Since I haven't had any dual on this equipment, I stumble along with numerous ground loops and stalls but I think that I'll get there. Ain't no young buck anymore and flying days are past since there have been a few age related difficulties, hence SWITCHESOFF. I wandered through my memories and sort of listed the machines that I have had my hands on for at least 30 minutes PIC. Should I try a list? J3 Cub, T-Craft-40hp and 65hp, C120, C140, Rearwin Sportster, Kinner Bird, PT-13,PT-17,PT-22, PT-23, BT-13, PT-26, 300hp Stearman, Fairchild 24-Ranger and Warner powered, Stinson 108, Globe Swift-85hp ( ugh !), Aeronca 7AC, Aeronca L-3, Lockheed Model12, C-177, Peitenpol Aircamper-Model A powered, Bowers Fybaby, PA11, Cherokee 140,etc. I didn't do anything spectacular nor was I a great pilot but I sure as hell had a lot of fun and good experiences and never hurt anyone. I worked for Boeing for a few years from 1950 to 1992 and ended up as a technical designer in PD working on the 777. Then went back as a contractor twice to help on the 747-500,600. I'm officially grounded now and I paint airplanes and landscapes and go to car shows and a few airshows. Writing my memoirs to see if a comedy show will produce them.
Jeez Bob, how did you find time to fly all that equipment, work at Boeing and raise a family. Pretty good at juggling I'd say. Ah....now I get the switchesoff thing. Looks to me that the they may be in the off position, but the contunity meter needle is still swinging. There is still plenty current flowing.
Steve, I worked at Sarasota-Bradenton Airport for three years during summer vacations when I was going to Duke. Starting in 1946 a lot of old stuff was being pulled from the rafters and put into flight. All I had to do was to ask if I could fly whatever they had resurrected and the answer was invariably yes. I forgot a lot of types that I had flown then but it really doesn't matter. Then in the 60's when I used to " live " at Thun Field I flew a lot of things there because it was a hotbed of antiquers and early hombuilts. Again, I answered yes to a lot of opportunities. Obscure types abounded, like a Student Prince, Pete Bowers Flybaby and Pietenpol, and Monocoupes and .....There were a lot of types that slipped my mind....UPF-7's, Luscombes, and I forgot flying a DC-3 from Spokane to Kennewick with Bruce Salerno who ran Salair Frieght Lines. But you know, the real pilot in the family is my son, Kris who flew freight for them. He has stories that will curl your hair. He has flown a helluva lot of stuff and he is a highly qualified and experienced pilot but sits in a ground job due to the way the airline industry has gone. I played at it and never did the real thing but, then, I was just having fun. Son, DJ, flew with us a lot and many times after strenuous airshows he flew the L-3 or the Champ home while either my partner or I snoozed. He was a good pilot too even though he was 12 years old. Anyway, it has been a long and enjoyable road and I have done some memorable things, not great things , but good fun stuff. At least, Dana and my other 4 boys have had good experiences with the cars and airplanes. It's good to kick it around. Bob
I have to hit it again to respond to your comments. Yes, the current is still flowing and everytime I fly something with my son, Kris, or his buddies who have airplanes I can still keep the ball centered in a 720 or a series of " S " turns. I benefitted from a bunch of damn good instructors and demanding airplanes. I do miss it but i have some good memories. I had an internal hemmorhage in 2001 and a stroke in 2003. Then last year I managed to work up an abdominal aortic aneurysm and they had me open up like a B-52 bombay but I'm doing really well now and feel like getting up in the air again but I don't have the stuff that makes an airplane fly anymore.....MONEY. Keep those cards an letters coming in. Bob
Thank you, Rob. I am so impressed by the posts of the REAL pilots on this forum and also those who have that dream which nowadays is so difficult to attain. I have lived aviation all my life and hope that I can pass on the joy of it to the younger bunch. Bob
