Renaissance Man

Of course as a kid I watched every aircraft that went over and said, 'I want to be a pilot!'. Then when about 11 we had a visit from a friend of Dad's who FLEW into Bunbury Airport in his Piper Cherokee, Dad had arranged for him to take me up- well, it was on from then!! Since then have kept chipping away at the training as I could afford it- recently went solo but moved away from Tyabb and Peninsula Aero Club- and I'm back at uni to retrain, so flying? Maybe not for a while, till I get a job and check out the local aero club (anyone from the Colac Aero Club out there??) I keep my sanity now by going to airshows and watching Memphis Belle!

G'day Dave and welcome. Sounds like an interesting circuit pattern over there at Bindoon... !! Bit of variety to keep you on your toes. Anyway mate welcome to the site. Chris.

Oh sorry, I got confused with the photos from Norway!! Anyway my bro. is called Jussi, you might see him down the aero club some time. Chris.

G'day Juke, Yes, I realise you probably don't know him personally :) Not like a country town! My brother used to fly a bit over here in Australia, I think he just did the early stages of flight training then moved to Finland. He's still pretty keen, but just saving up some money to do more. They're some pretty cool (cold!) photos you posted too mate! Looks like fun landing on the snow, but how do you stop?? Chris.

mmm Canada maple syrup!! (Sorry that's just what it makes me think of!) G'day Cameron, enjoy the site, and hope you find the right aircraft! Chris.

Hey Juke, where in Finland are you? I've got a brother living in Oulu... Chris.

Hey Delta, interesting question... I have to admit to not being a scholar of Marxist philosophy, but at least Marx would probably be happy that people across most class barriers could participate in the internet! (especially thanks to the open source volunteers- you are legends) I think I'm a bit like Roald Dahl when it comes to TV: They sit and stare, and stare and sit until they're mesmerised by it! (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) But then that could equally apply to me on forums like this one! :) Chris.

Hi Delta, Welcome here mate. Well, there is so much to see, but the trip reports I've found interesting, especially because there are usually photos attached. Are you flying already, or is that still in the future somewhere? (don't worry if it is, I spend more time reading Biggles books than actually in the air...!!) Just make the most of whatever stage you're up to. Hope you enjoy the site... Chris.

Welcome, Liam. I personally found it easier to stick to one aircraft... not just one model, but try to choose a particular one of the club ones to fly consistently. This was the instructor's advice, and I feel like I know the aircraft really well. But either way, welcome and have fun!! Chris.

Hi Peter,welcome. This is a good page for cockpit layout info: The Instrument Panel of a Cessna 152 (It links to a pretty good story too, young Swiss bloke flies across US in a 152!) Chris.

Hey Yenn, Fair point. I supposed I responded to the phrase that stood out to me; 'All gave some, some gave all', against the background of names which had a similar feel (to me) as the Anzac memorials in every Australian town. It's just what I was struck by. I'm not condoning or condemning any other part of the artwork, and I don't know what track the new president of the United States will go down in regard to Iraq or Guantanamo Bay. I support the comment of Winsor68 because it is quite clear that the former president did some things as a king above the law, rather than as a democratic leader under the law. (see, e.g. H. Charlesworth, "If big nations go it alone, it's back to a free-for-all', Sydney Morning Herald, 15 July 2003) As I said, I just responded to what stood out to me. It's tricky. Anyway, I'm off to pack for the airshow at Latrobe tomorrow! Should be great. Chris.

I think this is an important recognition of the service and sacrifice of so many soldiers. The sacrifice is real, and often unrecognised, replaced by blame. Vietnam was a classic example... the memorial near my parents house only went up in 1996: it took that long for the awareness to crystallise that civilians, not soldiers, make policy. It also reminds me of that classic Redgum song 'I was only nineteen' ('A walk in the light green'). Thanks, Tomo. A very good reminder. Chris. [Without detracting from the above, I agree that it is a pity the waters are muddied with quotes from an individual who has deliberately undermined democracy and the rule of law- George W. Bush. Among other things, his policies on Iraq and the events at Guantanamo Bay were untenable in a free society- see Margulies, J, "Guantanamo and the abuse of presidential power"].

Hi Adam, Welcome and all the best with learning to fly! Great choice mate. Chris.

Hi all, I know I don't always read the events calendar so others may not either, thought I'd add this in here... Latrobe airport (Traralgon-Morwell) is having its 50th anniversary this week. Static displays with free entry on Saturday, airshow on Sunday at $10 entry. It looks fantastic, DC-3, Winjeel, Pitts Specials, and of course GA is based there so there will be Aussie made aircraft to check as well (plus I'll be there...) Anyway, it's on the events calendar and here is the link too: Latrobe City Council - Details Be there or be at home flying the simulator!! (just kidding that would be me) Chris. :)

G'day Des, and welcome. Good to see someone from nearby... I'm flying out of Tyabb, just a few minutes away (as the old 152 flies...). Drop in for a cuppa if you get a chance! Chris.