POWERGRAMS

21 ENERGIZERS A lvin Teel never feels freer than when he's up in the wild blue yonder, flying high above the clouds. At 81 years old, Teel is still giddy as a youngster when he's at the controls of his Cessna 172 Skyhawk. "It was a childhood dream," said Teel, who has taught flying lessons to about 50 people, usually ranging from "16 years old to 70 years young. Flying was something I'd always wanted to do. I was always enthused with airplanes. "When I got out of the military, I got to where I could start taking flying lessons," said Teel, who retired as a Hydro journeyman at Mitchell Dam in 1997 aer a 32- year career with Alabama Power. He bought his plane around that time. "I progressed through the different stages to become an instructor with the help of the GI Bill. I'm still teaching at the Chilton County Airport, whenever someone wants to go." Teel's fixed-wing Cessna has room for him and three guests, making the aircra perfect for short jaunts with family and friends. Teel has flown to Nashville, Pigeon Forge and other parts of Tennessee, along with taking beach trips to Gulf Shores, Panama City and Daytona. Flying never fails to surprise, Teel said. His plane has had two engine failures but, as an experienced pilot, Teel knew how to land safely. "I landed in a cow pasture both times," Teel said. "It was a complete surprise. I didn't have time to pray, it happened so fast. But I knew it wasn't my fault, so I wasn't afraid to go up again." From 1969 to 1972, Teel took pilot lessons from Englund's Flying Service at the Mobile Regional Airport, then known as Bates Field. He gradually progressed to being an instructor in 1973. "I had really good teachers," he said. Aer more than a half-century of flight Chilton County Energizer Teel flies through retirement years By Donna Cope Teel with his Cessna 172 Skyhawk Teel has been flying for more than 50 years.

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