Decision time....go/no go

Well, being newly certified, I of course get many requests from folks to
take them up for a ride. I am glad to do so. This weekend I had scheduled
a 1 hour flight around the Seattle area with two guys from work. Neither of
them have ever been a small plane before, but both were excited to go, and
have been looking forward to it all week.

I had to make my first "no go" this morning. I wanted to go up as much as
they did, and even though we had VFR conditions, there were showers moving
in from the south, which could involve loss of visibility minimums, not to
mention the enjoyment factor for the two guys on their first flight. They
were disappointed, but I told them I would re-schedule for next week as the
weather is supposed to be very good. I assured them that they will get much
more enjoyment out of the flight it the weather is better, and so off we
went.

I guess my point is that I didn't realize how it would affect me to cancel
the flight. Everything about flying today seemed a bit off, and deep in my
gut I knew that I was going to cancel, but standing there on the ramp
looking up at the sky and seeing the partially clear sky to the north really
makes an impact. I now see how emotions can give way to poor judgment.....I
also know now what to expect from myself in terms of feelings, and can
better anticipate those feelings for the many more times that I will have to
cancel, living in the Pacific Northwest.

Fred