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It all starts with a dream to someday learn to fly. Just as it started years ago with the Wright Brothers, it has somehow started with you. People ask us why we fly. Why do we enjoy it so much? Well, after 22 years of flying experience I still have only one answer to that question. It's in our blood, I tell them. It's something innate that we just can't describe. We have a passion for airplanes and all things aviation.

Like many who love aviation, I spent my childhood planting myself at the end of airport runways. I was content to sit for hours watching. I can remember the smell of jet fuel, the sounds of the jet engines, and the dream of someday making it into one of those cockpits. While on the sidelines, I examined every detail of those airplanes passing me by. I soaked it all in. Fast forward to the future and since those days I have flown as student, flight instructor, first officer, and captain. My experiences have taken me both domestically and all over the world both as captain and first officer. Like most pilots, I've shared the skies with snowstorms, thunderstorms, gusty winds, and some of the most beautiful sunsets you've seen in your life. I am a CFI,CFII, MEI, ATP, and have type ratings on the BE1900, B737, and B757/767. I am currently a captain on a Boeing 737 for a major commercial airline.

When I began my journey, I didn't have many aviation mentors. I knew that I wanted to fly but wasn't sure of the best way to start. With this beginner's informational article, I hope to start you in the right direction whatever your aspirations in aviation are. Whether you want to simply fly for fun on the weekends or if you want to become a captain for a major airline, I will share some insider's information that will help you get started. Use this article as a tool to help you save time and money in your aeronautical quests. Enjoy. You are about to embark on a journey that only a small percentage of the world is capable of doing.

The following should be considered when deciding how and where to begin your flight training. This by no means is a complete list. It will, however, get you started in the right direction.

• Will you train at an FAA part 141 or FAA part 61 flight school?
• Do you want a flight school that offers flexibility or a rigid curriculum? Part 141 schools offer a more structured environment than their part 61 counterparts.
• Do you want to become an airline pilot or will you be flying for your own personal use? You need to research your flight school options. Don't just jump in with the first school you come across. A large part of your decision will be based on whether you will fly professionally or if you simply want to fly for your own personal business or pleasure.
• Another critical issue is the flight school instructors. Your flight instructors will obviously play a vital role in the type of pilot that you become. You need to speak with the instructors at the flight schools and determine if they will meet your needs and goals.
• Based on your goals, you need to do a bit of research. Have an idea of what ratings and licenses you will want to obtain. Additionally, you need to know what the difference between a license and rating is!
• Before you start spending money on flying, you should know the FAA medical requirements for the licenses that you seek. Obviously, you don't want to waste money on training if you don't meet the medical requirements!
• Financial aid may be available to you. In your research, this is an option that you can explore.
• Create two checklists to bring with you on your flight school research. One list should be a flight school checklist and the other should be a flight instructor checklist.

With your decision to learn to fly, you will invest a great deal of time and money. Before you get started, the proper research is critical so that your time and money is not wasted!

Jeff Miller

Jeff Miller has been flying professionally for 22 years. In addition to flying, Jeff has a consulting business. His services range from general aviation consulting to providing advice to those looking for direction in the pursuit of pilot certification. Additionally, Jeff has published a book entitled "The Path To Flight-An Insider's Guide To Pursuing Flight Training". His book provides over 60 pages of insider's information for those looking to learn how to fly.He is currently a captain on a Boeing 737 for a major commercial airline.

For additional information on Jeff's book, see his web site at http://pathtoflight.com

To contact Jeff send a message to jeffmiller@pathtoflight.com

SPACE.com - Anyone gazing at the summernight sky for even a short length of time is likely to spot a few"shooting stars" darting across the sky.

Gardeners and homeowners living in Orlando, Florida are lucky. The warm, humid climate allows for a beautiful landscape, year round. Homeowners and business owners can capitalize on the wonderful climate by planting landscapes that shine all of the time. Follow these top tips about the best plants for Orlando, proper maintenance for Orlando landscaping and more, and you will install an Orlando landscape with across the board appeal.

Best Plants for Orlando
Orlando gardens can shine year-round with these plants:
Trees: Crape Myrtle, Poinciana, River Birch, Magnolia, Holly, Palm Trees
Shrubs: Indian hawthorne, Azalea, Cycads, Wax Myrtle, Allamanda
Perennials: Canna, Shrimp plant, Orchids, Knockout roses, Ginger lily, Heliconia, Plumbago, Eucomis, Daylilies, Bromeliads
Annuals: Pansies, Snapdragons, Pentas, Annual vinca, Cleome, Geranium (just about everything!)
Vines: Confederate jasmine, Passionflower, Clerodendrum

Best Maintenance Practices for Orlando Landscapes
Water: Water deeply and infrequently, for both lawns and landscapes.
Pruning: Prune plants just after they flower, before they set new flowerbuds. Try to avoid the "meatball" look.
Mowing: Mow your grass to the proper height for its species. Doing so will help prevent weed seeds from sprouting and prevent fungal problems.
Planting: Select plants that will do well in the areas you want to use them. Some plants like sun and others like shade. Starting out with plants in the right areas will save you time and money later. Additionally, some annual flowers like cool weather-pansies and snapdragons included, while others thrive in hot weather-pentas and annual vinca like it hot!
Soil Preparation: When adding a new landscape installation such as a new flower bed or a new foundation planting, always add about four inches of topsoil/compost blend to your existing soil. A little soil prep in the beginning goes a long way.

Secrets for Super Landscapes in Orlando
If you get jealous of the gardens every time you drive by a beautiful lawn, or visit one of Orlando's many theme parks, take heart-you can achieve that look yourself! The main thing that separates large, professionally tended landscapes from home landscapes is bulk! Even if you are a plant fanatic and have a difficult time deciding which plants to buy, control the impulse to buy one of everything. For bedding plants and flowers, choose three to five types and buy at least 15 of each plant. You can then mix them together, or plant them in overlapping sweeps in the flowerbed. Try it! You will see juts how easy it is!

One other secret for a super landscape: Start with a good foundation planting including trees and shrubs-both evergreen and deciduous. Then change your annual plants at least twice a year. Nobody enjoys looking at pansies struggling in the heat.

Try these tips and tricks and you will have a landscape that is the envy of your neighbors.

Sprinklers, Orlando Landscaping

AP - Children's librarian Judith Flint was getting ready for the monthly book discussion group for 8- and 9-year-olds on "Love That Dog" when police showed up.