26 Yankee and me,
We had so many places to see.
Whether ’round town or the beach,
Nothing was out of our reach.

We met long ago,
Love at first sight, you know.
Your panel was simple and metal and blue,
Steam gauges they called you, but it just wasn’t true.

Then, the training began,
Transitions can be hard, oh man.
From a stick to a yoke,
Ground steering became a bit of a joke.

When it came time to solo,
I did not say, “oh no.”
Instead I whispered a prayer,
And used my checklist to prepare.

I realized your might,
As we took off in flight.
Round the pattern we flew,
And three times I landed, it’s true!

Onto maneuvers we went, working my hands and my feet,
Then we simulated engine outs, but only with carb heat!
Cross countries were next,
I tried not to be perplexed.

Finally, the Foggles,
Not transparent like goggles.
So we went up and down and we spun all around,
And with your instrument’s help, I avoided the ground.

Then came the big day,
The checkride, hooray!
You stayed by my side,
As we went on that ride!

I showed how to check you, trying to do my best,
Then onto the flying, so I could complete the real test.
Whether short fields or soft fields, my takeoffs were sound,
While landings were tested with a slip and go’round.

My aviation and navigation checklists were good,
The tower was next, so communicate I could.
With a frequency change and a quick radio call,
The controller cleared us to land, and with no wait at all.

With so much complete, I continued to go,
What the examiner was thinking, I just didn’t know.
And then in a moment, he said I was done,
I had passed all my tasks without missing one.

Now with a sigh of relief and so many to thank,
A pilot I was and you still had a full tank!
As a private you know, I cannot fly through a cloud,
But with you by my side, I am still so proud!

When I mingled with others,
Like your Bird Dog brothers.
With their finicky nature,
They think, “On a ground loop I’ll take her!”

But not you, my sweet Yankee,
You protect and forgive me.
Whether absorbing a bounce,
Or straightening-me-out, just an ounce.

All those landings, they were fun,
And I wrangled you a ton.
Whether high or low,
Or around I would go!

Oh the kids you delighted as they waved from afar,
I really do think, they know you’re a star!
Your wheel pants were off while I learned how to fly,
Now it’s time they return as we say goodbye.

So many places to go and so much to see,
With whom I don’t know, but you’ll give them such glee.
I’ll love you forever, now it is time to share,
I’ll watch you whenever on FlightAware.

-AmeliaDonna, September 2020