At the risk of someone interpreting this as an advert, here is a rather interesting initiative:
http://www.enstoneflyingclub.co.uk/pwpcontrol.php?pwpID=4971
I find it motivating because it enables:
Doing an LAA build with others - this time with others and this time working in metal. The impetus to learn to fly a taildragger in order to fly the kit once its built. The motivation to eventually work towards a 'display authorisation' if I want to - all ads to the 'purpose'. But most of all - because the organisers' dream is to recreate WWII airfield re-enactments and the concept that such an event will need/motivate flying enthusiasts of many types (maintenance, handling, military vehicles etc) of people - so that it becomes bigger than pilots alone.
I've signed up to a 20th share . . . the first 12th share syndicate a/c is nearly finished and its engine & prop has just been fitted - soon to be inspected.
Because it's fun
At the risk of someone interpreting this as an advert, here is a rather interesting initiative:
http://www.enstoneflyingclub.co.uk/pwpcontrol.php?pwpID=4971
What an excellent project, EuropaBoy. That certainly qualifies as fun - and very satisfying, too, I bet. Do let us know when you get airborne!
Its such a buzz, especially descending on the deadside, and great fun to be able to see things you'd never see from the ground. Wished I'd done it years ago.
And I will never forget that first solo.....................
Lots of reasons: because I dreamt I could fly as a kid - just by spreading my arms and taking off, because I spent years after that making all kinds of flying models, because when I get to the age of 45 I finally had time and a bit of money and said its now or never, because I enjoy the constant challenge of new skills, ratings, types, because it feels so beautiful sometimes.
When I lived in Switzerland my aircraft was based in Sion, which is deep in the heart of the Alps. The conventional way back to base after a flight from England or wherever was VFR over Lake Geneva, then along the valley all the way to Sion. But in light wind there is another shorter way in - through the Pas de Cheville at about 8,000 ft. This takes you through a broadish pass, with the 10,000 ft Grand Muveran on the right and the 11,000 ft Diableret mountain and glacier on the left, then hard right overhead Deborance, scene of the most deadly rockfall in Swiss history, down the gorge at 1,000 fpm and what you Brits call a deadside join for a high LH downwind RWY 25. Then all going well kiss the wheels onto the runway in the still evening air as the sun slips behind the mountains. I have taken many pilots with decades of experience on this approach and they all say they have never seen anything so beautiful and astonishing in all their aviation careers.
I suspect we all have moments like this that exemplify what flying can offer.
I learnt to fly to get over my fear of flying...... Would be quivering with fright when boarding a commercial jet, went to the Kufthansa seminar to cope with fear of flying and they told me then and there, the course is more for people who are afraid of turbulence, can't understand why a 20t plane can stay in the air. The only way I'd lose my fear was by learning to fly. So I did. And guess what......
I'm still afraid of flying..... JOKE :-)
Steve6443 06-Nov-12 14:55 #16 I learnt to fly to get over my fear of flying...... Would be quivering with fright when boarding a commercial jet, went to the Kufthansa seminar to cope with fear of flying and they told me then and there, the course is more for people who are afraid of turbulence, can't understand why a 20t plane can stay in the air. The only way I'd lose my fear was by learning to fly. So I did. And guess what......
Inspirational - wish a few more would adopt the strategy of facing their fears . . .
I have a passion for Concorde (I even got married on one recently)
PA, which one? Wasn't ours at Manchester (G BOAC) was it?
My first flight was when I was about 7 years old, in an Auster from Ringway (Manchester Airport today). I was seated behind the pilot and was amazed at the way he could make the whole world tilt over by moving the stick.
I vowed that one day I'd be able to do that - move a stick to tilt the world.
I have a passion for Concorde (I even got married on one recently)
PA, which one? Wasn't ours at Manchester (G BOAC) was it?
Afraid not, it was G-BBDG, the one at Brooklands museum, Surrey. It was the first one to fly supersonic with full passengers, but got broken up for spare parts and was stored at Bristol Filton. Brooklands Museum beautifully restored it :-)
I want to try and see all the British ones if I can. I have recently had to cancel a number of attempts to take a day off work due to weather to see G-BOAF at Bristol Filton before it closes down and moves elsewhere (Kemble maybe). The only one I dont know how one can get access to is the one hidden away in Heathrow somewhere. After that, I will come and check out G-BOAC.
