I did an impromptu trip over the weekend to Flagstaff to do my first foot launch ever off Merriam Crater. Literally woke up on Saturday morning and my instructor was like you feel like driving up for some foot launches? I definitely wasn’t as nervous leading up to the foot launch compared to the tow launch but this wasn’t my first flight either – just my second.

The drive up to Merriam Crater was insane. My husband and I had to back track twice until we found the right road and then take it super slow as the SUV wasn’t exactly the off road type.

I was hoping there wasn’t going to be anyone but students there, but there were some experienced pilots doing their own launches when we arrived. It ended up being fine and I didn’t even think about what others might think – just launched and landed easily.

Definitely a shorter ride than when I towed and not as high, but it was still very enjoyable and relaxing.

My first flight at Merriam Crater was a solid start and finish even if I did land short, but my second flight the start was shaky as I hit bumps and then induced some bumps myself and the finish I landed on my feet but still ended up on all fours. Still a good flight just not my favorite or best – and that was my third flight ever.

I thoroughly enjoyed the spontaneous trip with my husband as we both love road tripping and getting junk food on the way to wherever we’re going. The bonus is listening to podcasts or books together. 10/10 weekend I’d say.