Amanda’s cross-country journey continues as she travels through Arizona and New Mexico, gaining confidence, skill, and experience as a remote pilot. In Part 2 of this Remote Pilot 101 series, her trip highlights the realities of real-world flight training, unpredictable winds, changing environments, and the importance of preparation.
Flying in Sedona: Beauty Meets Challenge
After leaving Nevada, Amanda makes a short stop in Sedona, Arizona, an area known for its breathtaking red rock landscapes. Using flight planning apps to confirm airspace and restrictions, she carefully evaluates conditions before flying near a cliff at sunset. Strong winds and altitude limits require conservative decision-making, reinforcing the importance of situational awareness in flight training.
The next morning, she returns before sunrise, capturing hot air balloons drifting across the sky. The experience pushes her to refine camera settings and flight techniques while managing battery limits and weather conditions.
New Mexico Winds and Real-World Adaptability
As Amanda continues into New Mexico, strong winds limit flight opportunities. Instead of forcing conditions, she adjusts her plan, demonstrating sound aeronautical judgment. A final stop near historic Route 66 offers a brief but meaningful flight, where smooth control and wind management take priority over altitude or distance.
Growth Through Real Flight Experience
By the end of this leg, Amanda reflects on how much she gained: increased confidence, better weather analysis, improved control techniques, and stronger familiarity with flight apps. This is flight training beyond theory; it is learning by doing.
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