Lakers defenseman Colin Gerber gets his pilot’s license: The fascination of flying: ‘The feeling is indescribable’

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Colin Gerber beams from ear to ear. He has just returned from his first Alpine flight in his private pilot training. It took him from Wangen-Lachen SZ to Samedan in the Engadin, to Europe’s highest airport at 1,707 meters above sea level with a challenging landing approach. “I just feel great after this flight,” the Lakers defenseman describes.

Four hours earlier: Gerber is at the SwissPSA (Pilot School Association) flying school in Wangen SZ and is poring over weather maps. He is in the middle of the meteorological briefing with flight instructor Michi Ras. It is about the conditions the student pilot could expect on his first Alpine flight. A ground pressure map shows whether there is turbulence. “It seems like there are slight trends, but only on the return flight,” Gerber said.

He also studies the boundaries of clouds, which is important when flying by sight. “The conditions are great!” The 25-year-old planned the flight down to the last detail and mapped out the route carefully, as the cockpit is navigated solely by maps. “Good map reading is the basis of every flying decision,” says flight instructor Ras.

Intensive flight interview with flight instructor

What is special about this afternoon is that this 25th flying lesson is Gerber’s first Alpine flight, which must be supervised by the flight instructor. That is why Ras intensively discusses tactics and checkpoints in the mountains with him, reminding him of the three important points of speed, height and space. “In a valley you fly on the right side so that you always have enough room for a reverse turn if necessary.” He also shows the hockey professional the possibilities for passing transitions.

After the one-hour briefing we go to the plane, a Cessna 152. Gerber now knows what to do. “I check the most important parts before leaving.” The rudders, the wings, the screwed edges, the propeller, the lights, the oil and gasoline. Then he sits in the cockpit. The 191 cm defender should not be much taller because his legs are already tight and the seat cannot be moved further back.

The Bern resident was fascinated by flying as a child. “I once received a model helicopter as a Christmas present,” says Gerber, “I told myself that one day I would like to drive, sail and fly.” He obtained his driver’s license at the age of 18, passed his boating test at the age of 20 and will soon receive his private pilot’s license. When the former SCB junior in Bern made the step to the professional level, he decided which area he wanted to focus on besides hockey. Further education at school is currently excluded because he cannot determine a direction. “So I booked a test helicopter flight and started cramming theory.”

“There is no wiggle room”

But then the move to Rapperswil-Jona SG will take place in 2023. Gerber looks for options and finds the Wangen-Lachen airport on the other side of the Obersee. Instead of a helicopter, it will be a two-seater, “because you can cover longer distances by plane and sometimes fly across national borders.” During his test flight he meets flight instructor Ras, they immediately get along. “Michi demands a lot and challenges me at the same time,” Gerber explains. Perfect for a professional athlete. Being one also helps him mentally. “It can be hectic on the ice, so you have to keep your head calm.” Like on an airplane. Like on one of his solo flights when he hit his head on the ceiling during turbulence.

The defender will start training in May 2023. “It was hard to concentrate on everything at first.” But as the flying hours increase, things improve and the student pilot takes on more responsibility. “Mentally you have to have a two-point lead so that you don’t get stressed. Certain situations do not allow nervousness. That is why good preparation is important, because there is no wiggle room and you have to stay on task.” In the cockpit, the SCRJ defender can take a break from hockey. He logs out of his girlfriend and family with a message as soon as he takes to the air and again when he lands.

Departure on return to Wangen

On his first Alpine flight, this is the case approximately three hours after departure from Wangen. The pilot candidate still has to take off on his first landing attempt at Obersee, but he succeeds on the second. A debriefing with the flight instructor follows. “It was a very good flight with a high level,” said Ras, “we just have to discuss the little things.” Gerber also assesses his flying lesson and checks what went well. In particular, he survived the difficult landing in Samedan well during his premiere. He is content and full of joy. “The feeling is somehow indescribable.”

For Gerber, the fascination lies not only in flying itself, but in the complex interplay of different factors and subjects. As a pilot you must have knowledge of mechanics, aerodynamics, law, navigation, weather and radio. “You need brains.” The theory exam takes place in different modules, three of the nine subjects are still open for Gerber, he passed the radio test last November. To be able to take the practical test, he needs at least 45 flying hours. Gerber has been working intensively for a month and tries to fly safely once a week despite the last phase of the season.

After the Lakers player and aspiring pilot pushes the Cessna into the hangar, there is another ritual that he enjoys: the flight is recorded in detail in the logbook. Traditionally, it contains a dried flower for Gerber’s first solo flight on January 15. «I do it very carefully and do my best. Because this book will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

Source : Blick