People have studied "the heavens" from ancient to modern times and wondered "what's out there?" Technology helps us to take a closer look.

Today, flying is both the fastest and easiest mode of transport between countries. But many of us are terrorized by the mere thought of boarding a plane. Why is that, and how do we deal with this anxiety?

When stepping onto a plane, fearful fliers will likely be afraid of one or more of a range of things, from the noises and sensations associated with take-off or landing to the queasy feeling that often comes with sudden or prolonged turbulence. Therefore, it’s important to learn what triggers your particular flight-related anxiety.

Good knowledge about aeroplanes, how they work, what causes the sounds you hear during the flight, why we experience physiological sensations such as blocked ears, and how the crew are trained for their job really helps to ground the awareness that you’re in good hands, on a safe mode of transport.

A 'No Idea' passenger who landed a plane in Florida, which was headlined on BBC news and other news portals, triggered my interest in flights and flying in general again and here in Ghana.

Before the BBC story, I had a conversation with an aviation enthusiast, and arrangements were made for a few colleagues and I to go on an adventure in the beautiful skies of Ghana.

As we waited on the tarmac, information came from the control tower that we had been cleared for take off.

It was my turn to have a feel of controlling the aircraft by discovering what it takes to fly a plane with Capt. Lawrence Takyi supervised my every move and told me what to do and how to use the instruments.

Flying not above 2000 feet with Captain Lawrence Takyi from Kotoka International Airport to Afienya Air field and back to Kotoka in 9G-CTP Cessna 172 aircraft was exciting. We spent 20 to 30 minutes up in the sky. It was a beautiful sight of Accra and Tema high above the ground. At the same time, I was having that queasy feeling as we did a little nose dive, banked over the sea and Shai Hills.

He taught me how pilots use Instrument Flying Rules (IFR) in flying planes.

After a "Touch & Go" at Afienya Air field, it was my turn to co-pilot from Afienya and to land our plane at Kotoka. We landed safely on the runway though it was a fast landing due to air traffic and other planes coming in and taking off because it was a busy weekend.

Despite StarWest having two Cessna 172 aircraft and one 206 aircraft which is used for mapping and other activities, the certified flight crew at StarWest Flight Academy,
1st officer Jonathan Adotey
1st officer Kwesi Mensah
1st officer Dennis Hanson
Flight instructor Lawrence Takyi

Operations Manager Ransford Narh from StarWest also works hand in hand with other aviation companies. They shared their experiences flying commercial, chartered helicopters, and operating challenges to adventurous patrons throwing up on their uniforms when they are in the air.

It will be great if some stakeholders will venture into this space and buy more of this Cessna 170, 172, Cessna Skycatcher aircraft in addition to what is available now, to give opportunities for our domestic pilots, a source of employment for many, revenue, boost local tourism services as patrons can fly over our beautiful forest reserves and game parks and also serve as research purposes.

In a nutshell, I flew and landed an aircraft. My next adventure is SkyDiving. Overcome your fear and be adventurous.