I Worked for 12 Years to Buy This Airplane

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Xyla Foxlin
3727 W. Magnolia Blvd. # 174
Burbank, CA 91505

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[xylafoxlin]

There's a saying in aviation that if you wait until you are ready, or until you feel like you can afford it, you'll never do it. If you truly love something, you'll always find a way to make it work. A huge thanks to my friends in aviation for showing me anything is possible, and to all of you for pushing me beyond my limits and daring myself to take the plunge.

[lavonwatson]

These are difficult times, I'm 70 years old and have seen a lot, both good and bad, but the past few years have made me wonder about where we're going, but seeing young people, especially young women aspire and inspire gives me hope and comfort. Congratulations, well done, and don't stop, never stop, moving forward.

[taofledermaus]

That plane was made for you! Mentorship is so important. It's someone who shows you that something is achievable, and can simply explain the steps to get there.

[dennismorgan]

I’m a 59 year old airline pilot. I’ve been flying for over 35 years. Have never commented on a YouTube video. Came across this story, now I have tears in my eyes. Beautiful plane and even more beautiful story.

[olgreywolf]

From an over-eighty retired aviator ... YOU are a breath of fresh air, heart!! Extraordinary and wonderful to see such enthusiasm and excitement over airplanes. It's truly rare these days. Everythiing I ever did was focused on flying, and aviation. And I look back now with nothing but great joy and peace over all those years. Am sure you will be the same. The breathless look on your face says it all!! My only suggestion? Please, PLEASE ensure your instructor(s) are the best you can find. Rooted in the fundamentals, aerodynamics, and real-world aviation experience. Probably the older, the better (within reason!) Continued happy skies to you!! With all my best wishes ....

[michaelt.]

There’s nothing more heartwarming than seeing someone get what they love, deserve, and work so hard for. Congrats. That’s awesome.

[WildSheGoes]

This made my tear up, so happy for you Xyla! Many happy flights to you!

[TheDornado]

I don't think people who have never flown can really understand the feeling. Like you, from the time I was a little kid, I knew I had to learn how to fly. After college I saved and saved until I could afford lessons. There are so many moments from training that you just never forget and even bring tingles when you look back on them. Huge congrats on the plane!

[merrillquintrell]

Congratulations Xyla! I was 34 years old when I bought my first Piper Cherokee. I got my tail wheel endorsement in an old Aeronca Champ that had an “Armstrong” starter. Learned to fly aerobatics in a Decathlon. For me flying is the ultimate stress reliever. I can have the most stressed out day at work, and after just an hour in the sky I’m totally unstressed. I think it’s because you have to be 100% focused when flying, and it pushes everything else out of my head. Starting when my daughter was about 12 we would do “dawn patrol” on Saturday mornings. We’d get to the airport before sun up, do a pre-flight then head for the sky. I would set a course for 090 and start climbing. Somewhere around 5-7 thousand feet we catch the sun as it tipped over the horizon. Below us the would was still in dim twilight. I’ll never forget my daughter proclaiming “Poppy, we got to see the day before anyone else”. After catching the sunrise we’d head back to the airport, stash the plane back in the hanger, then go have breakfast at IHOP. Those are wonderful memories that the two of us will never forget.

[nicksmith]

You should get connected with the Airplane Geeks podcast, I'm sure they'd love to interview you. They're always talking about the Young Eagles program and occasionally talk about how some of those kids grow up to be pilots. I bet they would love to hear your timeline from the EAA event to getting your pilot's license to purchasing your first plane. Congratulations!

[michaelkenney]

Ah, a Cessna 140, that was my first airplane too. I paid $2, 300 for it in 1965 and flew it all over the mid-west. I loved that little bird and spent most of my happiest moments in the air with it. Watching your posting brought back a lot of great memories and, while I spent my adult years flying a lot of other planes, I'll never forget my Cessna 140. Thanks so much.

[richardclark]

I am proud of you! As a crusty old airline captain, it does my heart good to see someone so excited to start out in this field.

[CS_]

I am a 50 year old, 25 year pilot who has never owned his own airplane, and was trained by (an refueled countless times!) a woman, who is the most excellent pilot and was my mentor in aviation. I am so happy for you I have tears in ny eyes... You go, girl. 💕 Enjoy your new baby.

[LudekRolecek]

I'm 46 years old man but I was literally crying half way in and 5 more minutes after video ended, totally overwhelmed by emotions. This was perfect and I'm so happy for you. Please keep doing what you are doing. You are an amazing inspiration for girls everywhere (and boys too, I'm sure). Happy flying, Xyla.

[ChristopherKleman]

Congratulations on your new airplane! I'm here from This Old Tony, but adding you to my subs. I've met a lot of great people in aviation, and a few not so great. Sorry to hear you ran into one of those not-so-great types, but I'm glad you didn't let his negativity tear you down and that you used it as fuel to keep moving forward. I wish you many years of enjoyment with your great looking aircraft. Blue skies and tailwinds!

[YARCHLRL]

This video is pure. It's hope, dreams, drive and determination. I'm so very proud of you. Keep inspiring people.

[Macakiux]

Ok, how can anyone in YouTube ever top this video? like... HOW? Game over. This is pure unadulterated joy, I love it.

[spencerdiniz]

Congratulations. It’s rare these days to see people legitimately happy on YouTube. It’s nice to see it happen. Enjoy it to the fullest and thanks for sharing.

[snubbyj]

The shots of you flying got me beaming! Congrats, Xyla. This is incredible!

[jamesthompson]

I am so, so stoked for you. I started the same way, working in exchange for flying hours and learning in a Cessna 140 on an old grass strip. I worked at the airport lying on my back degreasing planes, washing, cleaning, fueling etc. I later got a job with United Airlines and, though an early heart attack ended my flying career, my job gave my lots of cockpit time in 747s, 777s, etc. I am retired now but aviation has been my life an obviously will be yours. I wish you a million smiles in your flying. What a wonderful story you have.