Night Over Water

“I was descending at a rate of 2,000 fpm. With an altitude of only 2,200 feet, I had little time to regain control”

It was a beautiful winter day in Honolulu, with clear skies, 15-knot Kona winds and visibility to almost forever. It was just a perfect day for honing skills and staying current. It had been some 7 weeks since I had last flown, and for a newly certificated private pilot with only 55 total flight hours, I needed to put in some flying time.

I had made arrangements with my former flight instructor to rent a Cessna 152, the one that I had trained in and took my check ride in, so I was quite familiar with the aircraft. Unfortunately when I arrived at the airport I was informed that the aircraft was needed for flight tours and would be unavailable until after 4:00 pm.

With five hours to wast...