My First Flight – A Cessna 152 at Harvey Field
I still remember that first flight like it was yesterday. I was 13 years old, climbing into a Cessna 152 at Harvey Field in Snohomish, Washington. That little airplane lit the spark that turned into a lifelong passion for aviation.
Harvey Field (S43) is a charming general aviation airport nestled in the Snohomish Valley. With its 2,671-foot-long paved runway and a parallel turf runway, it’s a favorite for local flyers and skydivers alike. The backdrop of farmland and nearby mountains makes it a scenic and inviting place to begin your flying journey—and for me, it absolutely was.
Cessna 150 & 152 – The Iconic Trainers
The Cessna 150 debuted in 1959 as a two-seat, tricycle-gear trainer aircraft and quickly became the backbone of flight schools worldwide. Simple, forgiving, and economical, the 150 was designed to teach the world to fly. In 1977, the Cessna 152 was introduced with a more powerful Lycoming O-235 engine, improved handling characteristics, and greater compatibility with 100LL avgas. It replaced the Continental-powered 150 and refined the training experience while retaining the charm and simplicity pilots loved.
These aircraft have become icons in general aviation, and their place in aviation history is secure. I’ve photographed dozens of 150s and 152s over the years, and I’ve got a soft spot for each and every one of them. In fact, you’ll find some of those photos available in my aviation wall art collection, including a canvas print featuring a pair of 152s in formation flight over the Cascades.
Training at Firstair Field – Flying 'Francis'
Most of my private pilot training happened at Firstair Field (W16) in Monroe, WA. I flew a beautiful red and white Cessna 150 named “Francis” (N11290). That field became like a second home. It was a small, laid-back airport with a 2,087-foot-long runway—just a five-minute drive from both home and high school.
Firstair sits right across from the Evergreen State Fairgrounds. On summer afternoons, I’d study for my ground school on the outdoor deck while watching planes take off and land. The airport community was casual and friendly, and it gave me a strong foundation not just in flying, but in appreciating the people and culture that come with aviation.
A rare image of me in front of the lens! Here's a shot of me taxiing 11290 out to the runway following some fun training back in 2001!
And your second shot of me! Bringing Francis in for a landing during a beautiful summer afternoon at First Air Field.
My First Solo – Paine Field’s 34L
When it came time to get into more complex airspace, we trained at Paine Field (PAE), a Class D airport with plenty of space to stretch out—ideal for working on radio comms and mastering traffic patterns. My first solo happened there, on runway 34L.
I was supposed to do three touch-and-goes. My instructor, Erick Stiemert, hopped out and gave me the nod. But then a FedEx Boeing 727 landed ahead of me, forcing me to wait for wake turbulence. After that, I shared the pattern with the beautifully restored Boeing 377 Stratoliner—the only one left in the world—prepping for its Smithsonian journey. That meant more pauses after each landing. After the third lap, ATC asked if I wanted one more…
OF COURSE I DID.
Flying solo for the first time was something else entirely. Without the weight of a second person, the plane leapt off the runway. I had a few moments to just breathe, in silence, high over the field. I still remember that sense of freedom—true freedom—in all three dimensions. It was absolutely glorious.
Celebrating Cessna Culture
If you’re a Cessna fan like me, you’ll love some of the gear in the shop. Check out the Cessna distressed hat—a classic favorite—and the “Fly. Live. Inspire.” splash mug, perfect for those early morning flights or late-night hangar chats.
Bring Your Airport to Life
I’ve also created a growing collection of airport diagram shirts and acrylic wall art featuring fields like Paine and Harvey. They're a hit with fellow pilots and make awesome gifts for flight instructors, students, and aviation lovers.
And if you don’t see your favorite airfield in the collection? I’d be happy to create one for you—just reach out.
Whether you’re just starting your journey or reminiscing about your early flying days, I hope this post brought back some great memories. If you want to celebrate your love of aviation in a tangible way, you’ll find plenty of options in the Fight to Fly Studio shop.
