Flying Officer Kite

Thanks, Nev, those are all good points, and I note your comment on the relative instability of u/l's in comparison with the bigger birds in gusty conditions. I suppose learning to handle a light plane in those conditions is probably one of the most valuable skills to develop - like learning to drive on wet icy roads as I did 60-odd years ago in the UK. But I think I'll pass on building my own - assembling Airfix models is my limit!

 

Mike

 

 

Welcome Mike! As others have said, it is never too late. The most difficult step is your first.I've wanted to fly ever since my dad got his PPL back in the 1960's. He passed away in 2003, and I still hadn't take that first and hardest step. Well, at the age of 50, I bit the bullet and started my flight training in April last year, completing my RPC in February this year.

 

I quite often fly into Caboolture these days. I'm actually planning to fly there tomorrow to have coffee and lunch with my mum. I hope the weather is kinder than it is today.

 

Tony

Local weather for tomorrow is forecast to be good - as it has been for most days this past few months! Won't be able to meet with you tomorrow, but please let me know next time you're dropping in and I'll join you for a coffee and a progress report - my intro flight will be on Thursday and I'll start proper training next week in a Foxbat. Mike

 

 

Welcome F.O.K

It's good to be here!

 

 

Anyhow Mike. The big stuff is easier to fly than ultra lights so get a good instructor and make Him/ Her put you though the wringer. Get your money's worth. One of those things Farri flys is ok. Called a drifter WB. Not the hardest taildragger to fly but great view and it's real plane. Make sure it's well looked after and safe. I wish you well with your training.. All here will be following you with interest.. Nev

I hear the really big ones fly themselves! I'm planning to get as far as I can with qualifications before money and time run out, but I don't think either will last long enough for an ATPL!

 

 

G`Day and , Flying Officer Kite! SIR!...[ATTACH=full]46068[/ATTACH]....At the age of 86, Ron Biondi, up here at Deeral, Nth Queensland, still owns and flies his WB Drifter, regularly.

 

Franco.

Stand easy Farri! 86 eh? Not sure if that's an inspiration or a challenge! Whatever - I'm up for it . Mike

 

 

Welcome Mike,Never too late! I know lots of pilots still happily flying at 70+ and 80+ and even one at 90. We have the advantage of uncomplicated airspace at a quiet airstrip where we fly, which means more time flying and less wondering where everyone is and our slot in the circuit. Lots of old fliers come out for smoko and a chat, so it's also a social occasion.

Sue

Thanks Sue - I was wondering whether the only thing older than me at Caboolture would be the DC3! Looking forward to making lots of new "old" friends! Mike

 

 

For fun YOU do it when and where YOU want to. Commercial flying isn't what it was. The "Best" days are gone. Look after your rights to fly. Nev

Absolutely right Nev! I was lucky enough to have worked for Dan Air and British Eagle in the late 1960s and both were exciting companies with a great feeling of camaraderie. Even though I wasn't on the operational side of either airline, I spent a lot of time flying with them and made many friends among pilots and cabin crew, all of whom really loved the life. Sadly, today's airline industry doesn't seem to foster the same sort of "belonging" and loyalty among its staff that we experienced in the Good Old Days. At least that's how I see it as an outsider. Mike

 

 

Congratulations on your first post and the decision. I recall playing tennis at Warner's bay and looking up at a DC-6 flying north to PNG, from Mascot, and thinking "I want to be flying something like that". Without encouragement from any one I eventually did. Realise the dream. Nev

Thanks, Nev. My big regret now is that I left it too late to live the big dream of becoming a commercial pilot. Ah, well, flying for fun will have to do instead! Mike

 

 

At 75, I'm about to take up where I left off over 50 years ago as an Air Training Corps Civilian Instructor and later Pilot Officer with the RAFVR(T) in Hove, UK. Domestic circumstances at that time forced me to abandon an opportunity to take up a gliding course, and I had to be satisfied with pursuing a career in publicity for two UK independent airlines, then into aviation industry journalism before migrating to Australia in 1973 and taking another, non-aviation, career path. Since retiring and moving to Beachmere, Queensland, a couple of years ago, I've watched daily as light aircraft from nearby Caboolture airfield and commercial jets on approach to Brisbane fly right overhead, thinking to myself, "Why the hell aren't I up there now?"

 

So, at last, I've signed up for an RPC course at Caboolture and will be starting lessons next week. Looking forward to finally getting the wings I wanted half a century ago!