60 years ago, today 14th July
Jul 14, 2023 10:05:35 GMT 1
northbynorthwest, ian531, and 3 more like this
Post by ronturner on Jul 14, 2023 10:05:35 GMT 1
I thought nostalgia and memories was the best place to put this post. Admin feel free to disagree and re-locate.
60 years ago, I made my first flight as a licenced pilot. Pleased to say I am still a holder of a class 2 medical and still flying. Champagne at the bar tonight. My French friends have even designated today as a national holiday and the flags are out!
In my 60 years I have achieved nothing of note, except to have enjoyed flying for fun and being safe. For more than 30 years I had my own Cessna 172. (Same one) I have flown extensively in Europe and a bit in the USA. On the lighter side I have flown most of the American made "spamcan" types, but also Stearman, Tiger Moth, Stampe, Zlin, Emeraude, Jodel and Robin types, Aztec, Cessna 310, Cessna 170, and Dragon Rapide. On the heaver side, in the RH seat, DC-3, Viscount, BAe 146 and Tu154.
This is by no means a unique achievement, but it is rare. Thanks to all those, many of whom I will have forgotten, who helped me. This started with discovering the MSAE as a spotter at Speke, awaking an interest in more than registrations in a book, then my first instructors John Crediton ** and Ron Irving, Jenny Lyons at Staverton for my IMC, even the newspaper people at Speke who paid me £3.50 a shift to put their papers on aeroplanes, to help pay for it all.
I have been blessed with a girlfriend became wife who has supported my flying obsession through all of this time.
** John had the knack making sure you remembered what he taught you. I have never forgotten, and to this day recite, the mnemonics for pre take off check.
TTMMFFGH (Throttle, Trim, Mixture, Magnetos, Fuel, Flaps, Gauges, Harness and Hatches )
Or as John told me:- "Tommy Tickled Mary For Four Glorious Hours" . .... Plus facile, n'est pas!
Anybody out there starting off as a new pilot. When the going gets tough, just hang on in. You will not regret it.
60 years ago, I made my first flight as a licenced pilot. Pleased to say I am still a holder of a class 2 medical and still flying. Champagne at the bar tonight. My French friends have even designated today as a national holiday and the flags are out!
In my 60 years I have achieved nothing of note, except to have enjoyed flying for fun and being safe. For more than 30 years I had my own Cessna 172. (Same one) I have flown extensively in Europe and a bit in the USA. On the lighter side I have flown most of the American made "spamcan" types, but also Stearman, Tiger Moth, Stampe, Zlin, Emeraude, Jodel and Robin types, Aztec, Cessna 310, Cessna 170, and Dragon Rapide. On the heaver side, in the RH seat, DC-3, Viscount, BAe 146 and Tu154.
This is by no means a unique achievement, but it is rare. Thanks to all those, many of whom I will have forgotten, who helped me. This started with discovering the MSAE as a spotter at Speke, awaking an interest in more than registrations in a book, then my first instructors John Crediton ** and Ron Irving, Jenny Lyons at Staverton for my IMC, even the newspaper people at Speke who paid me £3.50 a shift to put their papers on aeroplanes, to help pay for it all.
I have been blessed with a girlfriend became wife who has supported my flying obsession through all of this time.
** John had the knack making sure you remembered what he taught you. I have never forgotten, and to this day recite, the mnemonics for pre take off check.
TTMMFFGH (Throttle, Trim, Mixture, Magnetos, Fuel, Flaps, Gauges, Harness and Hatches )
Or as John told me:- "Tommy Tickled Mary For Four Glorious Hours" . .... Plus facile, n'est pas!
Anybody out there starting off as a new pilot. When the going gets tough, just hang on in. You will not regret it.