Post by ronturner on Jul 14, 2013 11:34:13 GMT 1
On July 14th 1963, under the guidance of my instructor, John Crediton, I departed from runway 26 in G-ARGO. It was my first flying lesson, and so; although my full licence did not arrive until about a year later, I can say that of today I have been flying for 50 years.
My inspiration was the enthusiasm brought about by being a spotter on our beloved balcony and the kind environment at the Liverpool Aero Club under Jim Keen and others.
I never had any particular ambition to be a commercial pilot, in fact I am not quite sure I had any; other than to fly. I have not flown a vast number of types. No Spitfire, Pitts Special, Lightning or any other 100's of types out there, but I have flown bi-planes in the form of Stearman and Stampe, Twins in the form of Dragon Rapide and Aztec, and foreign types such as Zlinns. I have flown abroad, mostly in Europe but especially in Czechoslavkia, as it was, and the USA. I have not done much IMC work but for a long time held an IMC rating.
I suppose my biggest achievement has been keeping ahead of the bureaucrats who would like to ground us all, and having a family that not only supported me, but enjoyed flying with me on days out. trips to air shows and the beach. Buying my own machine nearly 25 years ago, which I still have, was a landmark and living in a "village aeronautique" is the icing on the cake.
Yes I am a lucky man and somewhat proud of my anniversary. I hope this little tale inspires others who are just taking those first steps, and as for the bureaucrats "Nil desperando carburrundum!"
My inspiration was the enthusiasm brought about by being a spotter on our beloved balcony and the kind environment at the Liverpool Aero Club under Jim Keen and others.
I never had any particular ambition to be a commercial pilot, in fact I am not quite sure I had any; other than to fly. I have not flown a vast number of types. No Spitfire, Pitts Special, Lightning or any other 100's of types out there, but I have flown bi-planes in the form of Stearman and Stampe, Twins in the form of Dragon Rapide and Aztec, and foreign types such as Zlinns. I have flown abroad, mostly in Europe but especially in Czechoslavkia, as it was, and the USA. I have not done much IMC work but for a long time held an IMC rating.
I suppose my biggest achievement has been keeping ahead of the bureaucrats who would like to ground us all, and having a family that not only supported me, but enjoyed flying with me on days out. trips to air shows and the beach. Buying my own machine nearly 25 years ago, which I still have, was a landmark and living in a "village aeronautique" is the icing on the cake.
Yes I am a lucky man and somewhat proud of my anniversary. I hope this little tale inspires others who are just taking those first steps, and as for the bureaucrats "Nil desperando carburrundum!"
Regards Beemer. 
