Poems and Thoughts    by Frank Maurer

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Flying XI The Snowstorm. {It has been quite a while since I wrote my last 'Flying X'. There have been many distracting world events to deterre me! These Poems and Thoughts were initiated to pass on some personal histories For my two boys and any other family members who may be interested. It has thus evolved, as well, to include commentary of all sorts, But still remaining within the realm of my thoughts and concerns.} While at Cornell as a graduate student, I flew small planes, Having joined a University flying club. To maintain some sanity during all the serious PhD studies, Music in the Cornell orchestra and occasional flying here and there Were the antidotes to clear my head from the challenging academic thinking. After a few years of flying, I became quite proficient, So I met more and more challenging weather situations. In the winter of 1967(?) I was flying back to the Ithaca airport When, suddenly the weather changed as it did often in northern New York. Snow flurries from the Great Lakes spread across the area. I had landed at an airport about half an hour flying time from Ithaca. I called the control center and explained I needed to return to my home base. (Probably the need was the result of a pending oral exam!) After some discussion I convinced them I could fly on. I had told them I knew all the highways leading to Ithaca And that I would fly above the roads, following them to the airport. Ok. I took off, flying at about 1000 feet, still maintaining a visual of the ground. The snow was light, but thick around me. I remember seeing the vehicles passing below me. It was a sight I would never dismiss from my mind. I did wonder, while above them, just what they thought of all this! I followed the main highway west, turning left or south, Then on to the anticipated runway ahead. I believe I came down on runway 31 where I had learned to fly! As I touched down and the wheels squealed in joy with the earth, My heart was relieved, but in harmony with the joyful rubber below me. Frank Maurer 8 March 2924 1000 Hours.