forum.ww1aircraftmodels.com
Modelers Lounge => Time to relax => Topic started by: bobs_buckles on August 02, 2016, 10:02:44 PM
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Hello all,
I just want to share in my excitement of taking my first trial flight. Twas a birthday present to myself and Oh how I enjoyed it!
I have been up in various types over the years, but I have only ever had very minimal input on the controls. That all changed on the 28th of July, my birthday.
My instructor was a young Spaniard named David and a very nice bloke he was too. We did 20 minutes of familiarization before the prop was fired into action.
The Piper Archer Cherokee was steered to the runway by way of the rudder pedals and yes, by me! Parked at the end of the runway, hand brake on, throttle cranked to 2500RPM I figure, well, this is where he takes over.... nothing like it! He said, Handbrake off, look for 75 to 80 knots then gently pull back on the yoke.... Tearing down the runway, adrenaline pumping, senses maxed out, we reach the 75 knots the wee plane feels light on the controls and it is then that he tells me to "pull back!".... and pull back I did! Ever so gently and with the craft yawing ever so slightly to the left! Bump, bump....Weeeeeeee! We're airborne and I'm in (I used the term loosely) CONTROL!!!! We steadily climb @ around 80 knots. Small input to the stick and rudder were used to keep the horizon horizontal. Up we sailed to the permitted altitude of 2500 feet. David trimmed the controls, asked me where I reside, Enfield I replied and he said, "well, Enfield is over there, go fly it!" So off we went, Enfield bound. The little plane bumped along on unseen air pockets, but before you could say HELP!!!! We were over Enfield. Try as I might do you think I could find my neighborhood from high up? Not a chance. I think I was so wrapped up in flying the thing that everything else just became a blur. With a circuit of Enfield complete, David points to the South West and to a large body of water and said "head back over there, back to base." Which I did. 5 miles out and my turn at the controls comes to an end. David takes over for the final descent, approach and landing and all three were carried out with aplomb. The last 1000 feet felt like I was riding an express elevator... It felt like pure magic. Love it!!
Will I be going up again? You try and stop me!!!!
Von Biggles ;)
(http://bobsbuckles.co.uk/ww1forum/me%20at%20the%20joke.jpg)
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careful von "Yoke Yanker", it has a way of getting into your blood, and taking over your heart and soul.......!! Good on you!
Cheers,
Lance
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Congratulations Von Junior Birdman!
I have fond memories of taking flying lessons in a Piper Cherokee back in the late 1970s, even had a few hours solo time, but time and money constraints conspired to prevent me from completing the training and getting my license. It was jolly great fun but not without it's moments of terror, particularly when doing solo landings in a strong headwind. :)
Cheers,
Eric
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Hi Bob, thanks for sharing your experience - what a thrill! I certainly can relate the feeling when doing my first solo in a Cessna 150 back as a teenager in Sydney, British Columbia. There's nothing like it! Here's hoping you continue your passion 😉
Cheers,
Gary
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What a wonderful experience VB - and happy birthday for a few days ago.
Best wishes
Nigel
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Happy Birthday, Von Flying Bob! That is definitely the most fun you can have with your clothes on... I do like both hands on the yoke... later on one hand and then two fingers... Enjoy! Marc
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Hello ladies and gentlemen,
What a nice gift Ritter von Buckles. ;)
Nice Oakley sunglasses mate. 8)
Best regards.
Alain.
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Brings back fond memories of my flying days, like Lance said it will get in your blood then there is no turning back, enjoy the wonderful experience Bob, your first solo will be the high point in your life and never forgotten.
Des.
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Congrats, von flying B! As a pilot by trade this little post had me grinning from ear to ear remembering my first flight. Go for it...if powered flight proves too much of a drain on the old wallet, go find a gliding club!
Ian
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Wow, what an adventure! Hope you enjoy many upcoming flights. Think it would be great to fly along the British coast with its cliffs.
Manni
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Congratulations on your first; you are presenting a gift making me and I suppose many fellow pilots with
something that make old memories come out from deep inside our brains. I had my first flying lesson in 1987
a Robin DR400: wood and fabric made and old style control stick, a grass runway in a snowy landscape and
it was amazing. Thank you for helping in recall that times.
All the best!
Giuseppe
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Brilliant pressie!
Bob Von Flugelbuckle now ;) (apologies for terrible German... I was brought up with Allo Allo ;D
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Thanks GUYS!
Your words have inspired me to go on and do more!!!
All the best,
Von B :)
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Nice one von Bob - that's a steely grip you have there ;D
Flown many times but only had that pleasure the once but I know the feeling ;)
Tug
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Nice one von Bob - that's a steely grip you have there ;D
Flown many times but only had that pleasure the once but I know the feeling ;)
Tug
;D ;D ;D
I got one hand on! lol
vB
(http://bobsbuckles.co.uk/ww1forum/me%20in%20the%20pit.jpg)
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Congratulations, Bobbsy! Here's to many more!
Cheers,
Bud
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Nice one von Bob - that's a steely grip you have there ;D
Flown many times but only had that pleasure the once but I know the feeling ;)
Tug
;D ;D ;D
I got one hand on! lol
vB
(http://bobsbuckles.co.uk/ww1forum/me%20in%20the%20pit.jpg)
Now just you look where you're going young man 8)
Your face says it all :)
Tug
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Yes, I too know that feeling! Congrats, von Birthday Flyboy! As someone mentioned, you should also try piloting a glider. It's like a roller coaster that you control.
George
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Way to go von Bob!
Warren