For some, seeing the rural area between Goshen and Middlebury from a bird’s-eye view is reserved for Google Maps activity only. However, for Technology Director Peter Shetler, this describes an average, albeit fair weather, evening. Despite being the go-to guy for printer problems and Internet issues at Bethany, Peter has a different hobby: flying.
Peter Shetler flies a Light Sport Trike, a kind of plane that used to be considered an Ultralight until the FAA changed regulation. The Trike is a powered hang glider, relying on a large wing and crossbar for steering, altitude, and speed control. Peter has been flying since 2004, but knew he wanted to begin learning and training when he and his family moved back to Goshen in 2000. He started taking test flights with other pilots to try and determine with which type of aircraft he would be interested in pursuing flight training.
I had the privilege of joining Peter on one of his jaunts this past weekend; an unforgettable experience. I did not know exactly what I was getting into, but when Peter pulled back the door of the hangar, one he rents at the Goshen Municipal Airport and shares with a fellow aviator, I knew it would be an interesting evening.
One of my first questions for Peter, through the headset that felt more official than it probably looked, was how often he flew. Despite a mild safety concern on my part, Peter clearly enjoys flying and pursues it sometimes daily. It depends on the weather, but if it is calm and clear he takes up his plane close to every evening in the summer.
As I swung up and strapped in Peter explained a bit more detail about the aircraft. It is engine powered, but if the engine’s would both go out the plane has the ability to land anywhere. Thus reassured we would not be hitting the ground too hard anytime soon, Peter went on to describe how the hang glider wing could be steered to give the pilot complete control over the craft. This also makes for a smooth ride, one that was completely enjoyable.
Preferring to fly either in the early morning or evening, Peter also checks the weather and wind updates. The evening was calm with mild temperatures, perfect for flying. The sunset laid a beautiful backdrop to the views below. Peter’s plane has the capability to reach altitudes of 10,000 feet, however Peter says and I now agree that if you are up that high it is not as interesting, you can’t see the ground and what is happening down there! The highest we went on my flight was 2,000, breaking through an atmospheric layer into slightly chillier temperature. However, most of the flight was spent well below 1,000 feet, warm with high visibility to the ground below.
As we flew out of Goshen and towards Middlebury it was highly entertaining to see the farms, fields, and households. Seeing the New Paris Speedway from the air was certainly different, and waving at circles of Amish families was fun. Back in Goshen, I tried to recognize homes and landmarks from above as we headed back to the airport.
Back on the ground, Peter explained more about his plane, describing how it can actually be pulled on a trailer with the wing rolled up on top of a car. This makes it able to be taken on vacations, his favorite being trips out west. Being able to fly above different scenery certainly makes for an interesting, and beautiful, experience. Peter mentions the interesting encounters that happen as he finds small airports to fly out of while on trips, “People are usually very friendly, and it’s fun to make connections with others while flying.”
This is a hobby that Peter loves and devotes much free time to, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
~Katie Hurst