Jim here, taking the blogging reigns from Heidi for this one.

Eight years ago, I blogged about the sense of accomplishment felt when I completed my instrument pilot rating. Today, that same sense of accomplishment was experienced by our oldest son at USAFA.

Heidi and I realized we have truly let go of the parenting tether when our 19-year-old son called to explain that he piloted an aircraft by himself. What is extraordinary is that Jake went from zero flying experience to soloing an aircraft in just 14 flights over two and a half weeks with the instruction given entirely from someone aged only 2 years older than him.

In an instant, Jake became what the aviation world calls a “pilot-in-command” (PIC), and that moniker comes with tremendous responsibility. As PIC, you are solely responsible for your aircraft and your actions in it – there are zero excuses accepted for not taking command and control and flying the aircraft safely. It’s a lot like life.

I felt for Jake today as I imagined him lifting off into the sky alone, tasked with carefully negotiating the glider as it was towed 3000′ above the Colorado landscape, released from the tow plane, flying freely through the thermals, and then navigating the aircraft safely back to earth onto USAFA’s giant 4-runway turf landing field. He nailed it.

Here’s a video Jake took earlier in the year that gives you an idea of what he experienced.

I have to admit that I don’t give our kids – or any kids – enough credit or confidence to think they are capable of doing impressive things like this.  What Jake accomplished today is not easy, yet he persevered through the training and the challenge. I determined today I have a wrong mindset.  Sometimes my kids’ limitations are a product of not giving them a shot at something because of my short-selling them in my mind. I’m done with that.

Here’s a pic of his grade card, detailing his progress over his 14 flights. (NG=Not Graded, U=Unsatisfactory, F=Fair, G=Good, E=with Excellence)

And the long-lived tradition of throwing a pilot into a tank of water after their first solo:

The story of Jake in the last 12 months at USAFA has been one accomplishment after another – with periodic setbacks. And through it all – and most importantly – he has identified himself as a follower of Jesus amongst his fellow cadets.

That’s quite a Pilot in Command – he’s flying well. Praise God.