Cleared for the Option: A Year Learning to Fly

Could you fly a plane?Patrick Chovanec never imagined he could, until the COVID-19 pandemic pushed him in an unexpected direction. Climb into the cockpit with him and find out what it’s like to go, step by step, from passenger to pilot. Peppered with interesting bits of history, personal insights, and moments of high tension, Cleared for the Option is a fun and relatable introduction to the often intimidating world of aviation.Cleared for the Option explores, in detail, the knowledge that every pilot must learn to pass the pilot’s exam and earn their pilot’s license: aerodynamics, handling the controls, reading the instruments, regulations, medical standards, weather, navigation, and mechanics. It describes, in candid and personal terms, the practical challenges—landing an airplane, talking to air traffic control, mastering precise maneuvers, passing the final checkride—that anyone must overcome during flight training to become a pilot. If you’re interested in aviation, or ever considered learning to fly, this book is for you.For aspiring pilots, Cleared for the Option is a roadmap to the adventure that lies ahead. For the curious, it’s an invitation to sit in the co-pilot’s seat and learn the answers to questions you never thought you had. For all of us, it’s a story about the vital importance of taking on new life challenges—and never letting a year go to waste. Read more