Dear Mother and Dad,
I passed my 20 hour check-and I only had 17 hours and 3 minutes previous to the flight. My instructor just about scared me to death when he told me I was going up for the Army check ride. You see, most of the fellows, unless they’ve had some flying experience before, don’t go out for their check until they have anywhere from 20 hours to 28 hours. All I can say is my instructor must have a lot of confidence in me. I hope I continue my good work. When I’m up there all alone-flying that $18,000 ship-I realize what a responsibility Uncle Sam has given me. I am now beginning to like flying-I can’t really say I was too crazy about it before because I worry so much. I have much more confidence in myself now-my instructor said I was the best student he has had so far. I just about dropped over-don’t think I’m bragging because those wings aren’t on my tunic yet, until they are anything can happen. The Army Lieut. that gave me my check ride is really a swell fellow. I was scared to death naturally but, as soon as he talked to me, I felt at ease. I thought it went lousy but he seemed to think I did alright especially when he found out I had only 17 hours and three minutes (total time) to my credit.
I received a letter from Dad and two from you, Mother, I’m trying so hard to keep up my correspondence but, it’s quite a job with the amount of free time we have. I don’t think Bob would write Auntie all the time he was away if he were in the Air Corps.
Well, darling, I must cut it short now.
Love Jim