite airplane inspires me to recall a few of my favorite flights. This old, red Aztec has taken my friends, family and me to such far-flung places as Caracas, Newfoundland, Cabo and Kelowna. I now realize it was because of the training I received (and a lot of good luck) that I have been afforded the opportunity to go to those places--and cherish those memories.

As student pilots and newly-minted private pilots, we spend most of our time in the traffic pattern or the practice area. It's all about the process, not enjoying the ride or the destination. But once you earn your license, it's critical to throw off those shackles, get out and travel!

Earlier this week I witnessed something not all that common in…